Gymnastics: the Foundation of All Sports

Have you ever wondered which age is the right one to start your child in gymnastics? While the answer to this question is dependent on many variables, and there is no correct age that suits all children, in general, most preschoolers are ready for a gymnastics class. The kids don’t see it as another hour of structured time that takes away from their play time; they see it as their play time. They get to climb, run, jump, and be with other kids—a sure-fire recipe for fun.

Gymnastics as a Foundation for All Sports

Participation in preschool gymnastics helps children grow in many ways. While they gain physical strength and flexibility, a gymnastics class is also an opportunity to work on those all-important social skills, such as waiting your turn. Children also develop emotionally as they learn to cope with the rigor of practicing a new skill over and over. Will this help them learn to dribble a soccer ball or shoot baskets or hit a softball? You bet it will. Will they find it easier to work with teammates? Again, the answer is yes.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of gymnastics is a growth in confidence that translates to greater achievement in sports and academically. A preschooler who has learned she is capable of performing gymnastics tricks will be able to use that confidence in a year or two as she learns how to add, subtract, read, and write. Think back to your elementary school days. Which kids always knew the answers? The confident ones!

Preschool Classes

Here at Tumblebees, our preschool gymnastics classes are carefully designed to meet the needs of this young age group. Our youngest gymnasts, those under the age of 2, participate in class along with a parent or guardian. As each child grows in skills and confidence, and adds another year, parents/guardians transition out of the class to our observation area. Your child knows you are still in the gym, but by 3 years of age, they are ready to focus on the teacher during class.

Does your child need to start at the youngest age? Not at all. While we believe that an early start allows more time to build skills and confidence, it’s never too late to jump in and join the fun!