Four Reasons Why Your Child Should Participate In Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a popular sport that children of all ages can enjoy. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in gymnastics, here are four reasons why you should:
Reason No. 1: Gymnastic Lessons Promote Healthy Living
As of 2010, one third of all children in the United States were considered overweight or obese. This poses major health problems for the present and futures of our children. One of the best ways to combat childhood obesity is by making sure your child gets at least one hour of physical activity per day. Enrolling your child in gymnastics club is a great, heart healthy physical activity. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, gymnastics is a safe, and heart healthy activity for children that promotes strong, lean muscles and good health. Combined with a healthy diet, children can easily reap the health benefits of gymnastics.

Reason No. 2: Gymnastic Lessons Cultivate Social Skills
Whether it’s preschool gymnastics skills or more advances classes, gymnastic teams promote the cultivation of positive social skills at any age. During class, children have to pay attention to instructors, and work with fellow teammates to make sure practice is productive and positive. Because of this, the social benefits of gymnastics often extend beyond the gymnasium.

Reason No. 3: Gymnastics Teaches Discipline
For many children, focus and discipline are big struggles in life. Gymnastic lessons require a great deal of focus, listening skills, and an ability to follow instructions. This kind of discipline is largely beneficial to children, and they often learn to apply the discipline they teach in gymnastics to other aspects of their lives, such as school.

Reason No. 4: Gymnastics Build Self Esteem and Confidence
Growing up, it can be difficult to maintain a strong sense of self when faced with media and peer pressure. Gymnastic teams provide an outlet for children to channel their energy, and work towards achievable goals. By setting physical goals and achieving them, children are apt to be more positive and productive individuals with a stronger sense of self.