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Gymnastic vs. Gymnastics — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 20, 2024
Gymnastic is an adjective describing activities involving physical exercises, whereas gymnastics refers to a sport involving such exercises.
Gymnastic vs. Gymnastics — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Gymnastic and Gymnastics

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Key Differences

Gymnastic serves as an adjective, used to describe activities or movements involving skill and physical agility, typical of the sport. On the other hand, gymnastics is a noun, referring specifically to the sport itself, which includes disciplines like artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline.
Gymnastic activities emphasize flexibility, strength, and coordination, making them fundamental in various sports and physical training routines. Conversely, gymnastics as a sport focuses on competitive formats, with athletes performing routines to earn scores from judges.
The term gymnastic can be applied to movements in different contexts, not strictly limited to the sport, suggesting a broader application in describing physical prowess. Gymnastics, however, is defined by its structured, competitive nature and its recognition as an Olympic sport.
In educational settings, gymnastic abilities are often encouraged to develop general physical education and are incorporated into broader curricula. Gymnastics, in contrast, may be offered as a specialized extracurricular activity or competitive program in schools and sports clubs.
While gymnastic relates to the qualities or characteristics of the movements within gymnastics, gymnastics itself encompasses a variety of events and apparatus, such as the balance beam, bars, and floor exercises, each with specific rules and scoring criteria.
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Noun

Usage

Describes activities
Refers to the sport itself

Context

Broad, any physical activity
Specific, competitive sport

Relation to Competition

Not inherently competitive
Inherently competitive, scored by judges

Educational Use

General physical development
Specialized training and competitions

Compare with Definitions

Gymnastic

Requiring bodily strength, flexibility, and coordination.
He incorporated gymnastic stretches into his daily routine to improve flexibility.

Gymnastics

A physical education discipline that is taught in schools and gyms.
Gymnastics helps students develop motor skills and physical confidence.

Gymnastic

Pertaining to exercises developing physical agility and strength.
The gymnastic maneuvers required in parkour include jumps and rolls.

Gymnastics

A sport involving exercises and routines that display physical strength, flexibility, and balance.
Gymnastics is popular at the Olympics.

Gymnastic

Designed for the development of physical abilities.
Gymnastic classes at the community center are open to all age groups.

Gymnastics

The practice or activity of performing in gymnastic exercises.
She has been involved in gymnastics since she was five.

Gymnastic

Involving a high degree of physical skill.
Ballet dancers perform gymnastic feats that require balance and precision.

Gymnastics

Organized training and competitive events involving specific apparatus.
He specializes in the horizontal bar event in gymnastics.

Gymnastic

Relating to gymnasts or gymnastics.
Her gymnastic training has prepared her well for the competition.

Gymnastics

A field of sport that includes various competitive events such as artistic, rhythmic, and acrobatic gymnastics.
Rhythmic gymnastics involves dance and apparatus manipulation.

Gymnastic

Of or relating to gymnastics.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a sport that includes physical exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance. The movements involved in gymnastics contribute to the development of the arms, legs, shoulders, back, chest, and abdominal muscle groups.

Gymnastic

Of or pertaining to gymnastics.

Gymnastics

(used with a pl. verb) Physical exercises designed to develop and display strength, balance, and agility, especially those performed on or with specialized apparatus.

Gymnastic

Of or pertaining to the gymnasia (ancient Greek schools).
Gymnastic dialogues

Gymnastics

(used with a sing. verb) The art or practice of such exercises.

Gymnastic

(obsolete) A gymnast.

Gymnastics

Complex intellectual or artistic exercises
Mental gymnastics.

Gymnastic

Pertaining to athletic exercises intended for health, defense, or diversion; - originally said of games or exercises, as running, leaping, wrestling, throwing the discus, the javelin, etc.; in modern times more specifically applied to athletic exercises demonstrating balance and agility, such as tumbling, somersaulting, and bodily maneuvers performed on special equipment such as parallel bars or a balance beam; as, gymnastic exercises, contests, etc.

Gymnastics

(Informal) Feats of physical agility
Had to go through gymnastics to cross the slippery walk.

Gymnastic

Pertaining to disciplinary exercises for the intellect.

Gymnastics

A sport involving the performance of sequences of movements requiring physical strength, flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness.
Gymnastics was a significant part of the physical education curriculum.

Gymnastic

A gymnast.

Gymnastics

Complex intellectual or artistic exercises or feats of physical agility.
His mental gymnastics are legendary.

Gymnastic

Vigorously active;
An acrobatic dance
An athletic child
Athletic playing
Gymnastic exercises

Gymnastics

Athletic or disciplinary exercises; the art of performing gymnastic exercises.

Gymnastic

Of or relating to or used in exercises intended to develop strength and agility;
Gymnastic horse

Gymnastics

Disciplinary exercises for the intellect or character.

Gymnastics

Feats demonstrating a quick mental agility; as, mental gymnastics, verbal gymnastics.

Gymnastics

A sport that involves exercises intended to display strength and balance and agility

Common Curiosities

What are some common apparatus used in gymnastics?

Common apparatus in gymnastics include the balance beam, parallel bars, and floor.

Can the term 'gymnastic' be used for non-sporting activities?

Yes, gymnastic can describe any physical activity or exercise that involves bodily coordination and agility.

How is gymnastics defined as a sport?

Gymnastics is a competitive sport that involves routines and exercises judged on various elements like strength, flexibility, and balance.

How do schools typically engage students in gymnastics?

Schools may offer gymnastics as part of physical education classes or as an extracurricular activity.

What is the difference between rhythmic and artistic gymnastics?

Rhythmic gymnastics focuses on grace and equipment manipulation, while artistic gymnastics involves apparatus-based events and acrobatics.

What age groups can participate in gymnastics?

Individuals of all ages, from young children to adults, can participate in gymnastics.

Is professional training necessary for gymnastics?

For competitive gymnastics, professional training is typically necessary, though casual practice can be self-guided.

What are the physical benefits of engaging in gymnastics?

Engaging in gymnastics improves physical health, enhances coordination, and increases strength and flexibility.

What is the primary use of the term 'gymnastic'?

Gymnastic is used as an adjective to describe activities or movements that require physical agility and strength.

Is gymnastic training useful for non-athletes?

Yes, gymnastic training can benefit non-athletes by improving flexibility, strength, and overall physical health.

How does gymnastics differ in educational settings?

In educational settings, gymnastics may be taught as a part of physical education to improve physical skills, whereas general gymnastic activities might be incorporated more broadly.

Are there non-competitive aspects to gymnastics?

While primarily competitive, gymnastics also includes non-competitive practices focused on physical development and fitness.

Can gymnastic exercises be performed at home?

Yes, many basic gymnastic exercises can be adapted for home environments to improve fitness.

What skills are developed through gymnastic activities?

Gymnastic activities help develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

How is gymnastic ability assessed in non-competitive contexts?

In non-competitive contexts, gymnastic ability might be assessed based on improvement in physical fitness and skill execution.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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