Young children at nearly any age are inclined to physical activity, not only does it bring them joy, but it has long-lasting benefits throughout their lives.
Gymnastics is presented as a whole-body sport where children develop skills like strength, flexibility, and coordination easily. A child enrolled in 3 year old gymnastics will also acquire basic social skills like problem-solving ability, teamwork, active attention, and discipline.
When children begin practicing gymnastics from about 3 years old its benefits are long-lasting and it’s more likely for them to keep practicing while growing up.
Plus, most of the 3 yr old gymnastics exercises can be easily practiced at home, so parents can track their children’s progress while putting in practice some of the gym exercises together at home.
It’s worth mentioning that there are some important key points to keep in mind before enrolling children into gymnastics classes; safety and cleaning should be priorities for every gym while working with both children and adults.
3 Year Old Gymnasts: Is It Too Early For My Child to Take Gymnastic Classes?
Sports are an excellent way for children to stay healthy and start developing diverse motor skills. Mentally and physically, gymnastics provides a great structure for kids to explore.
It is well documented that children who practice sports not only have physical benefits but cognitive benefits as well. Gymnastics is a great introductory sport where children, even a young 3 year old can learn and develop physically and cognitively.
3 year old gymnastics not only enhances physical development at a young age but it provides an outlet for kids to develop skills like strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body control.
Additionally, sports such as gymnastics can lay a strong foundation for a healthy habit of physical fitness throughout a child’s lifetime.
Another benefit for 3 year old enrolled in gymnastics is that consistent and scheduled extracurricular activities help children anticipate what will happen next. This provides a sense of security, control, and confidence.
For young children in general, involvement in a sport like gymnastics also provides structure to prepare them for school and beyond.
3 yr old gymnastics classes are specially designed for young children to learn the gymnastic basic skills. We help 3 year old gymnasts gain confidence and encourage a sense of sportsmanship.
Flexibility is just one area in which 3 year old gymnasts develop when starting out due to the repetitive movements and routines. Physical strength is also developed in children as they learn more complex gymnastic skills that rely on body strength.
Additionally, in a typical 3 yr old gymnastics class, values like discipline and perseverance are encouraged in order to continue to grow in the sport. We teach them – at an age appropriate level – that applying themselves will make them better all-around athletes and will also help them later in life, no matter where their path leads them.
Emphasizing focus when starting at gymnastics is also a way we help prevent them from performing skills incorrectly and causing injuries.
Easy Gymnastics Moves That Kids Can Try
One of the biggest concerns parents have when they enroll their children in gymnastics is that the type of movements taught will be too advanced for a 3 year old. And at Hi-NRG we make sure that each class is not only age-appropriate physically and developmentally.
While an activity like gymnastics requires self-discipline and patience, we understand that most three year olds are not inherently this way. For our younger learners, we focus on having fun while learning the fundamentals. Even if they choose another sport, the skills they learn with us are versatile enough to transfer over to another discipline.
Developing even the most basic of gymnastic skills can help them have better control over their bodies and minds and ignite a sense of accomplishment that comes from trying something new.
In children’s gymnastics classes we look for our students to enjoy the movement. If they are having fun while training, the learning process will be easier for them.
When children have their first approach with gymnastics in our gym, we want them to feel comfortable, that’s why we start with some basic easy movements for them to get adapted to the training.
The basics of gymnastics movements should never be overlooked because they are the foundation for not only gymnast’s skills but for almost any other physical activity. Additionally, gymnastics for kids will help boost self-esteem and encourage them to stay active.
It’s important for parents to know that our staff in HI-NRG is specialized when it comes to training with 3 year old’s in gymnastics. They understand the hierarchy of skill and start with movements young children can easily do safely.
Here are some of the most common movements we teach in 3 yr old gymnastics classes.
Climbing ladders
Climbing ladders is one of the basic exercises for 3 year old gymnasts. Besides being an excellent warm-up it also helps children to learn controlling strength and coordination in the lower body. Ladders are used in a safe controlled environment and are constantly supervised. Since there is a clear target in mind (the top of the ladder), the young gymnast is able to clearly visualize their progress.
Cartwheels
Beginning with a basic somersault, the 3 year old gymnast has the foundation for learning cartwheels. These are practiced in groups and can be fun and entertaining for children. When at home, we suggest that parents have their children practice cartwheels outside so there’s plenty of space and thus less likely to injure themselves.
Donkey kicks
In this exercise, children are positioned with their hands and legs on the floor and jumping slightly while keeping their arms straight. With this movement, children get used to having the weight of their body on their arms, thus training the upper body. This is the preamble to the handstand.
Jumping on an elevated surface (less than 2 feet high)
Jumping is a basic skill in gymnastics and one that your child has probably attempted already. However, in a safe environment, your 3 year old gymnast learns not only the proper way to jump and land, but it boosts their confidence as well. We create height by using mats, which allow us to gradually increase the elevation (or decrease) based on the young gymnast’s comfort and skill level.
Bridge
This can be a fun exercise for children to practice just about anywhere. Starting lying on their back, the gymnast will then have their legs bent and elbows bent with hands placed on the floor next to the ears, facing the shoulder. By placing their hands on the ground above their head, they try to pull up their body and their back will form an arch. This is a great exercise that will help develop flexibility and extraordinary shoulder strength!
Bear Walks
With this exercise, children use their hands and feet to propel themselves forward. Similar to a crawl, but with arms and legs fully extended, they learn to coordinate their extremities as they “crawl” across the floor. This skill, while fun and kind of silly looking, is crucial to develop more complex and advanced movements.
Forward roll
Also similar to a somersault, but you begin and end in a standing position. This exercise is a favorite among our younger learners. The forward roll is an introduction to tumbling and when 3 year old gymnasts begin learning this skill they are also learning to control their bodies.
Crawling through tunnels
At first glance, this may appear just like a fun exercise. And while most 3 year olds jump at the chance to use our crawling tunnels, it happens to encourage muscle coordination. While crawling on their hands and knees through tunnels. This is called the “cross-crawl” motor program and really is the foundation for all other movements.
Hang/swing on a bar
In our 3 yr old gymnastics classes, we teach children how to hang and then swing on a bar. This will help develop strength in both the upper body and abs. Developing grip and upper body strength are pinnacles to most gymnastics skills.
Jumping on a trampoline
Trampoline is considered a part of basic gymnastic training for 3 year old gymnasts. Due to its versatility and “fun-factor” children are eager to train and learn new movements. From just the basics to more complex moves, the trampoline helps to foster a sense of accomplishment while having fun.
Learn more about our programs at the pages below:
Once children are enrolled in gymnastics classes, it’s necessary for them to practice at home. At-home practice allows them to develop discipline and show their parents what they have learned. Most of these movements can be easily practiced at home in a safe environment. We always recommend students practice under the supervision of adults.
Gym Class for 3 Year Old Gymnastics
Here are some key points to keep in mind as you consider enrolling your child in gymnastics. These are ideal for parents of young children like 3 year olds, but could apply to just about anyone starting out with a new gym.
Organization is key
There are some gyms that are organized according to their space availability instead of age and ability level. In these gyms, you may find kids of different ages and different ability levels in the same group.
When varying skill levels in the same class are too extreme, it creates frustration and confusion. Students at the beginner level may lose confidence as they struggle to keep up with others.
More advanced students could be at a detriment as the pace doesn’t align with their ability.
While classes are categorized according to age and ability level of children, many personality types learn much faster when they are in class with more advanced children.
This is because they can now model the focus, perseverance, etc. of the children performing higher level skills.
It’s important for all children, even three year olds to “work up” a level with kids performing slightly more difficult tasks.
Age-appropriate equipment
For 3 yr old gymnastics classes there have to be age-appropriate equipment for small children. There are a variety of accessories gymnasts use such as small trampolines, children’s bars, and mats. A facility that has age-appropriate equipment is essential in a gym that offers children gymnastics classes.
Qualified staff
Before enrolling your kid in gymnastics classes it’s necessary for parents to know if the coaches are well-trained and if they are qualified to work with children. A gym that employs only high-qualified trainers means that kids are receiving not only age-appropriate teaching but guidance according to their ability level.
Coaches that have experience and training working with children makes them more qualified to handle common issues and experts in child safety.
Clean and parent-friendly
Gymnastics gyms should be clean, bright, and inviting for parents and family. Request a tour so that you can check out training areas. Don’t forget to check the bathrooms and other parts of the gyms that your child would be exposed to.
In light of recent events, we recommend that parents also ask how often the gym is cleaned and if they have specialized staff for cleaning.
Gyms should use only non-toxic cleaning products to disinfect the gym as all of the accessories have the potential to come into direct contact with children. Strong chemicals can cause reactions on the children’s skin or can affect the respiratory system.
Also, parents should always be welcome to stay and watch their kid’s training. Gyms should facilitate parents to stay and watch the practice for them to get familiar with the process. Parents should know their children’s trainers because coaches should become important figures in your child’s life.
Hydration
Every gym should have hydration points for students to stay well hydrated during the training sessions. When considering a new gym, ask if hydration and rest are integrated into the classes.
Preschool Gymnastics Near Me
Deciding to enroll your child in gymnastics classes can be a fun and exciting time. As you consider your next home gym, keep in mind that HINRG Gymnastix has a wide range of options for 3 yr old’s and we think you’ll enjoy watching your child succeed in this sport.
HINRG Gymnastix is a qualified gym and considered one of the best gyms in the midwest. With several years of experience, we have different locations and a variety of classes where your child can develop as an integral athlete.
St. Louis County Locations:
We count on specialized coaches who are in charge of our preschool classes. In our 3 year old gymnastics classes, kids learn basic movements and will get acquainted with gymnastics exercises in order for them to succeed.
One of our newest locations also counts with preschool classes, you can enroll your child in 3 yr old gymnastics classes, we guarantee your kid’s success.
ST. Charles County Locations:
Here in O’Fallon, our gym is ready with all the equipment necessary for your children to develop skills and become a gymnast. Our coaches are excited to teach and love to build up confidence in young athletes.
Our Lake St. Louis location is another excellent place to find friendly, high-qualified staff who can teach your child basic gymnastics movements. With a variety of times and classes available to choose from you’re sure to find the right fit for you and your child.