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Kids tend to have considerable energy, bouncing around the house, yard, and you. If you’re a parent, you may wonder how they can channel that vitality into something productive. Gymnastics and tumbling are two exciting options. While many people use the two terms interchangeably, they’re quite different. Here’s what you should know to help decide which activity may appeal more to your child.

How Do Gymnastics & Tumbling Differ?

Gymnastics

For many, gymnastics is one of the most popular events to watch during the Olympics. This is because it offers a wide range of exciting feats. Anyone can master the uneven bars, balance beam, pommel horse, still rings, and floor exercises to create exciting acrobatic shows. Kids can start the sport as early as two years old. 

Because there’s so much movement going on, it engages young kids constantly. As they get older and continue training, the activity develops flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and coordination.  These are skills that can translate to other sports and performing arts, such as track and field, basketball, and ballet.

Tumbling

gymnasticsFrom somersaults and handsprings to round-offs and tucks, tumbling involves a lot of physical movement. However, it doesn’t utilize the equipment in gymnastics, making it accessible to many young children. Instructors will start with basic skills to build flexibility, strength, and agility and then progress to more advanced routines.

Tumbling often coincides with choreography and music and is a regular component of cheerleading and dance performances. Events such as the trampoline emphasize endurance and artistry. Body awareness and location are two distinctions in the sport that help kids build focus, stamina, and strength, keeping them healthy and active.

 

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity for your children, consider classes from The Little Gym of St. Charles. Based in St. Peters, MO, they have been teaching kids for over 45 years throughout St. Louis, Lincoln, Warren, and Montgomery counties. The facility has a team of experienced and enthusiastic instructors. From gymnastics and tumbling to dance classes, there’s something here for your little one. Try an introductory course by signing up online. Call (636) 970-1220 to ask a friendly instructor any questions you may have.

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