Children can pursue gymnastics throughout their school years. After a simple starter class for toddlers, youngsters are introduced to increasingly challenging moves and can enjoy the sport recreationally or move on to compete on the regional, state and national level.
Did You Know?
Men’s gymnastics were admitted to the Olympic Games in 1896, while women first competed in Olympic gymnastics in the 1920s.
Benefits
As with many sports, gymnastics offers children the opportunity to grow in the areas of self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, determination, goal setting and social skills.
Gymnastics develops physical fitness by building strength, as well as increasing flexibility, coordination, balance, speed, motor skills and endurance.
Safety
Gymnastics is considered by some to be second only to hockey for injuries for children. Most common are strains and sprains followed by dislocations and fractures. Safety measures can reduce a good deal of mishaps and education is one of the best tools. Children should be taught the importance of taking turns, following directions, using proper form and spotting. Make sure your children are well hydrated before class. Long hair should be tied back and outfits should be form fitting as opposed to baggy or bulky.
Remember
Do not push your child. This applies to all children, those that take gymnastics recreationally and those that go on to compete. A youngster needs personal interest, determination and a specific skill set to advance in gymnastics. The sport can be enjoyed on many levels. Speak to a professional gymnastic instructor about your child’s progress.
FAMILY FAVORITES TOP 5
Great Play of Scarsdale. 914-713-3470; greatplay.com
Gymcats Gymnastics Yonkers. 965-7676; gymcats.net
Jodi’s Gym Mt. Kisco, 244-8811; New York, 212-772-7633; jodisgym.com
Spoltlight Gymnastics Pelham. 738-7305; spotlightgym.com
World Cup Gymnastics. Chappaqua. 238-4967; worldcupgymnastics.com
FAMILY FAVORITES WINNER
Great Play of Scarsdale
969 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-713-3470 | greatplay.com
Behind the structured curriculum is a carefully designed program that encourages children to explore their physical potential. Kids develop agility, coordination and skills all while having fun.
More Local Gyms
Gymnastics City Cortland Manor. 734-1616; gymnasticscity.com
Innovative Star Gymnastics (ISG) Harrison. 835-1110; isggymnastics.com
JCC of Mid-Westchester Scarsdale. 472-3300; jccmw.org
Westchester Gymnastics Hawthorne. 592-2324; westchestergymnastics.com
Jean Sheff is editor of Westchester Family and mother to a daughter who loves gymnastics.
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