Getting Started in Youth Gymnastics You might be a parent of a toddler, looking for a parent and child activity. Or perhaps you have a preschool or school-age child that needs a physical outlet, or loves to climb. Many parents think, “Gymnastics would be perfect for my little monkey!” If your child is already involved in gymnastics, and you’ve relocated or are looking for a new gymnastics program, the steps are the same. How do you get started? It’s easy. 1. Identify your needs. Depending on the age and experience of your child, you want to find a gym that suits your needs. Think about what kind of classes you are looking for – mom and tot, preschool, recreational, or competitive? Do you want your child to work toward competing, or are you just looking for some exercise and fun? 2. Look for a gym. You can search for gyms in your local yellow pages, via online search engines, through the USAG website, or by asking other parents and friends for recommendations. Some small towns may only offer one choice. Larger towns and cities may have multiple gyms and/or classes offered through the YMCA. 3. Consider cost. If you’re just starting out, you can sometimes save money by attending classes through a YMCA program instead of a private gymnastics club. YMCAs also have financial assistance available for qualifying families. There may be registration fees that cover administrative and insurance costs. Compare prices at different gyms. 4. Visit one or more gyms. Talk to the gym owner or class coordinator. Tell them what you’re looking for and ask if they think your child is a good fit for their program. If your child has special needs, let them know and make sure they can accommodate those needs in class. Ask to tour the gym and look for safety concerns, like torn mats or broken equipment. Observe a class and see how the coach deals with managing multiple children safety, and discipline. Find out if your child can “try before you buy.” Some gyms offer a free trial class to prospective new students. 5. Choose your gym and register. Most gyms have at least one form to fill out with information about your child, along with a liability release. You may have to pay in advance for the class. 6. Show up early. If your child needs to change into their gym clothes, give them ample time. Most gyms have a locker room or restroom where children can change clothes. It’s important to be on time so your child doesn’t miss stretching and important instructions about the class. 7. Exercise at home. Gymnastics takes a lot of strength and flexibility. Encourage your child to stretch at home and to climb and play at the playground or in your backyard. Ask your child to show you some things they learned and try them yourself! 8. Communicate. If you have any concerns or questions about a class or your child’s progress, ask the coach. Unless it’s an emergency, it’s best to call and make an appointment, since coaches don’t have a lot of time in between classes to talk. What you need: • Girls will need to wear comfortable clothes such as shorts and a t-shirt, or a leotard. Older girls will probably prefer a leotard. • Long hair needs to be tied back in a ponytail. • Boys can wear sweatpants or shorts and a t-shirt. • Bare feet. Socks can be slippery on some pieces of equipment and cause a safety risk.