How To Prepare Your Children For Their First Gymnastics Class

Gymnastics have gotten more popular than ever. Parents love the combination of great exercise and the benefits of kids gymnastics programs. Like any sport, it does take some preparation for kids so they can be ready to have an incredible experience. You can ask your coach any questions you might have, but here are some of the things you can do to help your children prepare for their first class: 

No tuxedos or blue jeans for gymnastics class. Instead, athletic clothing is the way to go to make sure they are ready for their first activities. The best options for a gymnastics class for girls typically include leotards, shorts, and footless tights. For boys, shorts and a tight fitting t-shirt. Remember to avoid any footwear that may cause slipping. 

Gymnastics consists of a lot of rolls, tumbles and jumps, so it’s important that hair doesn’t get in your child’s face while he/she is performing routines. Ponytails and pigtails are great choices for longer hair. Headbands are also fine as long as your child’s hair isn’t too long. The overall goal is to keep hair out the face so the young gymnast doesn’t get distracted during the first session. 

Bracelets, earrings, necklaces and most forms of jewelry can be a safety hazard. For this reason, it’s best just to leave any of these things at home until after practice. If your child just got their ears pierced, this could be seen as an exception by some gymnastics teachers. Consult with them to know their policies.

Gymnastics can be quite a workout. Most gymnasts work up quite a sweat, so be sure your child brings a bottle of water to make sure they stay hydrated. Along with that, it’s important that they use the restroom before class so as to avoid any accidents.

All of this movement also means burning a lot of energy. Make sure your child has eaten beforehand, but give food at least an hour to digest before they hit the gymnastics floor. This will prevent your child from getting sick during class. 

It’s essential for every student to arrive on time. Late arrivals not only distract the entire class, but may cause your child to miss the valuable information they need. A good guideline is to arrive at least ten minutes before class begins. This will give your child a little time to warm up and stretch before class gets started. 

The coach is there to help with everything. A lot depends on what your child already knows, but the class is designed to match your child’s skill level, from introductory all the way to expert. For new students, it may take a little time to pick things up, but it’s completely normal. They just need to stick with it and they’ll be tumbling with the best of them in no time. 

Your child’s first gymnastics class is an amazing opportunity. They might be a little nervous at first, but if you follow these key steps, you’ll be able to positively shape your child's experiences.  Before you know it, your kids will be doing cartwheels and other incredible moves as they make their way to the advanced level!