There are all kinds of styles like open-back gymnastics leotards, leotards with shorts, asymmetrical designs, classic shape leotards, long sleeve leotards, and strappy back training leotards. There are also plenty of colors and fabric options available like stretchy lycra spandex, sweat-wicking, shiny velvet, or mystique nylon for the right combination of function and comfort. 

If you have been wearing gymnastics leotards for some time, you also know that

stretch fabrics are different based on their spandex containment. For example, 

a leotard with 20% spandex and 80% nylon-like tricot can stretch and create a more loose, comfortable fit. And in contrast, a leotard with 16% spandex containment and 84% polyester will expand less and have a more "compression" fit.

Different gymnasts prefer different competition fits. Some go for a "close to

skin" style with a considerable polyester containment that will compress their body and leave no wrinkles during a performance. Others lean towards a comfortable fit with room to move and extend your body.

The important thing is that you should always check the composition of the fabric and strictly follow measuring instructions.

Why is girth the most crucial measurement for gymnastics leotards?

Every gymnast is different. Some have petite figures with delicate short arms and legs, while others stand tall and flaunt their graceful elongated bodies. As everybody is unique, so are measurements.

It's amazing how large of a role body proportions play in choosing the right size. A gymnast can have either a long or short torso body type, but they can also have narrow shoulders and a wide waist, which means they don't fit into a specific size.

That's where girth comes in. The girth is the measurement that goes from the top of the shoulder, then between the legs, and finishes back at the top of the shoulder. It essentially measures how long your torso is.

And as gymnastics leotards for girls are pieces of stretchy material, their width is not of such great significance because it is adjustable in a way. What matters with leotards is length, and that's what girth measures. That's why girth is the most crucial dimension when figuring out your gymnast size.

So if you're ordering your gymnastics leotard the torso measurement should be the deciding factor.

How to take accurate measurements?

All you need to take an accurate measurement is a flexible tape measure and around 3 minutes. The measurements should be taken when the athlete is not wearing any bulky clothing like jeans or sweatpants. We recommend measuring the gymnast in their undergarments. The athlete should also focus on a straight posture while measuring. Avoid slouching as it interferes with measurement accuracy. The measurement tape should be snug to the athlete’s body but not too tight on circumference measurements. 

Here are the measurements you should take to find a gymnast’s leotard size.

Girth: Measurements are taken from the center of the shoulder, down the front of the torso, going between the legs, and finally ending at the starting point.

Chest: Measure over the fullest part of the athlete’s chest with their arms relaxed at your sides.

Waist: Measurement is taken at the natural waistline, on-or-around belly-button.

Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks while the athlete is standing with their heels together.

 Precise measurements are key to a great fit.

3 Steps to Determine Size

1. Take precise measurements.
   
   
2. Choose your gymnast size based on torso measurements.

When gyms and training centers are closed or otherwise unavailable, how are you supposed to keep up with your gymnastics training? It's unlikely that you have your equipment at home, but it's important to keep your body conditioned and strong.

Are there any gymnastics workouts to do at home? 

Not everything can be done from the comfort of your bedroom or living room, but if you get creative with a few home gymnastics workout ideas you might be able to keep your body strong and flexible.

When it comes to home workouts, we've got you covered. Keep reading for some of our favorite gymnastics workouts to do at home that will keep your muscles warmed, toned, and ready for the next time you're able to compete. 

1. A Strong and Quick Warm-Up

This is good for any time, not just when you're stuck at home. Warming up your muscles is important when you're going to do a heavy routine or even when you plan on needing a little bit of extra flexibility. Do each of these for 30 seconds. 

Begin slow and soft in a yoga extended child's pose. Get on all fours and then sink your hips back so you rest on your calves. Bring your chest to the earth and get a good stretch in your back and shoulders.

When you feel ready, stand up and do a forward fold with feet close together and then far apart. In both cases, bringing your hands flat on the floor if possible.

Sit on the ground in butterfly position with your feet together and your knees as wide as you can make them. 

Once you're done with your floor stretches, stand up and do a boxer shuffle, lightly jogging in place (though if you have a treadmill you can substitute that as well).

Do enough jumping jacks to fill 30 seconds, and then do a lunge and kick combo that will warm up your thighs and core. On each leg, alternating, do a reverse lunge, come back forward, and kick the back leg up high without pausing to rest your foot on the ground. 

Finally, practice your flexibility with splits. When you're warming up, work yourself into them slowly. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds before intensifying it by leaning your body forward until your elbows and forearms can rest on the ground. 

2. Pull-ups And More: Work That Upper Body and Core

While it's often difficult to have equipment in your home, a pull-up bar is affordable, compact, and easy to install.

This makes it a great choice for any home workout. Upper body strength is crucial for gymnastics.

Install your pullup bar in a sturdy doorframe.

Do the maximum number of pull-ups possible with good form. When your form starts to falter, drop down, and take a rest. When your arms are feeling ready to start again, pull yourself up and hold this position. 

Keep your legs together and bring them both forward, parallel with your body (or as high as you can). Repeat this 10 times or to the point where you feel the need to stop. 

Repeat this set 2 to 3 times.

3. Handstands for the Arms, Core, and More

Another upper-body-heavy move, static handstands are great for keeping the muscles that you'll need to do handsprings when you're able to get back to the mat. 

If you aren't experienced in static handstands, do this in a hallway against a wall so you can steady yourself and catch yourself if you fall forwards. 

To get into this position, put your hands flat on the ground and use your core to roll the rest of your body up. Use your feet on the opposing wall to "walk" yourself up if you're a beginner. 

Maintain a handstand position for 15 to 30 seconds before taking a rest and starting again. Keep your legs straight, glutes tight, and feet pointed for the full effect. 

4. Dance Through Your Routine

While you likely don't have the space or equipment to do your full routine, you should try to keep it in the front of your memory so you're ready for your next session.

Try to run through your floor routine without the moves that are inaccessible when you're working at home. You may feel silly doing the work without the tricks, but keeping your choreography in mind is helpful. 

5. DIY Beam Walks

If you have a beam at home (you can DIY them in a pinch) try to practice some of your moves. The lower height will make things a bit different and you might be sloppier than normal without the threat of falling, but this is still good practice.

If you don't have a beam, try doing this with a thick line of tape or chalk and try to imagine the height. 

Do several walks back and forth across the beam. Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed when they're lifted.

Start with a standard forward walk, then a backward walk. Then try walking with both a forward kick (watch your posture) and a backward kick. 

Keep your back straight and your core pulled in.

6. Beam Tricks

Not all of your tricks will be able to be done with a low (or flat) beam. This isn't the best time to try your mounts because the movements will be so different.

This is a good time, however, to practice your handsprings and your handstands.

When you're starting with such a low beam, it can be helpful to have a spotter until you adjust. Start with forward handsprings and then, when you get to the end of the beam, try your backward handsprings to make your way back to the beginning. 

When you're finished try to go up into a handstand hold. Move your legs into your preferred position (we suggest a split) and watch your hand positions. The flat or low surface can cause you to get lazy with your movements.

Repeat this set 3 times in total.

7. Do Some Sprinting

Sprints are important in gymnastics for many reasons. They can also be done in any space that has enough room to do a quick sprint. For this one, you might want to go outside. If you have a treadmill this is even better. 

Sprints can help prepare for your future vaults and they're also good for your cardiovascular health. This will help you maintain stamina when you're doing floor routines. 

Sprints can be done for up to a half-hour in 30-second intervals. If you want to work on the legs and glutes, sprinting up a hill is great. If you're using a hill, consider lowering the amount of time you'll be sprinting to 15 minutes.

8. Standard Conditioning

Not all exercises are going to be gymnastics-specific. Gymnastics is a full-body sport, meaning you need to keep the muscles in your entire body strong and toned. 

While you shouldn't do a full-body routine every day, you can do it several days per week with rest in-between. 

Consider these as individual sets that make up a brief but complete gymnastics conditioning workout.

Sets of 2

Start with pushups with 10 repetitions. When you're done, either hold the last one in a high plank or move to your elbows for a low plank. Low planks tend to engage the core more effectively. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat this set. 

Move on to 10 pike pushups for your shoulder strength. If this move is new to you, go slowly or stay in a downward dog to build strength. Move on to a high side plank on your right side, making sure that your waist and hips stay lifted. Repeat this but with your side plank on the left.

If you have weights, now is a good time to use them but they are optional. You're going to do 10 curtsy lunges on each side (20 total), alternating. Then get down on the floor and do 30 seconds of mountain climbers. Repeat.

Next, do 30 seconds of squat jumps. Land softly and watch the position of your knees. Try to keep your core tight and your back straight. Follow that with 10 plank dips on each side before you repeat. 

Finally, do a series of 10 reverse leg lifts on each side, pulling in your core and moving slowly. Follow them with 10 bridges (with or without weights) followed by a 15-second hold. Repeat. 

What's Your Favorite Home Gymnastics Workout? 

Working out at home can feel frustrating. It's hard to do your favorite moves without the appropriate equipment, but that doesn't mean that you can't keep your muscles strong and ready for your next day on the mat. 

There are plenty of home gymnastics workout routines that can keep you conditioned and healthy between sessions or even when you're stuck at home. 

Serious gymnasts may find themselves training anywhere between 32-45 hours each week, which breaks down to 7-8 hours daily. Or if you participate in gymnastics for fun, then you may find yourself training for a couple of hours a few times a week. Whichever training regime you're on, it's crucial to maintain your strength while you at home.

Because of the current state of the world, practice gyms are closed, and working out may seem impossible. But, we're about to provide you with some advanced gymnastics drills that will get you in tip-top shape like Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles.

Let's get right into this guide to working out at home without missing a beat.

Stretch Before and After Workouts

Stretching is an essential part of any athlete's workout plan because it helps your muscles remain flexible and reduces the likelihood of injuries occurring. As a gymnast, you need to ensure that your muscles remain flexible to complete all the gravity-defying flips and spinning that the most elaborate routines call for.

When you're stretching before a workout, it's called a warm-up, and after the exercise is called the cool down. When you're completing the warm-up, try a variety of active stretches to prepare your body for the workout ahead.

And during the cooldown, you're going to want to focus on stretches that lengthen your muscles and ligaments while slowing your heartbeat. If you are injured, stretching will help you to retain your current flexibility as you continue to heal.

Now that you've finished stretching, you can now begin your workout for the day. Be warned just because you're working out from home doesn't mean you get to take it easy on yourself. Devote 110% of your effort to completing this work out just like you would if you were in the gym and in the presence of your coaches.

1. Handstand Pushups

Handstands are probably one of the most basic standards that all gymnasts must achieve before moving onto other skills. Part of being skilled at handstands, and getting the power you need to catapult off the floor takes strength.

That is precisely why the first workout on our list is the handstand pushup. All you've got to do is assume the handstand position, use the wall if necessary, and perform a pushup.

You're going to feel the burn in your shoulder blades almost immediately because the pushups must be performed slow and controlled. If you find that you're still learning how to perform a handstand, use the wall and hold yourself up for a few seconds to minutes.

As you get stronger, you'll be able to slowly move away from the wall and start practicing your handstand pushup.

2. Sprint Drills

We know the last thing that you wanted to see on this list is anything that has to do with running. But, making sprints apart of your workout routine will help you to improve your speed, which is necessary, especially when competing in the vault.

The best part about doing sprints is you don't need a large amount of space to complete each drill. For these exercises, you may want to find some cones or other items that can use to mark the distance.

To become great at the vault, your need to be quick and powerful, which takes training your quick-twitch muscles. One of our favorites, when it comes to sprint drills, is called the suicide with a backward pedal.

All you've got to do is start at the beginning of your sprint cones and sprint to the first cone once you've reached the cone you'll pause sinking into a squat and quickly backpedal back to the beginning. Once you've gotten back to the beginning, you'll change directions and sprint to the second cone.

You'll continue this until you reach the last cone, which you then sprint through to finish the drill. You'll find that it can be challenging to change direction at a moments notice, but this gives you the strength you need to control your muscles and allows you to produce higher amounts of speed and power in a short distance.

And again that is increasingly beneficial when you're competing in the vault and need to create high levels of momentum to propel you into your flipping sequence.

3. Pull-Ups

We've all been the victims of not having enough strength to pull ourselves up on the uneven bars, but there's a way to train to ensure you've got the strength you need to pull off your bar routine. The best way to improve this while working on pulling your body weight is to do pull-ups.

You can use the bottom of the stairs or have a pull-up bar shipped to your home that can fit in most doorways to complete your pull-ups. In the beginning, you're going to find doing pull-ups to be challenging. 

But, if you're an old pro to performing pull-ups, start your pull-ups, but each time you reach the top or bottom of the pull-up pause. If you want to continue to increase the difficulty, try bicycle pull-ups.

The way to do these is to move your legs the way you would when riding a bike except slowly. As you continue to move your legs, you'll slowly pull yourself up until you've completed the exercise.

Talk about a workout.

4. Splits

Splits are another basic maneuver that you need to have in your gymnastics arsenal. But, getting the perfect split can be challenging, especially when you're not as flexible as you should be. You must know that to reach a proper split takes time and stretching of the hip flexors, glutes, and more.

You'll need to train both your side and front or middle split. There are various step by step instructions provided online that will help walk you through the progressive steps you need to know to complete a split.

Every day as you continue to stretch more, you'll find that you're able to slide your legs further and further apart until finally, you've performed a split. One thing we recommend keeping an eye on while you're practicing your split is your posture.

You'll want to remain tall and upright during your practice. This will help you to keep yourself in alignment when you're on the balance beam. If you're not in line it could cause you to fall off the beam, which during competition means point deductions for you and your team's overall score.

So grab your best training leotard and start practicing your splits.

5. Jumps

Jumps are an essential part of performance in gymnastics. You've got to ensure that your jumps are explosive and powerful because it will help to move you from one movement to the next.

When you're practicing your jumps, you need to focus on keeping your posture straight at all times. Think of someone pulling a string from the top of your head into a straight line.

You need to keep your movements tight while performing each jump with maximum effort and power. Some of the jumps that you need to perform during your practice time include half turn, pike, full turn, straddle and split. The more power you can create when jumping the better you'll be when it comes to performing various jumps.

6. Leg Lifts

Leg lifts will help you to maintain the core strength you need to continue to stabilize your body when you're performing various exercises. The way to correctly perform a leg lift is to lift your legs off the ground and hold them up for a couple of minutes.

If you're looking to increase the difficulty of your leg lifts perform a v-up. To begin lay flat and then when you're ready to perform the v-up bring your arms and legs together forming a V and then return to the starting position.

Gymnastics Drills That Can Be Done At Home

Just because we're all stuck inside right now and not able to train the way that we usually do doesn't mean that you can't train at all. We've provided you with some gymnastics drills that you can do at home with a few adjustments to increase the level of difficulty or make them easier for beginners.

Whether you're doing beam drills or balance drills, there's an exercise to help improve your movements and increase your strength. When you're ready to return to the gym you're going to want to show off your new moves in a brand new leotard.

That's why you need to shop United All Around products. We even have provided customers with a sizing chart to ensure that you get the right leotard for your body type. Gymnastics is about strength, power, and style, which you're sure to have when shopping with us.