Gymnastics and cheerleading are two sports that involve tumbling. These activities are excellent ways for children and teens to stay motivated and active. If you’re considering encouraging your child to take up a tumbling extracurricular, you may come across these two options. Although they involve many of the same tricks, these sports have many differences. To help you pick the best option for your little one, here’s a guide to some of the ways gymnastics and cheer differ.

Gymnastics Vs. Cheerleading

1. Choreography Style

When they’re not wowing the crowd with their flips and tricks, both gymnasts and cheerleaders implement dance segments into their routines. For example, you may have seen gymnasts perform a dance-like number to music on padded flooring during the Olympics. The way these athletes dance, however, is very different. Gymnasts base their movements on ballet, a traditional art form that compiles centuries’ worth of technique. Cheerleaders incorporate much more contemporary dance styles into their choreography, such as hip-hop and modern dance.

2. Role

Most of the time, cheerleaders are a supplementary aspect of a sporting event, meant to encourage players and the crowd. Gymnasts, however, take a primary role in their sport, having their own spectators at various competitions. As they work their way up in the field, a gymnast may eventually compete in the ultimate spotlight—the Olympic team. While there are championships for cheerleading, the sport is not included in the Olympics.

3. Ending Poses

You can also tell the difference between a gymnast and a cheerleader by observing how they end their stunts. Whether they’re flipping on the beam or somersaulting off the vault, gymnasts will raise their hands over their heads, arch their backs, and look upward when they finish, signaling that they’ve “stuck” the landing. By comparison, cheerleaders finish their flips with their chin down and their arms at their sides.

If you want to enroll your child in a gymnastics class, turn to Top Flight Gymnastics. Based in Columbia, MD, this gym is proud to teach girls and boys the art of tumbling. Their 20,000 square foot facility has everything your child needs to learn essential skills and excel. They even provide pathways for competitive teams. Learn more about their recreational classes online or call (410) 992-1600 to schedule a tour of the facility.