Checklist for Budding Gymnasts

Finding an activity that suits your child’s personality involves a necessary amount of trial and

error. In order to find their rhythm, little ones tend to jump from one extracurricular activity

to the next, which can often leave you feeling perplexed. However, if you find that your child

is full of energy, practicing cartwheels, and trying on colorful leotards, it wouldn’t hurt to

encourage a peek into the fascinating and fun world of gymnastics. Here is a comprehensive

checklist to ensure that your budding gymnast is best equipped for a new adventure!

Ensure That Your Child Is of the Correct Age

Burnout is common among children who are pushed too fiercely into a sport or cultural

activity at an early age. Children are able to start with gymnastics from as young as 18

months, provided it takes place in a "Mommy and Me" class. Older children, between the

ages of three or four, are ready to be enrolled in beginner gymnastics classes. These classes

are usually group-orientated and categorized by age. As your child improves, classes will be

grouped according to the level of ability.

Find a Reliable USAG Gym

For the best coaching, search for gyms that are certified members of USA Gymnastics, which

is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Don’t settle on the first

gym that you find, but rather search for a few in your area and make an appointment to visit

them with your little one. Gyms that are USAG members will have to meet minimum

requirements that will ensure the best possible training environment, coaches, and equipment.

Look out for the following:

A visitors' viewing area where you can see your child during class

A well-lit, clean, and adequately-equipped facility

An office manager who attends to administrative items

A gymnast-instructor ratio that seems appropriate to ensure children are being

supervised at all times

An emphasis on safety: Are instructors spotting the children? Does it seem as if there

is adequate padding throughout the gym? Are there signs describing safety procedures

and rules?

Get the Gear

One of the most exciting parts of being a gymnast is the colorful clothing followed by the

feeling of glamour in the competitive years. Once you have chosen a gym, you will need to

outfit your little one in the appropriate gear. Search for a reliable store that supplies an array

of children’s clothing and play wear. Pink Princess stocks an array of girls’ leotards suitable

for training and competition purposes. On occasion, your selected gym might host fun days or

events where flamboyant tutus or ballet flats are needed! When you have found a great store,

there will be no need to run around and search for these items. Keep in mind that most gyms

have strict clothing policies. To avoid disappointment, review these rules before purchasing

your child’s attire. Some typical expectations are:

Girls must wear a leotard

Boys are to wear a t-shirt and athletic shorts, or sweat pants that are not baggy, do not

have zippers, or anything else that could get caught on the gymnast, apparatus, or

instructor

Long hair is to be pulled back and out of the face, preferably in a bun

No jewelry is permitted

No socks are allowed to be worn, to avoid slipping

Encouraging and supporting your child is one of the best tips that anyone can offer to a

budding gymnast’s parents! Nurture your child’s passion for the sport and keep them

motivated by throwing in a new leotard or treating them to an ice-cream when they feel that

they have done well. Gymnastics is a thrilling and stimulating sport that requires dedication

and commitment, and it can be a whole lot of fun, too! Follow this checklist and be sure to

get your little one off to a great start.