Power, flexibility and coordination; are the things which are always associated with the sport of gymnastics. However, if you believe this sport is only suitable for professional athletes and not children, you are probably wrong. Gymnastics is one of the most popular sports in the world and is played by children right from the age of a few months. It is an excellent way for children to have fun and learn physical skills simultaneously.

What is Gymnastics?

Gymnastics serves as the basis for all sports and physical activity. It helps athletes to move, roll, jump, swing, and turn on their sides. It is a fun sport and engaging exercise for kids because of how it improves balance, agility, strength, coordination, and speed, as well as other physical attributes. For boys and girls of all ages, gymnastics gives a solid foundation in movement.

Benefits of Gymnastics for children

As a parent of a toddler, getting your kid into gymnastics is one of the best gifts you can give them in the long run. Here is a list of benefits which can help you make a decision:

1. Promotes good physical health

Regularly practising gymnastics can help kids to become more fit and build stronger bones. It can be helpful in the long run as it will increase bone mineral density and reduce heart diseases.

• Builds a strong foundation for life

As a toddler parent, you can build a strong foundation by enrolling them into a kids gym. This will provide physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

• Fun to learn a new hobby

Kids love to run, tumble, roll and jump. In the beginning, the coach will want to create an enjoyable experience for the kid rather than starting the gymnastics regime immediately.

• Elevates concentration and coordination

In gymnastics, concentration and coordination play a vital role from learning how to land on surfaces to closing the visual system.

• Boosts self-esteem

Being part of one team with a common objective will boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem as s/he will feel a valuable part of a unit.

• Improves academic performance

Participating in a sport from a young age can improve academic performance and overall cognitive growth. They will have better classroom manners and a greater attention span.

• Develops social skills and life lessons

Gymnastics for kids promotes real-life skills like honesty, dedication, teamwork, time management, and respect for others. They also learn to take wins and losses as a part and parcel of the game.

How parents play an important role

Try to make a pleasant experience for your kid to keep them interested. Prioritize that they have fun rather than making it about winning or losing. Your encouragement and support will help build a strong parent toddlers relationship too.  Teach them how it is important to try and give their best. Appreciate other children’s efforts, even if they don’t win. This will give them the right attitude and positive thinking.

Find a kid’s gym near you that is safe and has age-appropriate programmes as per your child’s stamina and physical fitness.

Gymnastics is one sport where you don’t need any special equipment – it requires your own body! This means you can start your kid with online classes too at your convenience.

Participation in sports is an essential part of a child’s development, and all kids should be encouraged to take part in physical activity of some kind. As a parent, you should make an effort to motivate your kid to start playing sports at an early age. This will engage the child and will help him realise his strengths. The activity he chooses will become a healthy habit that will remain with him for years to come.