Keeping our children active in this day and age is becoming increasingly difficult. With the advances in technology and the lack of interest in creativity and imagination, many parents struggle with finding a way to get their kids out of the house and away from the computer or television. Gymnastics for pre-schoolers is a great way to get your kids involved in a fun extracurricular activity. Gymnastics teams for kids range from toddler to pre-teens and include everything from gymnastic lessons for beginners to advanced tumbling.
Physical Activity in Children
One in three children were considered overweight in 2010 in the United States. One of the reasons for this is likely due to the fact that within children ages five to 10, three out of four get less than one hour of physical activity each day. Even worse, as young people age their physical activity steadily declines. However, studies show that in children ages 10 to 16, their self esteem and self efficacy increase with the amount of their physical activity. Statistics show that 38% of parents think extracurricular activities are too expensive and that there is not enough time in the day to have their children achieve a healthy lifestyle. One study showed that even though rates of childhood obesity have been rising each year, only 15% of parents believe physical health to be a top concern when caring for their children. The lessons start at home. If a child’s parent does not display and encourage an importance for physical activity and keeping their body healthy, the child is very unlikely to do so for themselves.
How Gymnastics Classes for Kids Can Benefit Your Child
Getting outside of the home is important for children to expand their mind and improve their body. The government’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans states that children between the ages of five and 10 should participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also recommends kids between the ages of six and 17 should get one hour of physical activity every day. However, 74% of children do not get enough exercise on a daily basis. Tumbling and gymnastics for pre-schoolers could be the perfect way to help your child develop physically and socially. Gymnasts have the benefits of gaining strength through regular training. The training they undergo also develops lean and toned muscles. They are able to improve their balance and gain better posture as well. The American College of Sports Medicine says that plyometric exercises, which is jump training like tumbling and vaulting, are a safe, beneficial and fun activity for children.
Help your child get ahead by checking out the gymnastic programs in your area. Physical activity is important and gymnastics for pre-schoolers and older children can help your child not only have a healthier body and lifestyle, but also their confidence and social skills. Be proactive about getting your child in shape in both body and mind. The results may be astounding.
