While gymnastics by nature keeps teens active through physical exercise, there are a plethora of hidden benefits for having your teen participate in gymnastics classes. Engaging in such a physically and mentally demanding sport builds incredible self-confidence in gymnasts, through continually working towards new goals, as well as fosters social interaction, increases their energy, focus, and coordination, teaches them healthy habits, and helps keep them off their phones.
The Importance of Staying Active
Teens are recommended to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity 5-6 days a week for both their physical and mental well-being. This can come for a wide variety of activities including running, tennis, mowing the grass, and, of course, sports. These activities are linked to increased energy levels, coordination, and creativity. At GOSA, our competitive teams, recreational classes, and open gym hours make getting in this exercise highly accessible and easy to fit into a teen’s schedule.
Character Development
In addition to learning new skills and doing amazing tricks, teens gain immense self-confidence when they continuously set and achieve personal goals. They not only feel that they are capable of achieving what they put their mind to, but they are also more confident setting increasingly more difficult goals for themselves. When these goals are not met, teens will be encouraged by coaches and peers to continue trying and finding new methods, rather than giving up when they face challenges.
Plus, competitive gymnastics offers a unique chance to train and compete both as a team and individually. This teaches teamwork, communication, and helps build friendships that can last a lifetime. These are all invaluable life skills that they will carry with them in the long term.
Healthy Habits
At an age when teens are learning to drive and gaining a sense of freedom in how they choose to spend their time, having a structured schedule in place can be very grounding and provide a sense of purpose. Gymnastics classes require teens to prioritize training in their schedule which is a great blend of responsibility and independence when actively choosing to do so. Especially with the alarmingly high amount of time that is now spent on phones, this can be a great way to keep teens active and not glued to their devices.
Additionally, they are taught about healthy eating habits and will understand the importance of choosing foods that will fuel them and make them feel good, rather than choosing fast food which can hinder their performance. These eating decisions come at a pivotal time when habits created in their formative years will likely be followed into their college and adult life.
Explore All of Our Program Offerings in San Antonio
Now that you understand that gymnastics class has so much more to offer than simply gymnastics lessons, we hope you’re ready to have your teen start experiencing these incredible benefits. So, if you’re in search of activities for teens near you, keep us in mind as an incredible opportunity for growth in your teen in more ways than one.
Get in contact with a member of our team today and explore what options are best fit for you and your teen.