Gymnastics is tons of fun, great exercise and a great way to channel energy in little ones, but there are tons of other lasting benefits and life skills that can be achieved. Here’s a list of reasons why your preschooler should participate in a structured gymnastics program.
- Self-confidence -Learning to trust one’s own ability is huge and one of the biggest benefits of gymnastics.
- Grit -The resolve and courage to keep trying in order to achieve a goal. It’s an important life skill authentically acquired when learning gymnastics. Just watch a preschooler practicing their cartwheel.
- Self Discipline -This involves self control and staying on task. Working hard even when no one is watching.
- Work Ethic -Achieving a new skill in gymnastics can only be achieved through the child’s own hard work and discipline. No one can give it to them. They will understand the relationship between effort and success.
- Following directions -Gymnastics involves many multi-stepped directions an important life skill.
- Interpersonal Skills -Gymnastics class helps a child learn how to treat a teacher with respect and how to get along with other children
- Patience -Learning to wait your turn is a difficult but invaluable skill that is taught at gymnastics.
- Resilience - If you fall, get back up! Sounds simple but there aren’t many opportunities for our young children to literally practice this important life skill. Gymnastics is the perfect scenario for learning to be resilient and never quit!
- Coordination -Gymnasts develop upper and lower body strength, eye-hand coordination, agility and many other skills. Coordination is key for any sport.
- Healthy Competition -There is nothing like seeing a more experienced peer in the gym to get a shot of ambition. Knowing that they too could do that skill if they keep working.
- Conflict resolution -There are many ways a child can react when they don’t get their way or are faced with conflict. Gymnastics can help teach children how to approach a problem and solve it.
- Listening Skills -A top priority in gymnastics is listening and learning to be safe. How they learn to listen in the gym will help them better learn how to follow rules at home at school and in their adult life as well.
- Team Work -Cooperation is a key to success in all stages of life. Whether it is working together to move equipment or a drill with another child, gymnastics can help kids master this often difficult life skill.
- Independence -The ability to enter into a class and leave your parent or caregiver in the waiting room is a big step in learning to be independent. This will build confidence, self reliance as well as the ability to adjust to new situations.
- Responsibility -Learning to put your warm up spot back into a pile is an important skill and one that many parents will be grateful to have their preschooler master next time they are expecting their child to clean up!
- Persistence - Gymnastics teaches kids to stay with an activity until it’s completed. It is only through hard work and practice that we can master new skills.
- Self Respect -Children learn that the meaning of success is not being perfect out of the gait, but more importantly learning and understanding that it takes work to succeed and not being able to do something just yet does not make you a failure. It gives you the self-confidence to try again.
- Communication -is key in gymnastics and in life. Students learn to ask for help from both instructors and fellow students.
- Character -Gymnastics stresses the importance of doing the right thing, even when the teacher isn’t looking. Preschool gymnasts begin developing this important skill in class.
- Over Coming Fears -Let’s face it, gymnastics can be scary. They are learning to do things that they have never done before. By helping them set attainable goals we help them work through their fears.
In conclusion, enrolling your preschooler in a quality gymnastics program contributes to a strong, confident, well-mannered, patient, persistent, self-respecting, resilient little being. So, why wouldn’t we all do it!
For more information please visit phantomgymnastics.com.
We look forward to meeting your preschooler!
Phantom Gymnastics is located in the PhanZone Sports Center - 142 NH 111, Hampstead, NH.
