This has been reviewed and updated on 2/18/2021.

Preschool sets the stage for all future academic endeavors. As a result, you want to give your child the best head start possible. Enrolling a preschooler in a gymnastics program or other physical activity can have a surprising impact on academic ability.  Here’s more about how fitness can affect your child’s education.

Which Academic Areas Are Impacted by Gymnastic Activities?

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, multiple academic areas are positively affected by physical activity. Students who participated in fitness activities saw improvements in cognition, achievement, concentration, self-esteem, memory skills, and verbal ability. Additionally, kids who are physically active also exhibited better classroom behavior.

How Do Children Benefit From Exercise?

Children benefit the most from exercising for at least one hour a day, starting early in their development, when they're most willing to try new activities. Staying active promotes growth and development and enhances their cardiovascular health. 

Activities like gymnastics stimulate the body and mind, improving hand-eye coordination. Physical activities also enhance children's attention span, learning, and problem-solving skills. Those benefits extend to school performance, leading to higher test results and improved homework grades. Exercise also creates a strong foundation, with many children remaining active into adulthood. 

Beyond the physical development benefits, active children are also more outgoing. Gymnastics is a social sport where children work and communicate to meet the same group goals. They'll develop a sense of belonging, especially benefiting children who often play alone. The social elements of exercise help them develop friendships, while the physical aspects improve their self-confidence.

What Happens When School Fitness Programs Are Lacking?

Many schools are forced to cut programs due to a lack of funding. Physical education and arts are often the first to go, making it crucial for parents to seek out alternatives. Helping kids find an extra-curricular physical activity early can give them a leg up when school programs fail. For example, gymnastics are a great way for preschool kids to participate in organized physical activity while also having fun. Alternatives for older kids include sports and ballet.

If you’re in search of ways for your preschooler to be more active, contact The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, Inc. Their preschool gymnastics courses are a great way to introduce your child to this fun activity, while also ensuring they’re getting the right amount of fitness activity in their daily lives. This Penfield, NY, gymnastics center also offers a fit-by-five program, which combines academic learning with physical activity. Call (585) 388-8686 today to learn more about enrollment, or visit their website for more information on programs.