About 70% of children between the ages of 6 to 12 played a team sport at least one day in the year 2018. Only about 50% played an individual sport.

While that number may be lower, it’s growing daily! In part, this is because of the growing popularity of gymnastics classes for kids.

If you’re interested in trying a class, you’re not alone! Whether you’re searching for virtual options or in-person, there is no shortage of styles. We broke down the types of classes your children can explore.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of classes children can take today. 

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1. The artistic style 

The artistic style of gymnastics is the most popular form of the sport! It’s been a regular part of the Olympics that take place every four years. In terms of competition, artistic gymnastics is typically divided between women and men. 

Women will typically compete in the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam events. Men will compete in vaults, floor exercises, and parallel bars. 

When children are first starting to practice this style they begin classes with a kids gymnastics bar and work their way up from there. This just means that they use one bar. 

Children will start to use the vault on the ground until they improve in the sport. The vault teaches children how to move in new ways by perfecting movements like splits or handsprings — before you know it, they’ll be flipping around your home.

The balance beam will also start on the ground and move higher as the child learns to balance better. 

2. Rhythmic gymnastics 

Rhythmic gymnastics incorporates elements of gymnastics, dance, and ballet. During a routine, music plays while the gymnasts use various equipment in their routine. Nothing is more fun than watching an awesome routine with good music! It’s common to see the ribbon, hoop, and rope as part of each routine. 

This style of gymnastics class can teach children to become more flexible. The use of gymnastics equipment for kids in these routines can help the children improve their hand-eye coordination. 

If parents notice that their child is interested in dance, then rhythmic gymnastics is a great way to incorporate that interest into their life. Beginners' classes will start with floor routines and move into using equipment as the child improves. 

3. Trampoline Is a newer discipline 

The trampoline has always been used in gymnastic training and classes but it has now become popular as a discipline all on its own. Can you blame anyone for this? We can’t think of a kid that doesn’t like a trampoline. Oh, and get ready parents, trampoline routines use a lot of jumps and somersaults!

Routines can be individual or in pairs. Mini trampolines made especially for gymnastics allow the various tricks to occur. A trampoline gymnastics class is a fun way for children to learn intricate tricks while improving balance as well. 

4. Tumbling gymnastics 

This style of gymnastics teaches forward rolls, cartwheels, and back handsprings. While the trampoline is used during some classes, the tumbling track is used more often.

Children 6 and up can attend these classes. While instructors will work with the children to teach them the various tricks in tumbling gymnastics, a natural sense of spatial awareness and coordination is needed to succeed. 

5. Acrobatic gymnastics is one of the hardest 

Okay parents, get ready for this one. This team sport doesn't use any of the equipment used in other gymnastic classes. Instead, a group of up to 4 people does tricks by balancing on one another. More dynamic routines include throwing, catching, and somersaults. 

Being able to use their body to create these beautiful routines requires a lot of strength and discipline. The patience and hard work that it requires is the only way to succeed in this style of gymnastics, that's why it's practiced by so few. 

6. Aerobic gymnastics focuses on shorter routines 

Aerobic is similar to acrobatic because it doesn't require the use of any equipment. The routines are a bit shorter, anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds. Routines can be done by individual gymnasts or in groups of up to 6. 

This style of gymnastics can improve strength and flexibility through floor routines. They're also just a fun way for children to stay active! 

7. Parkour is a challenge 

Parkour classes are great for children because they teach them adaptability and discipline. This area of gymnastics trains children to bypass obstacles quickly through specific movements and flips. Children will learn how to strategize and find solutions to any situation through the practice of parkour. 

8. Virtual gymnastics 

We get it — it’s not the best time to go to a gym full of kids. If you’re worried like the rest of us, just know that there are hundreds of virtual gymnastics classes available.

These virtual gymnastics classes are great beginner courses for children who are new to the sport and want to learn some of the basic moves. More specialized classes in the different disciplines of gymnastics mentioned above are also available online. 

9. Parent and children classes 

Toddlers can take gymnastic classes too! While the flips and tricks are saved for the older children, classes for parents and their toddlers are available at many gyms. 

Gymnastics can help toddlers start to learn balance and coordination as they grow. The padded floors will keep them safe as well. These classes will help toddlers learn the necessary motor skills for their development as well as social skills they'll need in life. 

Try a gymnastics class today!  

If your little one seems interested in gymnastics, there are so many styles to choose from. We can tell you now — if your child is running and jumping around your home, it may be a good idea to explore a class!