Depending on the age and interest of their child, parents look for different features from a gymnastics class or program. So what should they be thinking about, looking for, and advising their children as they search? We knew just who to ask: the master teachers at the most popular gymnastics and pre-gymnastics programs in the city.
FOR LITTLE KIDS
On trying new skills: “The one thing I always repeat to my budding pre-K gymnasts is to never say, ‘I can’t do it.’ Instead, say, ‘I’ll try.’ All new skills are hard at first, but once you try it for the very first time, you’ll get an idea what it should feel like. And from there, it’s only going to get easier!” –Amalia-Rosa Cepero, Gymnastics Coordinator at 74th St. MAGIC
On developing at your own rate: “For toddlers, we encourage parents to embrace their children’s daring and to focus on more complex gross motor skills. Examples would be: jumping by springing forward (children tend to jump in place before they can spring forward); balancing by placing one foot over another as opposed to shuffling feet; and bilateral coordination, which is climbing by using both sides of the body in conjunction. Overall, the most important thing I stress to my parents is that all children develop at their own rate. Parents should encourage them as best they can by following their lead and trying to turn their play into a meaningful learning experience whenever possible.” –Michele Rutch, Senior Teacher at Gymboree
On confidence: “Everyone knows gymnastics is fun for children, but it really is about much more. Especially with the younger kids, it’s more than just the physical strength. Gymnastics has mental and emotional benefits that really prepare toddlers and younger kids for their coming school years, since gymnastics class can be the first time a lot of children get to practice focus, set goals, follow directions, and really feel they’ve accomplished something. They develop confidence every day in gymnastics, from their first forward roll without any help to getting over their fear of walking on the high beam.” –Felix Ali and Marvin Myers, Coaches at Columbus Gym
On structure and exploration: “City life can be limiting in terms of space; city children may not always get the opportunities to develop physically as they [might] in suburban areas. Finding a space where your child can explore, practice, walk, or even be exposed to other children at different physical developmental stages is important. When beginning your search in finding a gym for your child, you’ll want to make sure that there’s a class balance of structure and exploration. This will allow your child a chance to take risks and problem solve independently, but with a portion of structured class time preparing them for when they move into pre-school.” –Jenn Plaisance, Head Coach at The Little Gym of Manhattan
FOR BIG KIDS
On non-competitive vs. competitive programs: There is no better sport than gymnastics to prepare children for a love of movement and a lifetime of fitness. Gymnastics is the ultimate building block and foundation of every sport. Children who participate in gymnastics develop balance, focus, coordination, strength, and flexibility. My advice? Have your preschool through elementary school child learn gymnastics in a program that is non-competitive, fun, developmentally sound, and focused on the child as a whole. If your child desires a more competitive environment, there is plenty of opportunity later on. –Keri Nagele Patterson, Program Director at Jodi’s Gym
On eating well: “Young gymnasts need to recognize the importance of their diet and how it directly relates to their performance, especially at a competitive level. A strong understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits can optimize a gymnast’s workout and practice, while helping him or her maintain a healthy body image. Practicing healthy eating habits from a young age sets the foundation for a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime!” –Haley Blair, Gymnastics Team Director at Gymtime Rhythm & Glues
On having fun: “For kids who are starting to take gymnastics more seriously, the main thing is to still enjoy it. All that leaping, and jumping, and tumbling—it’s fun stuff. The higher they climb, the harder and more serious it’s going to get. So you don’t want them to lose the fun factor as they start to move into more serious programs. They won’t want to continue. Let them have fun.” –Natalie Planes, Gym Program Manager at Asphalt Green
On the bond between coach and athlete: “Children bond with adult figures. Unlike teachers who change year to year, a coach can last for many years. So make sure you see how the coaches interact with the kids. Is it the type of interaction you, as a parent, like? In the same vein, it’s great to look for a program that your child can grow up with and compete at many levels—recreational, competitive, and elite. Make sure your coaches are experienced. Many coaches can teach a child skills or how to win; having enough experience to know how to counsel a child when they lose is what you pay for in good coaching.” –Hector Salazar, Assistant Director of Gymnastics at Chelsea Piers New York
On floor performance: “First achieve the proper form and techniques before working on harder skills. A gymnast’s floor performance should continuously flow; each element should smoothly link to the next move. It must have good body carriage, alignment, beautiful line, grace, and elegance—and emotionally to touch the audience with intensity of feeling. Keep the head up and shoulders back. Stay tall before and after each gymnastics move. Keep the neck long and smile. Gymnasts should show a passion for their routine and their love of gymnastics.” –Veronica Capota Bellamy, Gymnastics Coach at Discovery Programs
On the balance beam: “There are so many benefits children gain through balancing on the beam. It works on coordination, and it takes positive thinking to master the skill. Working on the beam can benefit athletes in any sport because it enhances stability, balance, control, and core strength. In addition, the balance beam is something children can begin to do as soon as they have mastered walking, so it’s an apparatus that can benefit toddlers to teens and beyond.” –Katie Johnson, Program Director at My Gym UWS
FOR ALL AGES
On the many benefits: “You don’t need to be an Olympic-bound athlete to appreciate the wonderful qualities of this sport. Children joining a gymnastics class for the first time are not only going to be learning how to control their body through balance, twisting, jumping, and spatial awareness, but they also will be walking away with a greater understanding of listening skills, overcoming fears of trying new movements, and gaining a sense of accomplishment. This connection between mind and body development lasts a lifetime and spreads into all sports.” –Katera Noviello, Director of the Children’s Physical Education & Gymnastics Department at 92Y
And to read about the newest gym for kids in the city, click here.
