Healthy habits that are established during childhood lay a foundation for lifelong values. Studies have found that children regularly spend an average of seven and a half hours per day sitting in front of a screen, whether it be television, video games, or the computer. Only one out of every three children are physically active on a daily basis; the United States department of Health and Human Services recommends that youths from the age of six to 17 years ought to have at least one hour of physical activity every day. Sports and other extra curricular activities are one of the best ways to ensure that your child builds healthy, active habits.

Gymnastics for Kids

As a sport, gymnastics have been around for over 2,000 years. Today there are nearly 5 million gymnasts across the globe. The competitive nature of a gymnastics academy helps to push participants to always improve; many children in gymnastics stay with it for a number of years, making lifelong friends. In 2004, a 16 year old gymnast by the name of Carly Patterson took the Olympic gold medal for the Women’s All-Around gymnastics event; thanks to her training at a gymnastics academy she was able to accomplish something nearly unheard of for someone her age.

The Benefits of Gymnastic Classes

Although there are many ways to stay active, studies have shown that gymnastics are particularly beneficial for small children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children between the ages of two and five practice motor skills like the tumbling, running, throwing, and catching involved in many gymnastic exercises. Children who participated in gymnastics were seen as more mature than their peers and as having a greater sense of sportsmanship. If you are looking for a sport your child will enjoy to instill values that will last for life, consider gymnastics classes to help your child find their passion.