Kids Gymnastics
Although the sport of gymnastics is popular and several gyms exist, there is still not adequate accessibility for kids gymnastics classes.
Most gyms are extremely expensive, often costing over $15 for each class. The cheaper programs (generally city programs) often can’t pay for training for instructors.
Gyms are also notorious for hiring young coaches, assuming that if they have gymnastics experience they must know how to teach. It can result in extremely unsafe teaching and very little knowledge of how to progress skills safely.
Another issue with gyms is that they teach gymnastics as a sport. The competitive sport of gymnastics has its place, but certainly not in most kids’ lives. Read about the differences in gymnastics programs offered by gyms here!
Learning at Home
Whether a supplement to kids gymnastics class or as a substitute, kids can most certainly learn gymnastics at home! In fact, I have seen many kids come to a gym class for the first time already able to do more skills than their classmates, simply because they are comfortable exploring it on their own. Some kids have a natural love for gymnastics, and others don’t.
Don’t write off a lack of confidence as your child not liking gymnastics. They may just be intimidated to move their body in ways they aren’t used to moving. Lack of confidence is, in fact, a great reason for your child to learn about gymnastics at home. They can move at their own pace and not compare themselves to others. Check out the many other fascinating benefits of gymnastics in my post here.
Start by introducing some videos to them and see if they’re interested. Take it a step further by asking them at other times to show you some of the things they learned from the videos and hopefully they will notice they can practice themselves too!
Or, if you want to start with just a few skills, younger kids aren’t the only ones that can learn these Toddler Gymnastics Skills to Try at Home.
Creating Space
Encouraging children to see gymnastics as a fun way to move their body is not hard. Kids have an innate desire to move. When we provide them with the instruction and the right environment they’re free to discover all the different things their bodies can do.
Let kids be outside as much as possible, in big open spaces like fields, and in spaces with obstacles such as trees, mountains, and streams. Indoors, space can be made by removing couches and chairs and other furniture and obstacles can be made with all sorts of common objects.
Don’t forget to utilize wall and ceiling space as well, for hanging and climbing. Read about gymnastics toys and equipment that can help create an active environment here.
Make a Gymnastics Room
Not much really needs to go into creating a designated gymnastics room. It’s great to have everything in one area – it encourages kids to use it all!
At least one mat is the most basic thing you need for a kids gymnastics room. You can read about the different mats in this post. I recommend getting a folded mat at the bare minimum. That way they have something to stretch, warm-up, exercise, and practice skills on.
A gymnastics bar is great for both boys and girls gymnastics, and the best thing for an upper body workout for kids! We have this bar and my kids use it every day!
Also remember to leave some wall space. The wall is an important tool for muscle conditioning and practicing handstands, headstand, and even backbends!
