Parents, if you are finding it hard to encourage your children to be physically active, here is an activity for them to enjoy that is good for them: Gymnastics.
Ahead of National Gymnastics Day, The Little Gym, an enrichment, and physical development centre for children, has released its reasons why gymnastics is good for children.
“Gymnastics has numerous benefits for all children and sets a strong foundation for developing the body, mind and heart,” said Taryn H. Parker, Director of Curriculum and Training. “We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate with little ones across the country and watch them grow on this special day at our gyms.”
Those reasons are as follows:
- Aspires Young Athletes – Gymnastics provides children with a strong foundation to pursue any sport. At The Little Gym, it’s building blocks or ‘ABCs of Fitness’: agility, balance, and coordination. Exposing your child to gymnastics at any age and stage is beneficial. Gymnastics is the true springboard in your child’s life adventures, as kids learn transferable skills that will give them the confidence to try any sport and discover their passion.
- Improves Self-Confidence – Coupled with supportive instruction, gymnastics develops children’s self-confidence. With every attempt at improving a cartwheel, kids learn how to try, and most importantly – to try again. The more children try new things and acquire new skills, the more confidence they have in themselves.
- Helps Maintain a Well-Balanced Lifestyle – Learning balance goes way beyond simple beam skills. Gymnasts learn how to balance their commitment to this sport along with the importance of self-care, their responsibilities in school and dedication to family and friends.
- Develops Leadership Mindset – At The Little Gym, a teaching philosophy is that, “It is OK to make mistakes” since every mistake is a future learning opportunity. When a child learns to master a specific gymnastic skill, like a handstand, they develop a solution-oriented mindset, by asking themselves, “What worked? What can I do better next time?” Mindset is a foundational skill in our next generation of leaders.
- Promotes Positive Body Image and Self-Esteem – In our non-competitive environment, every child is accepted for who they are. Gymnastics provides an opportunity for your child to feel fit, strong, capable, and proud of their body. Everybody is different, and when these differences are celebrated in a safe, secure, and healthy environment, children can truly unlock their potential.
For more information, visit thelittlegym.co.za