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.

What is that Trampoline/Vault thing? Double-Mini Explained

Many casual gymnastics fans are not aware that the Olympic gymnastics events aired during prime-time hours showcase only one aspect of the sport. These events are collectively known as artistic gymnastics, for the reason that form is an essential component. However, the sport also includes rhythmic gymnastics and a third group called Trampoline and Tumbling.

What Is Trampoline and Tumbling?

Tumbling and Trampoline, also called T&T, is pretty much what its name implies. There are three events within this grouping and they all involve flying through the air and tumbling. In addition to the trampoline, this sport also utilizes long and narrow floor areas for tumbling runs as well as an apparatus called the double-mini trampoline. This looks something like a slide for small children; built low to the ground, it features a flat platform and a sloping platform, both of which are trampolines.

Double-mini vs. Vault

The first time you watch a gymnast performing on a double-mini, you’ll probably notice that the routine is something like a vault in artistic gymnastics. The athlete begins by running toward the apparatus. He then jumps onto the sloping trampoline, instead of a vault’s spring board, and flies up, landing on the flat trampoline. This catapults him into the air again and then he lands on a mat. During both flights he performs moves involving somersaults and twists and the landing must be solidly performed on both feet without a loss of balance. In a competition, each athlete makes two runs and the scores are added together.

Double-mini Candidates

Not all gymnasts, especially young ones, are thrilled with the slow pace of routines in artistic gymnastics. Apparatus such as the balance beam, parallel bars, and even floor exercise may be too exacting for kids who love speed and dynamic action. As an alternative, the double-mini offers both speed and action, plus the thrill of flying. What’s not to like here? Admittedly, as a parent you may find it difficult to watch at first, but the huge grin on your child’s face says it all.


Of course, double-mini lessons offer all the same benefits to your child’s development as other forms of gymnastics classes. She’ll learn the social skills of waiting for her turn, the mental skills of problem solving that will give her a boost in school, and the love of physical activity that will help keep her healthy throughout her life.