You may not have a room full of gymnastics equipment, but your child can still practice at home. There are many ways your little one can work on what they learned in class. To help your child improve their gymnastics skills, take the following steps.

How to Improve Outside of Gymnastics Classes

1. Set Goals Together

Setting goals is an essential life skill that your child should practice, from academics to athletics. Ask what short- and long-term achievements they want to accomplish in their gymnastics classes. For example, they might want to perfect their cartwheels by the end of the month, or make a new friend by the end of the year.

2. Practice Basic Exercises

While you can’t practice anything that requires instructors or special equipment, there are beneficial exercises to do at home. Your child can practice jumps, leaps, splits, handstands, turns, and sprinting, all of which improve a gymnast’s essential skills.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet will ensure your child has the energy to practice and learn new moves and routines. Make sure they get plenty of essential nutrients every day from lean proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables and fruits high in vitamins. It’s important they also drink lots of water throughout the day, especially while exercising.

4. Do Conditioning Exercises

Gymnasts need to strengthen every muscle in their body to vault, pull, and hold themselves in a variety of positions. Conditioning exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, calf-raises, and planks are all excellent ways to build muscle at home.

5. Ask Their Instructors

Nobody knows your child’s progress like their teachers. After class, ask their gymnastics instructor what your child needs to work on at home. You'll receive good starting points on improving their gymnastics skills outside of the arena.

When you’re looking for an activity where your child can have fun while building physical skills, sign them up for classes at The Little Gym of St. Charles. Serving families throughout St. Charles, St. Louis, Lincoln, Montgomery, and Warren counties, this kid’s gymnastics center offers engaging classes from parent-child lessons to grade school. Your child will develop strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and social skills in a clean and welcoming environment. Call (636) 970-1220 to ask about enrollment or schedule a tour. Visit them online to browse available gymnastics and dance classes.