What Age Should I Enrol My Child In Gymnastics?

There are endless activities available to kids these days - a godsend for little ones with energy to burn or parents staring down the barrel of school holidays - but how do you know what the right choice is for your child, and when is the right time to enrol?

For a sport like gymnastics with wide-ranging social, emotional, cognitive and physical benefits, is it ever too late, or too early, to get started?

What Age Should I Enrol My Child In Gymnastics?

When is a Good Time to Start?

There is so much to discover at gymnastics. From the classic Olympic styles to the modern incarnations of acrobatics, aerobics and freestyle, there is a gymnastics class to appeal to everyone, at any stage of life. “We are so passionate about getting Australia moving,” Kaitlen Carter from Gymnastics NSW says, “and by taking part in just one hour of gymnastics a week, you find yourself gaining mobility, flexibility and coordination.”

The sooner children start gymnastics, the earlier they can reap the rewards. While gymnastics is an excellent way to hone fine and gross motor skills, it also supports cognitive development, improves confidence and promotes school readiness. By introducing your child to gymnastics at a young age, you can help ensure they are meeting development milestones and lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy habits. “In the digital age, children are often coming to school without the muscles they need to write, climb or simply sit on the floor,” Kaitlen says.

What is the Impact on Growing Bodies and Minds?

KinderGym classes provide children aged 0 to 5 with opportunities to play, grow, and learn in a safe, and supportive environment. Nationally accredited coaches tailor each session to your child’s age and developmental stage to ensure they get the most out of every class, all while having fun!

“Simple actions such as crawling across a foam beam stimulate cross patterning in the brain and assists in ongoing development” Kaitlen adds “Swinging on a bar activates the vestibular system in the inner ear, helping with balance and spatial orientation – the benefits really are endless!”

Parents and caregivers also play an active role in every class making KinderGym a fantastic opportunity to meet other families in your community and spend quality time with your child as you share in their achievements.

For kids aged 5 and up, there are plenty of recreational gymnastics classes to discover with over 200 Gymnastics NSW clubs across the state. Perfect for children who want to do gymnastics once a week, recreational classes are all about having fun and learning new skills as they discover the freedom of movement.

Whatever class you choose, ensure your child is attending a class with qualified, accredited and insured coaches by enrolling in a kids' gymnastics program affiliated with Gymnastics NSW!

Find your local affiliated Gymnastics NSW club and get started today.

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