Behind the flawless beauty of the sport lies a complex combination of high criteria and firm requirements as to the content of the routines, the degrees of difficulty involved, the technique of handling the apparatus and overall body control.

There are two types of competition: one for Individuals and one for Groups (of five gymnasts). Both are Olympic disciplines. The first National Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics in GB was held in 1976 and the first British Champion was Elizabeth Mann from Leeds.