Go for the gold: introduce your child to gymnastics - KiiiTV3.com South Texas, Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend

By Barbara Kunz, Ph.D., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Every four years, the world tunes in to watch young Olympic gymnasts compete for the gold. Most of these athletes began as small children and developed their talents gradually.

Do you think your child might be game? A gymnastics class can do wonders for kids, regardless of whether they make it to the Summer Games. Gymnastics takes time and patience to master, but there are lasting benefits.

As young as 4 or 5 years old, children can be introduced to basic movements, which they can build on as they grow older. This training can help a child improve:

• Physical strength
• Coordination
• Agility
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Speed
• Focus

Once the child has developed some strength and coordination, the more advanced training starts.

About the sport

Gymnastics have been around since the Greeks invented it nearly 3,000 years ago. Originally, it was used to train warriors. Later, it became part of the ancient Olympics. That makes it one of the world's oldest sports. There are many different kinds of gymnastics, but basic types include:

• Floor exercises
• Balance beam
• Uneven bars
• Vaulting
• High and parallel bars
• Pommel horse (for men)

These days, most gymnastic students are girls. But young boys may be interested too, and should also be encouraged to take part. This sport gives children the chance to run and jump in a setting that's both fun and supportive. Along the way, they will learn:

• Basic rolls
• Cartwheels
• Stretching
• Strength training
• Simple swinging

Not only is gymnastics fun for kids, it's also fairly safe. Some parents worry their children will be performing dangerous jumps and flips, but that is not the case. Make sure the gymnastics coaches are highly trained and certified. They will know what children can and cannot do, and will always be there to spot them.

Getting started

Before making a commitment, make sure your children are really interested in the sport. If not, it won't be much fun for them. A few lessons should be enough to help you decide.

You can easily find classes at a gym or fitness center, but it might be best to try an actual gymnastics club. Most cities of any size will have one. They usually have better equipment and more experienced coaches, though classes may cost a little more. Club coaches also tend to know more about the competitive circuit. This will be important if your child decides to compete.

But even if it never comes to that, learning gymnastics can serve your child well. Benefits may include a stronger body, better coordination and the ability to focus and follow instructions. And you don't need to have Olympic abilities for gymnastics to become a lifelong passion.

View the original Go for the gold: introduce your child to gymnastics article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Werner PH. Teaching Children Gymnastics. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2004.

• Price L. Creativity and gymnastics. In: Lavin J, Ed. Creative Approaches to teaching physical education: helping children to Achieve Their True Potential. New York: Routledge, 2008.