Trampoline & Tumbling vs. Gymnastics: Which Sport is Right for My Kid?

Trampoline and tumbling, also called TNT, is a form of gymnastics that is growing in popularity, while traditional gymnastics, also called artistic gymnastics, remains strong as well. Both offer exercise, social interaction, and a chance to boost self-esteem and confidence. How can you judge which is the best type of gymnastics for your kid?

TNT Explained

You may be less familiar with the details of TNT gymnastics. Artistic gymnastics is featured every four years in televised Olympic competitions, so you may have seen athletes doing routines on the familiar types of apparatus. However, trampoline and tumbling gymnastics, sometimes called power gymnastics, is less familiar to many parents in the US because only the trampoline apparatus is included at the Olympic level. In power gymnastics, tumbling takes place on a long runway which the gymnast moves along while performing various tumbling skills. On the trampoline, tumbling skills are transferred to an airborne setting. The double-mini trampoline allows the athlete two jumps; advanced-level gymnasts perform tumbling skills between the jumps and in their dismount, while lower-level participants may simply jump from the first surface to the second and then perform a skill while dismounting.

Which Is Best?

There really isn’t any best type of gymnastics. Choosing one or the other depends simply on what your child prefers, so be sure to involve your budding gymnast in the decision. Talk about which type or types of apparatus is his favorite. If he yearns to swing around and around on the high bar then artistic gymnastics might be your choice. On the other hand, if he dreams of turning somersaults while soaring high above a trampoline, TNT is probably right.
An extra consideration for girls is the use of dance in artistic gymnastics. Girls and women use dance moves on the balance beam and during their floor exercise routines. Make sure your daughter understands this before making a decision. If she doesn’t want to do those types of movements or thinks they’re silly, she’ll probably prefer the straightforward tumbling and trampoline routines.

See for Yourself


Stop by Tumblebees to see all the types of apparatus up close and maybe watch a class in progress. Talk to us about your dilemma. We may be able to help you decide on TNT or traditional gymnastics for your child.