Enrolling your kids in gym class not only helps them burn excess energy, but it also emphasizes the value of staying active. Children who enjoy physical fitness typically grow up to be fit adults who understand the impact exercise has on health. If your immediate plans for the little ones include dance or gymnastics classes at the local kids’ gym, help each session go smoothly with these safety tips.

Do:

Dress them in the right clothing.

Provide gym clothing that is neither too loose nor too tight. Baggy clothes can get caught in gym equipment and cause injuries, while binding outfits cut into the skin and distract your kids. Ask them if the clothes they’re wearing are comfortable before you leave the house, so they focus on their dance or gymnastics class instead of what they’re wearing.

Braid or tie hair back.

Plait long tresses or tie strands back with a ponytail holder. Braiding is generally best because it keeps the hair together instead of flying around and possibly getting stuck in equipment or hitting others. Much like the right clothes, the right hairdos help your children stay focused.

Inform the coach of any difficulties your kids have.

Talk to the coach about any health issues your children have, such as asthma or allergies. You should also mention any tumbling challenges, such as fear of doing a handstand or climbing onto the balance beam. Discuss customization options that don’t force the kids into “scary” activities while helping them overcome their anxieties.

Don’t:

Wear socks.

Have your children give their socks to you or keep them in a gym locker during dance and gymnastics classes. Socks eliminate grip and increase the risk of falls that could seriously injure your children and reduce their interest in physical fitness.

Forget to take water breaks.

Signal to your kids during class breaks to drink water. Hydration is essential to overall health and especially during sweat-inducing activities. Keep the kids “watered” to avoid dehydration symptoms and get them used to this process during exercise.

Bring them to class if they’re sick.

Let the kids stay home and rest if they are ill to avoid spreading germs throughout the gym. Children who dance or do gymnastics when they don’t feel well are also more likely to make injury-causing mistakes or worsen the sickness.

The Little Gym Of St. Charles offers dance and gymnastics classes for children up to 12 years old. Open since 1976, the gym serves St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, and Montgomery counties in Missouri, and is one of the region’s top gymnastics center. Call (636) 970-1220 today to enroll your children or review class schedules online. Get more tips on Facebook.