Follow these quick and easy tips to set-up a program for your budding gymnast

Are your kids having difficulty focusing on remote learning? Are they bouncing off the walls, and you’re at your wit’s end? Why not break up the monotony of sitting in front of a computer and try bringing a little gymnastics into your daily routine!

It doesn’t have to be complicated!  All you need is a cushiony rug, or a grassy backyard.

• Start with simple stretching: splits, yoga poses, backbends
• Forward rolls, handstands (try doing them against a wall if they are having trouble), cartwheels
• A set of monkey bars can be a mini ninja warrior
• Set up an obstacle course using household items to leap on or navigate around
• Play music and have a dance party
• Jumping in place – before you know it, your little one will be doing tuck jumps, straddle jumps, full turns, jumping jacks

There are countless benefits gymnastics can bring to enhance your child’s development both mentally, physically, and socially.  Here are 10 very important ones:

1. Coordination and flexibility
2. Fundamentals of movement
3. Self esteem and self confidence
4. Body Awareness
5. Sportsmanship
6. Discipline and following directions
7. Goal Setting
8. Motivation
9. Full body exercise
10. Learning skills that can enhance other sports

Don’t feel like you need to provide a professional gymnastics-like setting at home. Simple movements to music can get the blood flowing, and provide much needed relief from tedious school work. There are many tutorials available online of simple ways to teach moves like cartwheels at home. Try connecting with a professional coach who can provide you guidance in the early days.

The most important part is to make it fun and get your child moving!  It’s like a recess break in your living room or backyard!  Good luck!

(Photo by Ketut Subiyanto)