Preschool Gymnastics

Preschool gymnastics are an ideal activity for both boys and girls, providing plenty of opportunity to work on coordination skills, increase strength and flexibility, and have fun! Most preschool gymnastics classes have a variety of different areas and skills that they cover. By including music and props (hula hoops, balls, scarves, for example), and moving from one activity to the next, gymnastics instructors maintain the children’s interest.

Benefits of Gymnastics for Preschoolers

Gymnastics can provide your preschooler with exposure to so many skills. More than just tumbling on mats, preschooler gymnastics provides age-appropriate activities that create opportunities for:

Participating in groups and individual skill work
Developing gross motor skills
Listening to directions
Building self-esteem/confidence
Increasing coordination and flexibility
Learning about safety skills
Engaging in movement
Developing better balance
Learning to take turns and share

Finding the Right Preschool Gymnastics Class

Check your local gym or gymnastics academy for their gymnastics schedule – there are likely to be a variety of programs designed specifically for preschoolers. With skills aimed at preschoolers’ abilities and interests, most gymnastics programs will incorporate fun music and activities to appeal to their young audience.

If your preschooler is very young, look for a program that has parent participation as well. This provides an excellent introduction to gymnastics while having mom and/or dad along for the ride.

What to Expect from Preschool Gymnastics

You’ll find gymnastics programs vary, but most include some level of tumbling and may introduce preschool children to some of the equipment. At the preschool age, where short attention spans are common, the activities should be appropriate to the children’s interests. Simple skills that build coordination and flexibility will be a good portion of the class. Classes may also incorporate:

Balance beam
Rings
Trampoline
Bars
Obstacle course elements
Ball or foam pit

Preview a Preschool Gymnastics Class

If you are unsure about whether or not your preschooler will be interested in a gymnastics class, simply preview one of the classes. Ask the gym or studio if you can view the class to see what kind of activities the preschool children will participate in, whether or not they will use equipment, the teaching style of the instructors, and more. Ask your preschooler what their opinion of the class is. Also, find out if the gymnastics studio provides refunds if your preschooler is not happy with the class. Preschool gymnastics classes, as with any class, are a commitment of time and money, so it’s always a good idea to check the refund policy.

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