Gymnastics is a fantastic physical activity for kids of all ages and abilities.

Even if your child isn’t athletic, is too shy, or doesn’t get into group activities, getting them out of their comfort zones may turn out to be exactly what they need to build self-confidence.

Kids who try gymnastics have a great time and often surprise

themselves with their capabilities. That’s a pretty great feeling, forboth of you, and there are a lot of other wonderful benefits too.

Let’s jump into five ways that gymnastics helps your kids be happier and healthier.

1. Gymnastics gives kids regular exercise.

Every child needs regular exercise. While some kids are naturally active, others are natural-born couch potatoes. Regardless of your kids’ tendencies, regular, structured exercise is the best way to make sure your kids are getting the right kind of physical activity that will help them be physically fit, develop strong muscles, bones and immune systems, and reduce their chances of developing diabetes or other chronic diseases.

2. Gymnastics develops endurance, strength and flexibility and with those things comes self-confidence and self-esteem.

Children who are naturally strong might not be flexible. Kids who are naturally fast may not be strong. By developing endurance, strength and flexibility, kids are able to reach their potential.

3. Gymnastics helps kids make new friends.

Once your kids come home from school, their only interaction with their friends is going to be digital. And they’re certainly not going to make any new friends while they’re crashed on the couch at home. Getting them out to a regular gymnastics class will allow them to meet new kids and bond with them in a different way than they do at school. They’ll learn new things together and cheer each other on as they master new skill levels.

4. Gymnastics lets kids try new things in a structured and safe environment.

If your child doesn’t seem to be naturally athletic or hasn’t attempted basic tumbling moves like somersaults and cartwheels, you’ll want them to try those things in a safe place, where experienced gymnastics instructors can show them the proper way to do it.

5. Gymnastics helps kids sleep like logs (which means you can too.)

It’s a fact that kids sleep better when they’ve gotten plenty of exercise. Sleep is a powerful remedy for many things: the ability to pay attention and learn in class, memory, mood swings, and overall mental and physical health. Experts recommend 9-12 hours of sleep per night for kids under 12.