Saturday, June 25, 2011

Music In Fitness Programs

By Jack Wogan


Even a floor routine can benefit from music, by becoming more enjoyable, music being able to make it feel less dull, more graceful and interesting. Gymnastics competitions, on the other hand, couldn't manage without music. The fact is the whole choreography of floor exercises for one depends on music, for the coordination of movements and the alternation of jumps and dance steps. Besides, a judiciously chosen piece of music can highlight the particular skills of the gymnast, their personal style and originality.

While the music selected is not allowed to have vocals, there are plenty of other options, whether you like contemporary dance music, art music, etc. The only requirement for the type of music chosen is to suit the type of gymnastics. While a Johann Strauss's waltz would not work well for a sports gymnastics floor exercise, the melodic line being too repetitive, it would surely suit an artistic gymnastics exercise. On the other hand, art music might compliment a gymnast whose style is full of grace, but disagree with one whose style is quite energetic and vibrant, and would need rather heavy beats and a faster paced music. Therefore, observing the speed and style of movements is essential for selecting a suitable piece of music.

So, first of all, music is so to speak inherent to the performance as such, given that today the accent in gymnastics competitions is no longer on technique but on the performance as a whole. Moreover, its aid for the gymnasts comes in different guises, as a self-confidence boost or as a mood elevator, both quite important, especially in competitions, where they are under a lot of pressure from all quarters.

Then, the impact of music on the audience is undeniable, a performance with music being able to cover unwanted noises and act as a counterpoint so to speak, by imparting a vital touch to unsophisticated or dull dance steps, and by smoothing and softening complicated, perilous jumps. Some folk music from the gymnast's country could also add a novel, exotic touch to the exercises.

So, whether you consider the exercise as a whole, the gymnast's psyche or the viewer's pleasure and comfort, music is a much needed element in gymnastics these days. As such, if you intend to aid your sister with some trance music while she is practicing, you'd better visit first Sounds Great Music, for some astonishing effects pedals, like flangers, phasers or delay and reverb effects.




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