Staying physically fit can be rather difficult to do in today’s modern world…for both adults and children. With the Internet just a click away on a phone or tablet, more children than ever are choosing to remain indoors instead of getting active. Adults, similarly, can struggle to balance day-to-day obligations with healthy aerobic activity. This is one of many issues a gymnastics class can solve. Providing a set schedule and supportive community, gymnastic classes for adults and for children can offer an ideal balance for those who want to focus more on their physical health.
The art of gymnastics dates back as many as 2,000 years ago. It’s evolved over the years across dozens of countries, but many of the core foundations have remained the same. Anthropologists have found evidence of gymnastic games in ancient Greece, with similar sports in other countries like China and France. These, much like their modern incarnations, put a great emphasis on discipline, strength and intense focus. A gymnastic class for kids offers the same model altered to suit the needs of children who aren’t receiving the fitness they need to thrive.
Just one out of three children receive their daily recommended amount of exercise. A common reason for this is the ease of access provided by entertainment, that of which is perfectly fine in small doses but potentially unhealthy in excess. A sedentary lifestyle can increase an individual’s risk for developing heart disease, a debilitating condition that leads to heart attack, heart failure or stroke. A child’s mental and emotional health can also be compromised when they’re not regularly exposed to positive social environments. When exercise is proven to reduce anxiety and encourage stability, a class can provide multiple benefits in one.
Children need to exercise regularly to encourage healthy muscle and bone development. The American Academy Of Pediatrics suggests children between the ages of two and five could benefit not just from the physical strain, but the fine motor skills that come with the field of gymnastics. These include tumbling, running, jumping, throwing, climbing and catching. It’s thought children will spend up to seven hours per day in front of a screen. Even just one hour (as determined by the U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services) could do wonders for their physical and emotional well-being.
Adults have different physical needs than children, but will still benefit from regular gymnastic courses. It’s recommended even busy adults devote 20 to 30 minutes per day to intense aerobic activity to encourage a healthy heart, balanced blood pressure and consistent mental wellness. Gymnastic classes for adults can provide beginner courses for those just starting out or more advanced coaching for those interested in taking their studies further. An individual can expect to jog, run, dance or swim depending on the type of class they sign up for. Gymnastic classes for adults is also a wonderful way to meet like-minded people.
Schools regularly provide rigorous gymnastic classes for their students, making it easy for parents to encourage their children to exercise while keeping school firmly in mind. Over 80% of schools in the United States have cheerleading squads and the number of participants over the age of six participating in gymnastics reached five million four years ago. For the more artistically inclined, some gymnastic classes put emphasis on dance or ballet. It’s estimated 90% of all female cheerleaders were also former gymnasts, giving this investment plenty of crossover potential.
Whether you want to try local gymnastics classes yourself or encourage your children to step out of the house more, there’s plenty to be gained from this ancient marriage between exercise and discipline.
