What To Know When Your Child Starts Gymnastics?

Here’s What You Need To Know When Your Child Starts Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a popular hobby in the UK, with thousands of children taking part every week. If your child is about to start gymnastics lessons, you may be wondering what they will need to take with them. At first, they won’t need very much. Your gym should tell you if there is anything specific that you need to get when your child starts gymnastics. But the list below contains some of the things that my own children. As well as things that I have found useful for recreational gymnastics classes.

The Clothes They Will Need For Gymnastics

Leotard- at first, it’s fine to just wear comfy clothes that are easy to move around in, but eventually, you will want to buy your child a leotard. Some of our favourite companies are Milano, the Zone, and Quatro, who all sell a range of well-made designs at reasonable prices. Leotards are cut differently for boys and girls, so do make sure that you choose the right cut, for your child’s comfort.

Shorts- like leotards, boys’ and girls’ gymnastics shorts are cut differently. Boys always wear shorts with their leotards, while for girls they are optional. However, most girls do choose to wear shorts, or a pair of sports leggings, whilst in training. These can be purchased from the same companies as their leotards. Because they are often designed in colours to complement each other.

Warm over clothes- I always think it’s easier to take my children to gymnastics class already wearing their leotard and shorts. But on cooler days they’ll need something over the top. Any warm tracksuit will do, but my boys really like the hoodies from the British Gymnastics webshop.

Trainers- Although gymnastics is usually done in bare feet.I think a pair of cool trainers to go along with the rest of their kit helps new starters to really feel like they’re a gymnast! Plus, velcro trainers are easy slip on and off quickly at the beginning and end of a session. Or if your child needs to leave the gym for a toilet break during their class.

Tie Their Hair Back

Hair bobbles/headband for long hair- long hair must always be tied back when doing gymnastics. Even for beginners in a recreational class. Even quite short hair, or fringes that flop into the face, should be kept out of the way with a headband. This is true for boys as well as girls.

I think a low ponytail works better than a high one so that it’s not in the way. Especially when doing forward rolls and other floor skills.

Encourage Them To Stay Hydrated

A water bottle is essential for gymnastics class, as children will need to stay hydrated while they exercise. Choose something that they can open by themselves. I’ve known my eldest to come home with his bottle still full, as he couldn’t get the lid open himself, and was too shy to ask for help!

For Practice At Home

A yoga mat/crash mat to practise at home- not strictly essential. But probably something your child will soon ask you for if they want to work on their new tricks at home! Ikea mats are popular with a lot of gymnasts, although they can easily be bought from Argos or sports shops. If your child does want to practise at home. Always remind them that they should not attempt anything they haven’t been taught how to do safely in the gym.