Whether your child is looking to join a competitive cheerleading squad or wants to take recreational gymnastics to the next level, tumbling skills are crucial. Those amazing leaps and aerial somersaults take a lot of practice and more than a little bravery to learn. 

The expert coaches at The Victors Gymnastics in Greece and Spencerport, New York, have some useful tips for making a successful leap into advanced tumbling: 

• Develop Relevant Strength: There's no perfect body type for tumbling, but you do need to develop powerful muscles in the right places. A knowledgeable coach will help you target the right areas for strength training.
• Maintain A Flexible Back: Backbends and mid-air twists all require flexibility. A great at-home exercise to try is a bed push-up. Lie on your back with your head hanging over the side of the bed; let your body slide off the bed until your hands touch the floor. Lower your head to the floor, then lock your arms and do a backwards push-up.
• Perfect Your Handstands: Before you can be ready to pull off handsprings and cartwheels, you need solid handstand technique—it's the fundamental building block of advanced tumbling. Devote five to seven minutes of warm-up time every day to practicing basic handstands to maintain strength and good form.

When your child is ready for advanced tumbling, give the gift of great coaching by signing up for tumbling classes at The Victors Gymnastics. Call (585) 663-4810 for more information, or visit their website for a look at available classes and the gym schedule.