Kris thinks gymnastics classes have helped her 22-month-old son Derek progress through the stages of crawling, standing and walking. “[Gymnastics] is a huge coordination benefit, especially for our son,” she says. Together, the three of them are enrolled in the parent/tot class. The Illum daughters—Brooke, 8, and Amber, 6—are in Level 4 gymnastics at Pinnacle. The atmosphere is conducive to learning and having fun, she says, and going to practice twice a week keeps them fit. Whether children are there for fun or competition, the classes are instrumental in keeping a body healthy. Gymnastics provide muscle strength and coordination as well as balance and flexibility, says Kuchynka. Children also learn skills that they carry into other areas of their lives. In gymnastics, “You try until you get it right. It teaches you to fail and get up and try again and to never quit when it gets hard,” she says. sm
Accounting for the benefits In the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” it is recommended that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including aerobic, muscle and bone strengthening exercises. The study also advises that activity be age appropriate, fun and varied. Learn more at www.health.gov/paguidelines. According to the USA Gymnastics web site, some of the skills and health benefits achieved through gymnastics are coordination, speed, strength, precision, focus, agility, poise, rhythm and self-confidence. See www. beginheregoanywhere.com for more information.
Pinnacle Gymnastics offers a variety of classes for students at all ability levels. Other classes include Parent/Tot, Open Gym time and Adult Boot Camp. New this year is Drop and Shop on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Yoga for Adults and a New Year’s Eve party for children.