History
British Gymnastics is one of the oldest sporting governing bodies in the world having been formed in 1888.  The first issue of Gymnast Magazine was published in 1890.  The first National Championships was held in Northampton in 1896 and the first International was held in Dublin in 1899.  In 1908 Walter Tysall won a silver medal on floor in the Olympic games in London.  In 1912 in Stockholm the men's team won bronze and in Amsterdam 1928 the women's team repeated the result.  Neil Thomas won the first world medals for Britain in 1993 and 1994, silver on floor.

Facilities and Equipment
There are many forms of gymnastics but to begin very little equipment is required.  A number of floor mats will allow participation in basic floor exercises.  The more advanced apparatus is specific to which form of gymnastics is being performed e.g. mens gymnastics involves floor, pommels, rings, vaults, parallel bars and high bar whereas rhythmic gymnastics involves work on a floor with different hand apparatus such as hoops, ropes, balls, ribbons and clubs.

Modern gymnastics at a high level is trained in specialist facilities which house special equipment like foam filled landing pits so new skills can be learnt safely.

Gymnastics is usually performed in tight fitting leotards and shorts for obvious safety reasons.

Benefits of Participating
Gymnastics activity produces all the qualities of all round body fitness.  Strength, mobility, endurance, flexibility, body control and co-ordination are also aspects that can be used when entering all other sports.  Even for participants who don't want to specialise in gymnastics this activity will prepare them for other sports.  Gymnastics training also requires great self-discipline and personal organisation skills that can be transferred to other aspects of life.

Variations of the Sport
British Gymnastics is now the governing body for eight different disciplines listed below:

Mens Artistic — Floor, Pommels, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars and High Bar
Womens Artistic — Vault, Asymmetric Bars, Beam and Floor
Trampolining — Individuals and Synchronized
Rhythmic — Hoop, Rope, Ribbon, Ball and Clubs
Sports Acrobatics — Tumbling and Pairs and Group Balancing
Sports Aerobics — Individuals, Pairs and Groups
General Gymnastics — Recreational, Festivals and Displays and Competitive Team Gym
Gymnastics for People with Disabilities — Men, Women, Sports Aero and Rhythmic