Featured in: Exercise for kids
Kids Gymnastics
Tumbling, balance and strength classes.
How to start
Book a beginners class with qualified coaches. Children learn rolling, balance, jumping and basic skills.
How to progress
Move up levels as skills develop.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. The WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults, and 60 minutes a day for children.
Take care: Choose a club with qualified coaches and good equipment. Falls and overuse injuries can happen.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly class.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 3.8 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Choose a qualified coach.
- Warm up.
- Keep it fun.
Common mistakes
- Pushing skills too fast.
- Skipping warm-up.
- Overtraining.
Kit and cost
Moderate Approximate UK prices.
- A class (about £6 to £12)
- Fitted clothing
- Bare feet or grip socks
Frequently asked questions
What age to start?
Many classes begin from age 2 to 4.
Is it good for coordination?
It builds balance and strength, but we found no trials.
Is it safe?
With qualified coaches.
Good for: Skill Flexibility Strength
Compare with similar options
| Kids Gymnastics | Youth Sports Clubs | Trampoline Parks | Scouts and Guides | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 60 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●○○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Low cost | Moderate cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Basic kit | Basic kit | Basic kit | Basic kit |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |