Gymnastics and tumbling lessons are an excellent way to develop strength, flexibility, discipline and teamwork while having fun and improving your kinesthetic senses. Beginner-level gymnastic and tumbling classes, focused for younger children, are a great way to develop a lifelong enjoyment of the sport. However, there's no reason people of all ages can't enjoy gymnastics and tumbling as a way to develop physically and gain the benefits of an active lifestyle.
About
Gymnastics and tumbling use strength, agility and flexibility to work toward a series of physical feats that show off the athlete's skill level. Gymnastics focuses more specifically on routines and certain defined physical moves whereas tumbling focuses on the dynamic movement associated with rolling. Gymnastics can incorporate equipment such as rings and bars and whereas tumbling is a "floor sport" that requires only the athlete's body and, usually, a padded or spring-supported floor.
When to Start
Conventional wisdom in athletics suggests that the younger children can be started along the path of sports, the better for them in the long run. The ideal age for children to start gymnastics is between 3 and 5 years old, as at that age children have developed good listening abilities and enough focus to follow directions. However, there's no reason older youths and adults can't reap the benefits of gymnastics and tumbling lessons. Although it's unlikely that someone who starts training later in life will become an Olympic level athlete, anyone can improve his strength, flexibility, discipline and confidence from taking gymnastics and tumbling lessons.
What to Expect
Every gymnastics and tumbling class is different, but there are a number of commonalities you can expect to see. Classes begin with stretching and warmups, both to prepare the body for the class and to work on flexibility. Warmups can include jogging around the gym, lunges, splits, back bends and jumping jacks. An average class might then cover moves such as handstands, cartwheels, forward rolls, dive rolls, round-offs and straddles. Classes end with a cool-down period that includes stretching out once again.
Evaluating Classes
If you are interested in starting gymnastics and tumbling training, the next step is to find a gym that is a good fit for you. Go to the local gyms where you'd like to take lessons and sit in on a class if possible. Look for the type of equipment that is available to train on, such as balance beams, rings and free standing bars. Make sure the teacher-to-student ratio is small enough that each student gets individualized attention. Consider the time commitment required by classes. Decide whether you're interested in a driven, training-intensive class or a more casual atmosphere. All of these factors should help you find a class that's a good fit for you.
References
- American All Star Kids: Why Gymnastics?
- Gem City Gymnastics and Tumbling: Home
- Power Athletes Magazine; Adult Gymnastics: Why We Should All Do It; Roger Harrell
- iSport Gymnastics; What Is a Good Age to Start Gymnastics?; Marcy Townshend
- Aurora Kids Gymnastics Fitness and Dance: What to Expect in Gymnastics Class
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