What we do
Tumbling
Tumbling is a thrilling gymnastics discipline that focuses on performing continuous, fast-paced acrobatic skills down a long, sprung track. Unlike artistic gymnastics (which uses apparatus such as the beam or bars), tumbling is all about speed, power, and precision as gymnasts connect flips, twists, and somersaults in a single, flowing run.
Tumbling is performed on a 25-metre sprung track that helps athletes gain momentum and height for their skills. Each pass (routine) usually includes 8 consecutive skills, combining back handsprings, whips, and twisting somersaults.
Trampolining
Everyone dreams of flying. Trampoline Gymnastics takes you about as close to flying, without the need for a motor. Seen as a reflection of man's desire to defy gravity, early civilisations devised various methods of sending a person into the air, such as using outstretched animal skins to throw them up and safely catch them on their descent. Circuses have used a number of methods to propel performers into the air for a variety of somersaults but it was not until George Nissen invented the trampoline, that the sport took off.
Trampoline Gymnastics is a relative newcomer to the gymnastic family but has a very rich and proud tradition in the UK. It is a spectacular sport that can see a world-class trampolinist reach heights of 10 metres whilst performing multiple somersaults and twists.
As well as being a sport in its own right, Trampoline Gymnastics is widely recognised as a training tool for many other gymnastic disciplines and sports such as diving and freestyle skiing. Trampoline Gymnastics embodies courage and elegance. The sport requires precise technique and perfect body control, leaving with very little margin for error.
Trampoline Gymnastics in the UK, encompasses two very distinct categories of competition; Trampoline (individual or synchronised) and Double Mini Trampoline (DMT).
Trampoline:
A typical competition routine on the trampoline is characterised by high, continuous rhythmic feet to feet, to back, front or seat rotational jumping elements, without hesitation or intermediate straight bounces between two elements.
In a synchronised competition, a pair of gymnasts can consist of two women or two men. Pairs must do the same element at the same time and must start facing the same direction.
A typical trampoline competition is made up of three routines/rounds: compulsory (a combination of free and compulsory elements), voluntary (free elements of the gymnast’s own choosing) and the final voluntary round. Each routine is made up of 10 skills and must start and finish on the feet.
DMT
The DMT is like two mini tramps that have been joined in the middle. The first section of the apparatus is set at a slight angle and called the mount. From the mount, skills are performed onto the second section of the apparatus. This second section is called the spotter and is where skills can be performed back onto the tramp bed or as a dismount onto the landing mat.
Double Mini Trampoline can be likened to a combination of Athletics, Trampolining and Gymnastics. Competitors sprint down a carpeted track and hurdle onto the apparatus before performing double and triple somersaults with the same precision required on a trampoline. The only difference is that gymnasts have to land on a trampoline bed less than a quarter the size of a trampoline, before performing a dismount on to a landing mat.
In DMT competitions there are four passes, two in the preliminary round and then two in the final round. Each pass consists of one skill performed as either a mount or a spotter, followed by a dismount skill making two skills per pass.
Acro
Acrobatic gymnastics is a competitive gymnastic discipline where partnerships of gymnasts work together and perform figures consisting of acrobatic moves, dance and tumbling, set to music. There are three types of routines; a 'balance' routine where the focus is on strength, poise and flexibility; a 'dynamic' routine which includes throws, somersaults and catches, and a 'combined' routine which includes elements from both balance and dynamic.
Freerunning/Parkour
Freestyle sports are dynamic and exciting, gaining popularity within the UK for providing participants with the ability to express themselves creatively through movement and an incredible range of tricks. To help capture the power and explosive nature of freestyle, British Gymnastics has developed a new club-based activity called FreeG, which comes indoors and introduces a range of freestyle-specific equipment and training techniques to take your trick learning, to a new level.
FreeG fuses traditional gymnastic and acrobatic tricks, with kicks and leaps made famous through martial arts and brought to worldwide attention by festival performers and stunt actors.
What Is General Gymnastics?
General Gymnastics is the foundation of all gymnastics disciplines. It focuses on developing core skills, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination in a fun and progressive way. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it provides an excellent introduction to gymnastics — whether your goal is fitness, confidence, or preparing for competitive pathways.
What Makes It Special
All-Round Skill Development: Gymnasts learn a wide range of moves across floor, vault, beam, bars, trampette, and other apparatus.
Fun and Inclusive: Sessions are designed to be engaging and supportive, encouraging everyone to improve at their own pace.
Strong Foundations: The skills gained in General Gymnastics can lead to other disciplines like Tumbling, Trampolining, or Acrobatics.
Confidence and Teamwork: It promotes physical literacy and helps gymnasts build discipline, body awareness, and teamwork.
What You’ll Learn
In General Gymnastics classes, gymnasts typically work on:
Basic jumps, rolls, balances, and handstands
Vaulting techniques and safe landings
Swinging and strength on bars and rings
Coordination through group games and challenges
Flexibility and conditioning for safe progression
Why Families Love It
General Gymnastics is perfect for anyone who wants to get active, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe, structured environment.
At Woodlands Gymnastics, we welcome gymnasts of all ages — from tiny tots to adults — and our highly qualified coaches ensure every session is positive, safe, and rewarding.