Get Moving with Gymnastics

 
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We love our kids and always want what’s best for them.  So it breaks our heart when we hear they are part of what’s considered the most inactive generation in history.  A major concern is that we are doing our young children a disservice and harming their physical growth by allowing them to consume too much of the technology they crave.  So what can we do as parents to put our children on a healthier path?

Gymnast

Luckily, there are plenty of options but a logical first choice for many is gymnastics.  Gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle exercise programs available to children, incorporating strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power and discipline.  As early as 18 months, you can start your toddler in a parent and child class that will teach your child important basic skills such as standing in line and following instructions as well as exposing them to a variety of sensory-motor skills.  

Here are some benefits you can look forward to when putting your child into a gymnastics class:

  • A young gymnast will develop a good sense of body awareness.  Their confidence will soar as they learn all sorts of ways to move.  
  • Weight bearing activities that are found in gymnastics like tumbling and jumping help children to develop strong healthy bones.
  • Gymnasts are known for their excellent strength to weight ratio. Over time children get stronger and develop lean, toned muscles.
  • The coordination and visualization necessary for gymnastics will also have an impact on your child’s cognitive abilities.  Your child can learn to focus better with gymnastics as a part of their life.
  • The athletic foundation that gymnastics provides helps train children for success in other sports as they grow older.

The best part is that your child will be having so much fun running, jumping, flipping, swinging and tumbling that they won’t even realize how much they are learning in the process!  And, as parents we can rest easier knowing that we are getting our children off the couch and moving.  Studies show that active children are more likely to grow up to become active and healthy teens and adults.

When the time comes to select a gymnastics facility here are some suggestions:

  • Spend some time at the school.
  • Make sure they have certified and professional instructors.  
  • Check to be sure that classes are controlled and there are orderly transitions between each piece of apparatus. 
  • Make sure children are placed with children of similar age and ability.

Good luck in finding healthy choices for your children!

Motion Gymnastics has been owned and operated by Marion, Heather and Sean Edwards since 1995.  Their mission is to provide gymnastics training to all ability levels and ages in a safe, progressive, and fun environment.  Motion Gymnastics is located at 55 Route 31 South in Pennington, NJ.  For more information, please visit www.motiongymnastics.com or call 609-730-9394.