Gymnastics sometimes gets a bad rap for being a sport where one can get injured easily, but the truth is that this is more the case for athletes in high-level competitive levels. While there is always some risk of injury in any sport or activity, for younger kids who are out to play and have fun, gyms these days are designed for minimum impact and injury.
Here are some of the ways that modern gyms for kids are set up to keep your child as safe as possible.
Certified Coaches
Canada requires that all coaches have NCCP level training. If you’re considering enrolling your child in a gym, feel free to talk to the instructors first and get a feeling for how they are with the kids. Most coaches should have plenty of hands-on experience working with children. Feel free to stop into your local gym and talk to the coaches and other staff if you have questions.
Graduated Training Programs
Graduated training programs offer toddlers as young as two the opportunity to try out different gymnastics skills with their parents at their side, and children of all ages move into more advanced activities incrementally, some at different levels. This offers them an opportunity to learn more about what their body is capable of, as well as what they love to do. They will work up to try different activities very slowly, with extensive supervision and only as they are feeling comfortable and excited to do so.
Special Equipment
Specialty safety equipment and gear like bounce control trampolines, safety mats, and spotting belts are incorporated in various exercises for participants of all ages. Certain trampolines, for instance, are designed for training and have a lower bounce height as well as a net surrounding them to prevent falls. All equipment is checked regularly by gym staff to ensure the safest environment possible.
Clothing
It’s important that kids wear the right clothing in order to ensure their own safety. They may wear T-shirts and sweatpants or leotards. Clothing should not be overly loose, and hair should be tied back.
Communication
One of the wonderful things about gymnastics is that it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to learn more about what their bodies are capable of. They will be encouraged to talk about what feels comfortable for them, and this includes being reminded and checked as to whether they do anything at all that may feel slightly painful. They’ll also be taught proper warm-up exercises and cool-down routines. This is all part of the training and will help them stay safer in the long run.
The Fit for Life Group in Toronto offers a range of specialized programs to teach your children how to have fun and play safe. Your child’s safety is always the top priority. This gym offers special programs like Kinderbounce, which is designed specifically to offer kids as young as toddlers the opportunity to explore the exciting world of gymnastics in a safe and fun environment.