Ray Johnson

Kids Gymnastics – Where to go? Who’s the Best?

We know that for many parents, finding a fun, energetic outlet for their little ones that also builds strength, flexibility, and confidence can be hard. But guess what? We’ve got the perfect solution for you – gymnastics!

You may be asking yourself, “Where should I take my kids for this? Well, we’ve been looking about and turning around the globe of children’s gymnastics, and now we’re ready to share our impressive guide. And guess what? Skylark Sports Gymnastics, one of the most beloved gyms in the area, is on our list!

So stay tuned!

Basic Gymnastics Skills for Beginners

You might think, “Gymnastics is tough!” and you’re not wrong. But don’t let that scare you away! Just like learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes, it all starts with the basics. The goal of learning basic gymnastics techniques is to lay a solid foundation for later, more complex moves. And we’re here to take you in the right direction. So, here are the five basic skills every aspiring gymnast should master:

Forward Roll

Forward rolls are one of the most basic and fundamental techniques in gymnastics. First, stand straight. Then tuck your head in and push forward. Roll like a little bug on your back and then, pop! You’re standing again. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Cartwheel

Learning cartwheels might be tough, but if you want to raise your game as a gymnast it’s something you should practice on. It’s an essential linking manoeuvre that, if mastered, will take your gymnastics to the next level. tart by placing your hands on the ground, one after the other. Then, kick your feet over your head, one at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be doing cartwheels all day long!

Handstand

An crucial aspect of any gymnasts abilities, handstands help build strength and balance for dozens of other movements. Handstands help improve strength in your shoulders and prepare you for stronger stunts. Start with your hands on the ground and kick your feet up. Don’t worry if you can’t hold it for long. It gets easier with practice, we promise!

Bridge

A bridge is when you are in a wheel pose with your back arched supporting yourself on your arms and legs. This trick helps lead you into doing; kickovers and back handsprings. To do it, lie down on your back, push up with your hands and feet, and curve your belly towards the sky. It’s a great way to stretch your body and look like a super cool gymnast.

Backbend

Backbends are a fun and graceful motion that extends your back, opens up your chest, and looks wonderful when done correctly. Work your way up, beginning with simple stretches and then practicing your bridge. Soon, you’ll be back-bending on the wall, first with a spotter, then on your own. This trick prepares you for more difficult techniques such as back handsprings. This requires not only a lot of strength, but also a lot of flexibility in the back and legs.

Where to Enroll in Kids’ Gymnastics

Is your child always hopping around, jumping on the furniture, or trying somersaults in the backyard? Maybe it’s time to consider enrolling them in a gymnastics class. inding the right gymnastics class for your child can be a bit of a balancing act (pun intended!). You want a place that’s safe, fun, professional, and just right for your kiddo’s skill level. And with so many options out there, it can get a bit confusing. But hey, don’t sweat it! We’ve done the research for you. So, here are the top ten best gyms the provide the best kids gymnastics classes you can enroll your kids at!

Skylark Sports

On the top of our list is no other than Skylark Sports, a Melbourne-based kids gym that’s all about fun, safety, and learning. This isn’t your average gym; it’s a place where kids may cartwheel, roll, flip, and even fall in a safe and controlled atmosphere. The team at Skylark Sports uses gymnastics, acrobatics, and ninja training to teach kids how to move their bodies in a fun, challenging, and safe way.

This organisation serves as a hub for a range of classes for children and teenagers. They provide a variety of programs that are not only enjoyable but also beneficial to children’s overall development. Let’s dive into the details of these classes:

BabyGym (For ages 1-2 years): This is a guided movement program for babies and toddlers. It’s a safe and enjoyable place where children may explore and grow alongside their parents. The focus is on fundamental movement activities that lay the groundwork for healthy brain development and an active lifestyle. It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to meet other parents in the area.
KinderGym (For ages 2-5 years): KinderGym is an ideal first sports class. It offers several chances for children to learn, play, develop, and explore in a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable setting. The program emphasises gymnastics skills, fundamental movement skills, cross-patterning, brain development exercises, and more.
Gymnastics (For ages 5-17 years): This non-competitive, skill-based program is intended to build confidence in children and foster a lifelong love of exercise. It offers children the chance to develop skills on the floor, bars, beam, and trampoline.
Ninja (For ages 5-17 years): Parkour, gymnastics, trampolining, and ninja training are all included in the Ninja class. It’s a high-energy program that encourages children to overcome in-class challenges to build physical skills, discipline, respect, and character. In a friendly and nurturing environment, Ninjas learn to focus, have fun, and get healthy.
Tumbling (For ages 9-17 years): This program is specifically developed for athletes wanting to learn floor and trampoline tumbling skills like back flips and front saults. It provides a progressive and secure learning environment without demanding a significant time investment. It’s perfect to supplement other sports such as cheerleading or dance, or great for retiring gymnasts or acrobats who want to maintain their skills and fitness.
Competitive Acrobatics (For ages 5+): Acrobatic gymnastics is a discipline that blends classical gymnastics’ power, flexibility, and agility with the grace and beauty of dance and the thrill and excitement of the circus. Routines include individual gymnastics elements, group pyramids, and dynamic throws, all tied together with synchronised and harmonious dance moves. It’s a program for athletes wanting to participate in regular competitions.

To know more about the classes they offer, visit their official website here: https://skylarksports.com.au/

Tumbleweeds

Let’s talk about the wonderful world of Tumbleweeds Gymnastics! This is a place where kids of all ages can learn, grow, and have fun. Each session they offer is intended to help kids develop their motor skills and introduce them to the fascinating world of gymnastics. They provide a variety of kids gymnastics classes for various age groups.

Parent/Child Classes (Ages 0-3): These classes are all about bonding and learning together. Parents take part with their young children while being supervised by an instructor. The classes are structured around an obstacle course that helps develop basic gross motor skills and introduces beginner gymnastics. The classes are divided into three age groups: Sprouts (6 months to 15 months), Baby Breaths (1-2 years), and Rose Buds (2-3 years).
Sweet Peas (Ages 3-5): An instructor will lead kids through a fun-filled experience in this lesson. It also features an obstacle course designed to support basic gross motor skills and beginner gymnastics. The only requirement? The little gymnasts must be potty trained!
PreTumble (Ages 5-6): Children will be introduced to the Floor, Bars, Beam, and Vault activities as part of this the lessons. It’s a great way for kids to get a taste of the different aspects of gymnastics.
Recreational Classes (Ages 6-16): These programs offer an enjoyable introduction to physical fitness and gymnastics. Kids will learn skills in tumbling and the four gymnastics events: floor, bars, beam, and vault.
Ninja Warrior (Ages 6 and above): Boys and girls who wish to learn how to manoeuvre through obstacle courses that include rock climbing, the salmon ladder, and the well-known bent wall should enroll in this session. It’s an exciting and challenging class that combines gymnastics with elements of the popular Ninja Warrior TV show.
USA Gymnastics Competitive Team: This is the competitive program at Tumbleweeds. For gifted gymnasts, it provides a stimulating experience and trains levels 1 through 10. However, this is a try-out/invite program only.

Once you’ve found the program that suits your child, you’ll need to complete the enrollment form and pay a deposit to secure your child’s spot. Remember, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t delay!

Reach them out here: https://www.tumbleweedsgym.net/

New Wave Gymnastics

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, New Wave Gymnastics has a class for you.

Level 1 Girls Gymnastics Class: Girls who are new to gymnastics and are between the ages of 5 12 and 17 should enrol in this class. The class focuses on the basics, teaching a set of fundamental gymnastics skills. The vault, uneven bar, balancing beam, and floor are just a few of the equipment used to hone these skills. The class aims to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Additionally, it helps build confidence, which is important in gymnastics. Once the girls master these skills, they can progress to the intermediate level.
Intermediate Girls Gymnastics Class: This class is the next step up from Level 1. The same aspects of balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, body awareness, and self-assurance are still emphasised. However, the skills taught are a bit more advanced, and they’re also practised on the vault, uneven bar, balance beam, and floor. The girls are prepared to go to Level 2 once they have mastered these intermediate skills.
Level 2 Girls Gymnastics Class: This class is for those who have successfully completed the Intermediate class and are ready for more challenging gymnastics skills. Balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, body awareness, and confidence continue to be the major goals. The skills are practised on the same apparatuses, but they’re more advanced. After mastering these skills, the girls can move on to the advanced level.

Visit their official website: http://www.newwavegymnastics.com/

Melbourne Gym Sports

Have you ever wondered about the exciting world of Aerobic Gymnastics? Well, Melbourne Gym Sports is the perfect place to start. They provide a wide range of classes to accommodate students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Aerobic Gymnastics Classes: These classes are the heart and soul of Melbourne Gym Sports. TThey provide a variety of programs for everyone, from young children to adults and from novice to expert athletes. The best part? The classes are small, which means each participant gets plenty of attention and guidance from the team of highly qualified and experienced coaches.
Competitive Programs: FMelbourne Gym Sports offers competitive gymnastics programs for people who are more serious about their gymnastics adventure. These are designed for athletes who are ready to compete at various levels – state, national, or even international. So, if you’ve got the skills and the drive, this could be your chance to shine!
Personalised Attention: One of the best things about Melbourne Gym Sports is the personalised attention each participant receives. With a cap on the number of students in each class, the coaches can meet the needs of each child. So, whether your child is a budding gymnast or just looking for a fun way to stay active, they’ll get the support and guidance they need.
Free Trial Class: Not sure if Aerobic Gymnastics is the right fit for you or your child? No problem! Classes at Melbourne Gym Sports can be tried out for free. This is a fantastic chance to learn more about Aerobic Gymnastics and determine whether your child wants to pursue it.

Contact them here: https://www.melbournegymsports.com.au/

Infinity Gymnastics & Dance

Infinity Gymnastics & Dance, nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s South East, is a place where fitness, gymnastics, and dance coalesce into a harmonious symphony. They have been fusing rhythmic gymnastics and dance for more than three decades, creating an exciting and safe learning environment for kids of all ages.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Infinity Gymnastics & Dance offers:

A vast range of fitness, gymnastics, and dance disciplines
Rhythmic gymnastics classes that combine the grace of ballet with the skill of apparatus manipulation
A diverse dance program that includes tap, lyrical, jazz, modern, musical theatre, ballet, and contemporary
Experienced teachers and coaches who guide students with skill and encouragement
Training methods that are appropriate for each child’s age and skill level
A focus on broadening students’ musical appreciation
Programs that enhance spatial awareness and develop fine and gross motor skills
Fun, age-specific, and engaging themes that capture the children’s imagination

Visit them here: https://infinitygymdance.com.au/

Bentleigh McKinnon Gymnastics Club

Bentleigh McKinnon Gymnastics Club offers the best kids gymnastics classes, each designed to cater to different ages and skill levels. Here’s a rundown of what they have to offer:

Recreational Classes for Ages 5 and Up

The focus of these classes is on having a great time while learning new things. They’re designed to accommodate gymnasts of various ages and abilities, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone. TThese lessons are offered by the club on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Competition Groups for Ages 6 and Up

These classes, which emphasise level development, are a little more challenging. They’re designed for those who are ready to take their gymnastics to the next level. The gymnasts in these groups participate in competitions throughout the year, working as a team with their fellow gymnasts.

To know more about their class offerings, reach them out in their official website: https://www.bmgc.org.au/

Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club (Kids Gym)

Fishermans Bend Gymnastics Club, a community-managed, not-for-profit organisation, is a beacon of hope for many local children and teenagers. Children as young as two are welcome at the club, which offers both recreational and competitive gymnastics. What’s even more impressive is that the club’s doors are open to all, regardless of a family’s financial situation.

The club’s activities focus on total development rather than simply gymnastics. Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer:

Coordination Development: The programs help children improve their coordination, a crucial skill in gymnastics and everyday life.
Balance Training: Balance is a key component in gymnastics, and the club’s programs emphasise honing this ability.
Strength Building: The classes help kids build their strength, boosting their gymnastic abilities and overall fitness.
Muscular Endurance: The exercises are made to increase muscle endurance, which is important in gymnastics.

Here’s their official website: https://southmelbournecommunitychest.org.au/grant/fbgc/

Bugs Gymnastics

BUGS Gymnastics is a place where people of all ages can come to learn, play, and stay fit. They provide a variety of programs tailored to various age groups and skill levels. Here’s a list of some of the programs they provide:

KinderGym: This program is perfect for the little ones. It’s intended to help children improve their motor skills and coordination in a pleasant and safe setting.
KinderGym Casual Play Day: This is a more relaxed version of the KinderGym program. It’s a day when kids can come and play at their own pace, free of the constraints of a typical class.
Recreational Gymnastics: This program is designed for anyone who want to learn gymnastics in a relaxed setting. It’s all about having fun and learning new skills.
Intermediate Program: The Intermediate Program is the best option for gymnasts who have learnt the fundamentals and wish to advance their abilities.
Holiday Program: During the school holidays, BUGS Gymnastics runs a special program full of fun activities to keep kids entertained and active.

So, whether you’re a toddler just starting to explore movement or a teenager looking to hone your gymnastics skills, BUGS Gymnastics has a program for you. It’s all about having fun, staying active, and learning new skills. So why not try it out? Visit them on their official website: https://www.bugsgymnastics.com/

Pulse Gymnastics

Pulse Gymnastics is a place where dreams are possible and potential can be realised. They believe in the power of gymnastics to shape lives and build strong, confident individuals. They offer a variety of programs for children of all ages and abilities, from tiny tots to teens and even adults! Here are their kids gymnastics classes offerings:

Baby Gymnastics: This is where the journey begins! For little ones aged four months to two years, this program is a great way to introduce them to the world of gymnastics.
Junior Gymnastics: This program, designed for children ages two to six, focuses on developing core abilities and instilling a love of the sport.
General Gymnastics: This program is for children aged seven to 11 years. It’s all about honing skills and preparing for the next level.
Teen Gymnastics: This program, designed for kids aged 12 to 16, helps them polish their skills and take their gymnastics to new heights.
Development Gymnastics: This program is for children aged five to eight years who show a keen interest and potential in gymnastics.
Competitive Gymnastics: This is an excellent program for those who are ready to face the challenge of competitive gymnastics.

But that’s not all! Pulse Gymnastics also offers casual play sessions for kids aged five years and younger. It’s a terrific opportunity for children to have fun and burn off some energy in a safe, supervised atmosphere.

So what are you waiting for? Contact them now!

https://pulsegymnastics.com.au/

Team Adrenalin

Finally, let’s talk about a place where young athletes may grow, succeed, and have a blast. It’s called Team Adrenalin, and it’s one of the top Acrobatic Gymnastics clubs in Melbourne. Whatever your age or ability level, they have classes for you. Let’s explore what they have to offer:

Recreational Gymnastics: This is perfect for beginners to advanced learners. Having fun while learning the essentials of gymnastics is the main goal.
Kinda Gym: Got a little one at home? This class is for kids aged 10 months to 5 years. It’s never too early to start!
Warrior Squad: This is for the slightly older kids, aged 6-12. It’s all about channeling that inner warrior and having a great time.
Competitive Acrobatic Gymnastics: Ready to take things to the next level? The class, which covers levels 1 through international of acrobatic gymnastics, is for individuals who desire to compete.
Performance Teams: These are for junior, intermediate, and senior performers. If you’ve got a flair for the dramatic, this is your stage.
Open Age Acrobatics: Beginners and intermediate students ages 14 and up are welcome in this class. It’s never too late to start learning acrobatics!

Reach them out here: https://www.teamadrenalin.com/

What is the youngest a child can start gymnastics?

Gymnasts can start their training as early as age 2. Children at that age have not yet established a fear of falling, which explains why they begin at such an early age. As a result, the child begins to acquire muscle memory at a young age, which enables them to succeed while they are still young.

What are the benefits of kids gymnastics?

Kids gymnastics offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, increased strength and flexibility, enhanced coordination and balance, improved self-confidence, discipline, and the opportunity to make new friends and have fun.

How often should kids attend gymnastics classes?

The amount of times a child attends gymnastics lessons depends on their age, level of ability, and personal objectives. Beginners often start with one or two classes per week, while more advanced gymnasts may attend three to five classes per week to further develop their skills.