Key Takeaways
- Gymnastics supports your child’s physical and mental development by building strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control.
- Children can start from as young as 18 months with parent-assisted movement classes and progress to structured programmes.
- This introduction to gymnastics explains the different types, class structure, and how to get started in Singapore
If you have a child who loves to climb, jump, or spin around the house, gymnastics might be just the activity to channel that energy in a fun and productive way. But for many parents, it is not immediately clear what gymnastics is or how to get started.
This article offers a simple, parent-friendly introduction to gymnastics, from the types of classes your child may attend to what happens in a typical session. Whether your little one is just learning to walk or already flipping off the sofa, gymnasium classes can offer them a safe, engaging environment to grow.
What Is Gymnastics?
Gymnastics is a movement-based sport that focuses on developing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control. It includes a wide range of activities such as rolling, jumping, swinging, tumbling, and balancing. These movements are not just about having fun (though they are!); they also help children build awareness of how their bodies move in space.
Understanding what gymnastics is takes more than just knowing the moves. It is about recognising how the sport supports a child’s whole development. The discipline, focus, and physical confidence built in the gym can carry over into other areas, such as schoolwork, sports, and social settings.
Types of Gymnastics Kids Might Encounter
Gymnastics can be practised in various ways, depending on proficiency, interest, and other factors. Here are three common types your child might try in Singapore:
Artistic Gymnastics
This is the image most people get when they think of what gymnastics is. Children perform routines on equipment such as the balance beam, bars, and floor mats. It helps improve core strength, posture, and body control through structured movement sequences.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
More common amongst girls, this style combines dance and gymnastics using props like ribbons, hoops, or balls. It develops grace, musicality, and fine motor coordination.
Recreational Gymnastics
These are non-competitive gymnasium classes that prioritise fun and general physical development. Children practise basic skills, explore movement, and gain confidence without the pressure of scoring or performing. Recreational classes are ideal for younger children or those trying the sport for the first time.
No matter which type your child starts with, each is designed to promote movement, agility, and self-awareness.
What Age Can My Child Start Gymnastics?
Children can start as young as 18 months with parent-assisted movement classes, where a parent joins in to guide and support basic activities like crawling, climbing, and balancing. These sessions are not about performing tricks; they help toddlers build trust, spatial awareness, and gross motor skills through play.
From around ages 3 to 5, children can transition into more structured beginner gymnasium classes. These classes are tailored to young learners and focus on listening skills, coordination, and simple routines. As your child grows, they can move into more advanced levels depending on their interest and ability.
Starting young can help develop a strong foundation, but it is never too late to join. Many primary school children in Singapore enjoy gymnastics for fun, fitness, and confidence-building.
What Happens in a Typical Class?
Every gymnastics class is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child to explore movement freely. Most sessions begin with warm-ups and stretching to prepare the body. Children then rotate through stations that include basic tumbling, balancing on beams, jumping on trampolines, or practising simple routines on floor mats.
Classes end with cool-down activities and a review of what they practised. Instructors adjust the difficulty level based on each child’s ability, and encouragement is always a key part of the learning process. Whether your child is working on their first roll or mastering a handstand, they will be supported every step of the way.
Some centres in Singapore also offer a gym trial, where your child can experience what gymnastics is before committing to a regular programme. This is a great way to see if they enjoy the activity and feel comfortable in the space.
With a clearer picture of what gymnastics is, you can see how it offers far more than just physical activity. It builds strength, confidence, discipline, and above all, body control—skills that support children both inside and outside the gym.
At BearyFun Gym, we offer a wide range of exciting gymnastics programmes for children of all ages and skill levels. From parent-assisted movement classes for toddlers to structured beginner and intermediate gymnasium classes, our goal is to help every child thrive through movement.
If you are based in the east, be sure to check out our Pasir Ris gym, our first in-mall outlet that offers a friendly, well-equipped space for young learners.
To learn more about our programmes and facilities, please contact us today.
