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Gymnastics Classes

Children can pursue gymnastics throughout their school years. After a simple starter class for toddlers, youngsters are introduced to increasingly challenging moves and can enjoy the sport recreationally or move on to compete on the regional, state and national level.

Did You Know?

Men’s gymnastics were admitted to the Olympic Games in 1896, while women first competed in Olympic gymnastics in the 1920s.

Benefits

As with many sports, gymnastics offers children the opportunity to grow in the areas of self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, determination, goal setting and social skills.

Gymnastics develops physical fitness by building strength, as well as increasing flexibility, coordination, balance, speed, motor skills and endurance.

Safety

Gymnastics is considered by some to be second only to hockey for injuries for children. Most common are strains and sprains followed by dislocations and fractures. Safety measures can reduce a good deal of mishaps and education is one of the best tools. Children should be taught the importance of taking turns, following directions, using proper form and spotting. Make sure your children are well hydrated before class. Long hair should be tied back and outfits should be form fitting as opposed to baggy or bulky.

Remember

Do not push your child. This applies to all children, those that take gymnastics recreationally and those that go on to compete. A youngster needs personal interest, determination and a specific skill set to advance in gymnastics. The sport can be enjoyed on many levels. Speak to a professional gymnastic instructor about your child’s progress.

FAMILY FAVORITES TOP 5

Great Play of Scarsdale. 914-713-3470; greatplay.com

Gymcats Gymnastics Yonkers. 965-7676; gymcats.net

Jodi’s Gym Mt. Kisco, 244-8811; New York, 212-772-7633; jodisgym.com

Spoltlight Gymnastics Pelham. 738-7305; spotlightgym.com

World Cup Gymnastics. Chappaqua. 238-4967; worldcupgymnastics.com

 

FAMILY FAVORITES WINNER

Great Play of Scarsdale

969 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale

914-713-3470 | greatplay.com

Behind the structured curriculum is a carefully designed program that encourages children to explore their physical potential. Kids develop agility, coordination and skills all while having fun.

More Local Gyms

Gymnastics City Cortland Manor. 734-1616; gymnasticscity.com

Innovative Star Gymnastics (ISG) Harrison. 835-1110; isggymnastics.com

JCC of Mid-Westchester Scarsdale. 472-3300; jccmw.org

Westchester Gymnastics Hawthorne. 592-2324; westchestergymnastics.com

Jean Sheff is editor of Westchester Family and mother to a daughter who loves gymnastics.

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