Gymnastics Fitness Programs for Kids

Article by David OSullivan

Gymnastics Fitness Programs for Kids

The YMCA is one place for kids to find many different fitness programs. When people think about fitness, they think about exercise such as running, jogging, and even swimming. What most people do not even consider is a fitness program like gymnastics. Gymnastics is very popular, and kids can start as early as six months old. Some people think that this type of fitness program is for girls only, but it is open for anyone. Some of the top athletes have had gymnastics as a kid or adult. It keeps the body limber and strong and promotes healthy bones.

Five Years and Younger Gymnastics

There are four groups to gymnastics when you are five years old and younger. There is a Parent n’ Tot program for six months to 2 years old, Tumble Tots for three year olds, Tumble Tricks for four year olds, and Tumble Twisters for five year olds. This type of fitness program for kids starts out when they are young, and can continue until adulthood if they really enjoy what they are doing.

As a child turns six months old, they can easily start learning the fundamentals of gymnastics. This early class is more about fun than it is anything else. As they grow and advance into the different classes, they start learning tumbling and other mat activities.

Girls and Boys Six Years or Older Gymnastics

There is a six year old or older class for girls and one for boys in most locations. This fitness program is for those that have had some prior gymnastics or who are just starting out. Kids in these groups start learning how to do more moves on the mats, and then on the balancing beams. These classes will keep going until the child enters into the invitation only programs if they have successfully accomplished their routines.

Boys and girls will be in different programs as they learn different moves on the beams, mats, and other gym equipment at this stage.

Invitation Only Gymnastics

The invitation only gymnastics are for kids that have excelled in prior years at gymnastics, and want to continue their learning for more serious competitions. These two groups are called the hotshots and the starbursts. By this time, the fitness program becomes more of a challenge with hours of work and dedication.

Many kids keep completing in gymnastics far into early adulthood or they move into dance in school. Both programs offer fitness and help keep the body healthy.

If your children need something healthy to do or they need some type of fitness programs to keep them active, gymnastics is just one of the programs they can participate in and maybe even enjoy into adulthood. It is a program that will keep them limber and it helps to build strong bones and muscles. During the fitness program, kids will need to eat properly and have a daily intake of protein and other healthy foods. Not only does the YMCA offer these programs, but also many cities have other fitness centers that can offer gymnastics for kids.