When you think of gymnastics, the disciplines shown in the Olympics usually spring to mind - the beam, floor, asymmetric bars and vault for women and the rings, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars, high bar and floor for men.

But Lynda Dodd from the Moelwyn Gymnastics club reminds us that there's more to gymnastics than that.

"Other popular forms of gymnastics taught in the clubs include acrosport, where teams of twos and threes get together to demonstrate their skills in balancing, throwing and catching and general tumbling.

There's also rhythmic gymnastics, which makes use of the ribbon, hoop, ball and club. There's trampolining and tumbling as well."

Introductory classes cost on average £30 a term, whilst higher level performance classes cost about £40 per term. Most council-run leisure centres hold classes for beginners, before joining a club."

There are numerous different competitions between the clubs of north Wales and the winners often go on to the Welsh finals, and, if successful there, to the UK championships.

Gymnastics is primarily a sport for those of school age and most clubs or council-run classes welcome children from about six years of age. However, Lynda adds:

"We have gymnasts returning after university, well into their twenties."

Elen Williams from the Ynys Môn Gymnastics Club says:

"Boys can stay on a bit longer, as it takes them longer to develop the muscles and strength they need.

I'd encourage a young person to go for a taster session before joining a club to see if they like gymnastics. It does take a lot of training to be strong enough to perform the tricks you see on television.

But gymnastics is a great way of getting fit and strong, and lots of gymnasts go on to be good at other sports because their bodies are well-conditioned and used to training."

Elen also tells us about a unique opportunity for Anglesey's gymnasts:

"We at the Ynys Môn club are really hoping that Anglesey will be successful in winning the bid for the Island Games in 2009.

It will be a great opportunity to get better sporting facilities for the island. At the moment, we have to get out and put our equipment away for each class, so having a hall specifically for gymnastics would be a real help.

The Island Games are a great way for amateur sports men and women to get together to compete and to socialise. They're just behind the Commonwealth Games in importance, and as the Olympics have got so big and professional, they make a great change.

You have to have been born, or have lived on the island for a few years to be able to take part. It's a really unique opportunity for gymnasts on the island."