5. Gymnastics
With its combination of poise, precision, and elegant, high-flying acrobatics, gymnastics is a perfect activity for both girls and boys. According to ActiveKids.com, the benefits of practicing gymnastics last long into adulthood for both men and women. The sport develops coordination, flexibility, and strength throughout the body and helps children learn to concentrate and be present in the moment. Traditional gymnastics includes vault, balance beam, floor exercise, and uneven bars, so students receive varied activity sessions. These can be especially helpful in preventing the boredom that may develop with more repetitive forms of exercise. Since gymnastics is largely an individual sport, it can enable students to develop self-confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. Choreographing routines for the various gymnastics activities builds a child’s creativity and helps him or her learn to showcase individual strengths. If your child enjoys gymnastics, you might also consider enrolling him or her in rhythmic gymnastics. Similar to traditional gymnastics, this sport uses ribbons, clubs, and other props during performance. You can stimulate your child’s enthusiasm for gymnastics by watching gymnastics championships and Olympic gymnastics together. You may also wish to help your child pick out a special leotard or other gymnastics-related clothing.
