All across the country, parents call their local gymnastics club saying, “I don’t really want my kid to be a world famous gymnast, but it would be great if they could do a somersault or cartwheel; I think it would be really fun and good for them.” My sister Betsy recently enrolled her two kids, Otto who is 5-years-old and Wade who is 3-years-old, into gymnastics and I was able to join the class. Not only was I jealous the kids were able to jump into a big pit of foam, I learned that gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive “lifestyle exercise programs” available to children, incorporating strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power and discipline.
Below are some fun facts I learned about the benefits of gymnastics and kids:
- Studies show that children learn cognitive skills more effectively in an environment that includes the body as well as the mind.
- It has been found in studies to increases self-esteem.
- Many studies have reported the benefits of moderate impact activities, such as gymnastics, have on the development of bone density and the prevention of osteoporosis. Plyometric exercises (also known as jump training) like tumbling and vaulting have been determined by the American College of Sports Medicine to be a safe, beneficial and fun activity for children.
- Healthy activities like gymnastics keep our kids off the couch and engaged in a healthy lifestyle.
- In addition to all of the above, gymnastics provides children with an opportunity to meet with friends, make new friends, and have fun!
- Fun Fact — The word gymnastics comes from the Greek word “gymon” which means naked. Ancient Greeks used to perform gymnastics in the nude.
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