This work, using text and photographic sequences, aims to help readers understand the world of gymnastics. It explores the different gymnastic disciplines - artistic, rythmic and sports acrobatics - and shows what to look for and what to expect when starting to learn gymnastics. It explains the importance of warming up properly at the beginning of each training session and goes on to describe the basic skills learnt in the first lesson. It shows how to build on the skills learnt, how to improve technique, and how movements such as rolls, handstands and cartwheels can form the basis for many more advanced agilities. It also includes information about equipment and competitions, and what judges look for in competitors.