The right choice for your child: Gymnastics or Tumbling?

Does your child always have the urge to move, jump, spin or tumble around all the time? If yes, then we've got just the suitable suggestions for you. The reason you're here is that you were looking for the right decision as to whether you should enroll your child in gymnastics or tumbling? 

What is tumbling?

Tumbling is performed and practiced on a long spring runway. It does not involve using any equipment, unlike gymnastics. The only thing needed while tumbling is a track and a soft yoga or exercise mat for safety purposes. Tumbling requires a great amount of strength. This is why it is preferred at an older age.

What is gymnastics? 

Gymnastics is the activity or form of exercise that involves rolling, moving, spinning, etc. It is helpful when it comes to the building of:

• Strength 
• Stability
• Endurance
• Speed 
• Fitness

Gymnastics makes the body fit and flexible. It is a complex and broad type of exercise as it involves various events and movements of the body. However, children can practice it at an early or young age. Gymnastics does not require a great deal of energy to perform. However, it is incomplete without the use of equipment. One must have the right equipment to perform gymnastics. Therefore, it is safe to say that all tumbling is gymnastics, but not all gymnastics is tumbling.

Which discipline is suitable for your child?

The first thing to be considered before choosing the appropriate activity for your child should be their wishes and goals. A parent must always priorities their child's preference. Once it is decided what the child wants to pursue, the following points must be kept in mind:

• The age of the child:
•  Age is a factor that intervenes when it comes to tumbling. Tumbling is performable for a child aged 5 or 6 as it requires more extraordinary skills and energy.
•  It is safe for toddlers to perform gymnastics as there isn't a need to invest a great deal of energy into it.
• The experience of the child: 
• Yes, experience plays a role when it comes to tumbling. Tumbling requires prior experience in gymnastics. 
• When it comes to gymnastics, one can take a fresh start without having zero experience.
• Tumbling is arduous: 
• Learning how to tumble is far more complicated than performing gymnastics.
•  Tumbling requires prior experience in gymnastics. 
• It also requires excellent use of energy, time, and practice to learn how to tumble.

Summing Up

To sum it up, both gymnastics and tumbling are common sport and help with the flexibility and activeness of your child. They also help with mental and physical growth. However, both require a series of practice, effort, and energy. Therefore, parents should always choose the best gym for their children to learn any of the two activities. The final decision should always be the child's, or else the child will not be devoted to the activity.

If you're looking for fun activities and exercise programs for your kids and teens reach out to us at Gantry Kids & Teens in New York. We're looking forward to working with you and your kids. Whether a novice or elite athlete, we got you covered with classes, after school, camps, the occasional Saturday night, private training or even celebrating a special event. We’re Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! Contact us today.