Gymnastics and Why Everyone Should Try It!

Six-time Olympic medalist Max Whitlock once said, “Gymnastics teaches you discipline, respect, and how to overcome challenges—skills that are valuable in all aspects of life.” Whitlock achieved milestones he had only dreamed of, including participating in the 2012 London Olympics. Gymnastics is a transformative experience that fosters physical health, mental and emotional wellness, social interaction, and cognitive development. This guide will unlock the benefits of gymnastics and explain why it is one of the most enriching activities people of all ages and skill levels will appreciate.

Physical Health

Although gymnastics offers a holistic approach, the physical benefits are greatly recognised. Educators Maggie Carroll and Jackie Hannah provided an in-depth analysis of the physical benefits of gymnastics in their book series Developing Physical Health and Well-Being Through Gymnastics. Carroll and Hannah explore how physical development changes from earlier years to adulthood. These benefits include:

• Developmental milestones (crawling, walking, running, climbing)

• Improved cardiovascular health

• Better breathing techniques

• Bone and joint health

• Weight management

• Improved sleep

Mental and Emotional Wellness

Engaging in gymnastics positively influences mental and emotional well-being. Gymnastic routines require precise movements, timing and form. Developing these skill sets help increase the focus and discipline of the participant. Think about a time when you learned a new skill. Whether you mastered it on the first try or it required practice, there was a sense of confidence that you felt to learn that skill. In gymnastics, no matter the skill level, the following factors are improved:

• Stress management

• Coping abilities

• Confidence

• Resilience

• Discipline

• Mindfulness

Social Interaction

Dr. William A. Sands, previous chairman of the U.S. Elite Coaches Association for Women's Gymnastics, conducted research on the social interaction benefits of gymnasts. Dr. Sands examined how gymnastics provides the opportunity for participants to build transferable skills that can be utilised amongst other interactions. These benefits include:

• Teamwork

• Sportsmanship

• Fair-mindedness

• Social connection

• Collaboration

• Sense of community

Cognitive Development

Several developmental milestones are a result of gymnastics. From babies learning how to sit up on their own to toddlers learning how to walk up and down a set of stairs, there is a sense of memory, focus and coordination that is developed when performing these tasks in gymnastics. Fine and gross motor skills are essential in cognitive development and are a foundation to the skills one will learn as an adult.

Whether you are considering starting your journey in gymnastics or enrolling someone else, it is important to understand how beneficial gymnastics will be as a lifelong resource. House of GPA offers a range of classes, sessions and camps for all ages. We are your “gymnastic facilities near me” option in Balham, London. If you have an enquiry, please reach out to us.

It’s not about when you begin, it’s about the excitement you’ll feel that you did!

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