ABSTRACT
Different characteristics of fitness are combined like a recipe to result in optimal fitness for gymnastics. However, the recipe for optimal fitness also demands several other concepts. These are the principles of training. Although specificity was briefly described earlier, it is important to appreciate just how specific training and testing are in the development and monitoring of a gymnast. However, specificity remains one of the most important principles involved in athlete training. The principle of readiness refers to the idea that the road to competent performance in gymnastics is long and the path is seldom simple. The gymnast's readiness will develop with age and maturation. Individualization training principle is commonly listed among the most important in that each athlete has individual strengths and weaknesses and thereby needs or deserves an individualized training program. Related to the idea of training variation is the observation that a training program and training stimuli suffer "wear".
