Gymnastics: knowledge applied to school physical education

Abstract

The study seeks to identify and describe gymnastics in contemporary contexts, with a particular focus on its application in school Physical Education. It aims to understand how the different manifestations of gymnastics can contribute to the holistic development of students in the educational environment. Gymnastics is analyzed in its various forms, organized into five categories: physical conditioning, competition, therapeutic, body awareness, and demonstration. These categories range from functional activities to educational practices that prioritize social interaction and human development. The text emphasizes general gymnastics, highlighting its potential as an educational tool capable of integrating creative and expressive movements with other elements of body culture, such as dance and folklore. In school Physical Education, gymnastics should go beyond its utilitarian aspects, promoting human values and addressing students' needs and interests. Models such as the General Gymnastics approach from the Unicamp Gymnastics Group are presented as references that combine technical training and human development. Gymnastics, when used educationally, can be an effective means for the holistic development of students, fostering cooperation, creativity, self-expression, and social interaction. By breaking away from a functionalist perspective, gymnastics in schools should be flexible, adaptable, and enriching, valuing both technical skills and human values essential for comprehensive education.