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What is the Right Age to Start Gymnastics?

Many people think of gymnastics and imagine superhuman athletes, highly disciplined young people with the bodies of Greek gods flipping and twisting through the air with incredible speed and precision. However, competitive gymnastics is not the be all and end all of the sport. The overwhelming majority of people who practice gymnastics, old and young, are normal people who simply benefit from one of the oldest and healthiest forms of athletics in the world. Recreational gymnastics has immense benefits for people of all ages.

Getting into Gymnastics When Young

There are numerous benefits to being encouraged into gymnastics at a young age. Young children are still learning about their bodies and what they are capable of. Coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance: children practice and hone these skills every time they engage in physical play. Gymnastics at this age is the perfect activity to support their physical development, while also providing a framework to develop such psychological characteristics as confidence, courage, determination, and resilience, all of which will benefit children as they prepare to begin school. 

If you choose to put your young child into a gymnastics program, you should look at the Parent and Me classes offered by Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. We offer one-hour lessons with the best gymnastics coaches in the city, specially trained in working with children to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and physical ability. Parents are welcome to bring their babies from 18 months and up to practice on real gym equipment adapted to be safe for young bodies. There are also classes for children between the ages of 3 and 5 to participate in without parents present, in which they can learn basic tumbling skills using equipment such as the bars, beam, and mini-vault.

Learning Gymnastics While At School

Recreational gymnastics are highly accessible for school-age children. The United States? governing body of gymnastics, USA Gymnastics, has a level-based system to develop students? strength, flexibility, and teach them proper training techniques. At Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, we are proud to offer classes that teach boys and girls according to this system, helping them progress through the system as they improve their skills. This is a great age to start practicing gymnastics, as it is an opportunity for children to make new friends, build their confidence, and improve their athletic abilities at a time when that starts becoming more important at school.

Trying Gymnastics as an Adult

It?s never too late to discover a passion for recreational gymnastics. There are plenty of ways in which gymnastics can provide value to adults, from the physical activity, to the mental health benefits of physical activity, to the social aspects. Los Angeles School of Gymnastics has adult gymnastics classes six days a week for people at all levels of ability, from experienced gymnasts to curious people looking for an exciting new way to work out. There are even specialty classes such as parkour, and boot camp programs to really amp up your physical fitness.

If you?re interested in an introductory gymnastics class for you or your child, Los Angeles School of Gymnastics can help. Call us on (310) 204-1980, or contact us at https://lagymnastics.com/contact-us-now/.

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The Importance of Gymnastics for Homeschoolers

It?s thought that as many as two percent of children in California are homeschooled. That?s over 150,000! While there is often no one better to teach your child than you or another family member who loves and understands them more than an educator with dozens of other students to be concerned with, there are some things that you are less well-equipped to provide. Physical education is of vital importance to children at all stages of their development, and one of the best forms of exercise to ensure healthy development is gymnastics.

Gymnastics for Physical Development

Gymnastics is the perfect athletic pursuit for a child who is being homeschooled. It provides children of all ages with opportunities to improve their dexterity, build confidence with their growing and changing bodies, increase their flexibility, and lay the foundations of a strong and sustainable physique that will improve their physicality without long-term health complications that can be caused by immersion in other common athletic pastimes. Of particular interest for teenage gymnasts is the reduced startle response that results from practicing gymnastics. This affects their reflexes, putting them at a lower risk of accidents, especially when quick reactions are necessary such as driving.

Gymnastics for Mental Development

Gymnastics is not only of physical benefit, though. There is plenty that it can offer to a homeschooled child in terms of mental development, too. Gymnasts are constantly building their discipline, courage, and self-esteem, as they push themselves to improve their form and expand their repertoires, gaining satisfaction from their successes. Perhaps even more importantly, a benefit of attending regular gymnastics classes is that your child will grow up considering that intense physical activity is not only fun and rewarding but also routine. 

If regular physical activity is modelled for your child at home, when they leave home and live by themselves they will be much likelier to continue being physically active in their adult life. Regular physical activity is recommended by health organizations and government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services as a means of reducing the risk of heart disease and other serious medical conditions.

Gymnastics for Social Development

Last, but certainly not least, homeschooled children can gain social benefits from participating in gymnastics classes with other children of a similar age. Homeschooled children without siblings of similar ages may lack for opportunities for physical play and competition with peers, which can negatively affect their development compared to children in mainstream school. By participating in gymnastics classes with others, your child will have the opportunity to develop social confidence and forge friendly bonds through encouraging and being encouraged by others to improve together. At Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, there are classes suitable for children of all ages, genders, and ability levels, including a nationally-recognized Special Needs Program with specialized trainers certified to teach children with conditions such as autism, Asperger?s and Down Syndrome.

If you?re interested in choosing a quality gymnastics class for your homeschooled child, Los Angeles School of Gymnastics can help. Call us on (310) 204-1980, or contact us at https://lagymnastics.com/contact-us-now/.

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A Unique Los Angeles Birthday Party

One of the greatest annual debates is where to have your child?s birthday party. If you have more than one child, this statistic is only multiplied. For fear of repeating the same party too often, you look for unique experiences that you can book for an unforgettable birthday party. This year, that experience can be found in our unique Los Angeles birthday party option: a gymnastics or parkour themed party.

Our one-of-a-kind venue.

At our facilities, we pride ourselves on offering a truly engaging experience for a child?s birthday party. Therefore, there will be no boredom here! Our all-inclusive facilities offer a range of birthday party options, including exciting obstacle courses, fun foam-filled pits, an out-of-this-world Peter Pan flying ride, parachute games, and trampolines galore! Need we say more?

Your one-of-a-kind child.

Our birthday rentals start in 2-hour blocks, but you are welcome to reserve longer if needed. In addition, we happily allow special decorations, themed accessories, and grab bags for your guests. We can help facilitate themed parties, too, like princesses or superheroes. Like all of the classes that we offer, any gymnastics activities at the birthday party will be under the supervision of certified professional gymnasts who know that safety comes first. They will choreograph a unique and engaging circuit sequence that is as active as it is thrilling. This is a wonderful alternative to parties filled with only stagnant video game playing. The children are able to interact with one another in a creative and athletic environment that promotes expression.

A one-of-a-kind Los Angeles birthday party.

We are ideally located in the heart of downtown Culver City. This premier location makes our facility a wonderful option for a day of birthday festivities. If you plan to make an afternoon out of the occasion, our location makes it wonderfully convenient to head over to the Santa Monica pier or the various movie studios for a tour. And after a day filled with such excitement and fun, your children will be sure to rest easy at their sleepover later that night!

Each participant of your birthday party will receive a special participant ribbon. They will also receive a coupon for a future gymnastics class at our premier gymnastics center! To learn more about the LA School of Gymnastics birthday parties, please call 310-204-1980 or visit our website.

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Preschool Gymnastics: Advantages of Getting a Jumpstart

Like most skills, both academically and non-academically, getting a head start on learning the fundamentals while in preschool is always a good idea. Building a strong foundation early on is crucial in setting up a child for success. Gymnastics is no different. By taking preschool gymnastics, young students can learn early movements that will prepare them for future classes that will build on these principles. Namely, they will gain exposure to tumbling, bars, beam, and mini-vault (with age-appropriate equipment, of course!) This gradual, easy movement and socialization makes preschool gymnastics a wonderful option for getting toddlers out and active.

First and foremost, preschool gymnastics is pretty stinking fun!

At toddler-age, the most important thing for children is to stay creatively stimulated. They should have fun! This is the prime age to encourage learning and growing in a fun, supportive environment. Preschool gymnastics is a beautiful, unique way for a child to have fun with other toddlers of the same age.

It helps develop essential cognitive skills.

In addition to having fun, gymnastics requires an equal use of the mind and body. Through this, the child will begin to learn how to memorize certain movements and string them together into a routine.

The mind and body are inextricably linked, and gymnastics is able to offer a tangible environment to learn this in.

It supports growing bones.

Gymnastics is a weight-bearing activity which helps to build strong bones and reduce any breakage. At a young age, this is especially important.

It builds muscle strength.

Even the simplest gymnastics routines require strength and stamina. By starting off a child early in this capacity, they are able to grow stronger and more stable muscles.

It establishes coordination and flexibility.

By learning healthy alignment and working on achieving certain poses, children are able to work on coordination and flexibility. These two physical aspects are important for both mental and physical development.

It forms self-esteem.

Gymnastics is challenging ? for any age! By conquering tasks in a supportive environment with other children, kids are able to build self-esteem as well as the concept of team-building and friendship.

At LA School of Gymnastics, we offer preschool gymnastics classes in which boys and girls ages 3-4 years are able to participate in a group class with a specialized instructor (without a parent!) Through this, we believe children can thrive in a supportive environment and build a foundation for continued learning and success. Find out more today!

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The Benefits of Rhythmic Gymnastics Classes in Los Angeles

Rhythmic Gymnastics as a whole.

Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the most unique and beautiful Olympic Sports, but the benefits associated with this intensive activity begin long before a participant becomes an Olympian. By involving your daughter in the art of rhythmic gymnastics, she will gain so much more than physical flexibility and coordination. The combination of group learning and individual attention will provide unmatched benefits for the growth of your daughter ? both physically and spiritually.

The body

Rhythmic gymnastics combines aspects from complicated gymnastics, dance, and ballet. And then add a ribbon, ball, hoop, rope, or club to the mix.

 To say this sport is physically challenging is an understatement ? rhythmic gymnasts learn extreme balance & posture, muscle building, and flexibility.

The group

The collaborative group aspect of rhythmic gymnastics provides a solid foundation in team skills, friendship, encouragement, and leadership.

Additionally, if your daughter takes interest in one day competing, early exposure to this group environment is crucial in learning how to navigate competitive situations with empathy, tact, and confidence.

The mind

Rhythmic gymnasts learn to be highly creative and expressive, as this sport is so much more than a sport. The performativity aspect teaches a girl to be confident, dedicated, and precise. At LA School of Gymnastics, we also integrate the philosophy behind rhythmic gymnastics into our lesson plans. This way, the girls may get a well-rounded, holistic view of the sport and learn what it truly means. This activity is highly thought-provoking, artful, and beautiful.

The master

For highly technical and meticulous activities like rhythmic gymnastics, it?s important to learn from the best. At LA School of Gymnastics, we provide just that. Highly qualified gymnasts that have Master?s Degrees and years of experience lead our classes. Not only do our teachers know the physicality behind rhythmic gymnastics ? they also know the philosophy. They are able to adequately prepare these young women for the mental effort involved in the sport.

If you?re ready to give your high-energy, creative child the opportunity to truly express herself in an environment of equal parts art and athleticism ? give us a call today.

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Summer Camp at LA School of Gymnastics Happening Soon

As standardized testing wraps up and the Summer heat sets in, children and parents alike look forward to the Summer months and the activities that follow. Alongside vacations, lazy days at the pool, and time spent exploring with friends ? Summer Camp can be the most fun and rewarding days of a child?s Summer. Whether they?re specific camps like cheer, tumbling, or simply kiddie day camps for the youngsters ? summer camps can provide an unmatched experience full of learning, bonding, and grow.
Here at LA School of Gymnastics, we take pride in offering a variety of Summer Camp experiences. For parents? convenience, we offer both half-day (9am-12pm) and full-day (9am-3pm) options. Our Summer Camps begin June 4th and run until August 24th. While we have membership options for year-round classes, our Summer Camp sessions are open to non-members. We encourage all to join!

Summer Camp options:

  • Kiddy Camp (ages *2-4 ? *participants must be potty trained)
  • Day Camp (ages 5-12)
  • Teen Camp (ages 13-15)

Classes and activities:

  • Parkour Camp
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics
  • Girls/Boys Competition Teams
  • Tumbling & Trampoline Camp
  • Cheer
  • Kiddy Day Camp
  • Special Education

Our Summer Camp experiences are not typical, but a ?typical? day at one of our Summer Camps will consist of a healthy mixture of instructive learning, creative activities, and practice + play time. Lunchtime will be offered for full-day sessions. Hot lunches and snacks will be available for purchase if a child does not bring their own.

At our award-winning LA School of Gymnastics Summer Camp, children gain so much more than exposure to a new sport or activity. Being surrounded by other fun and driven children their age is an important experience for boys and girls.

At our central location in Culver City, we offer the perfect opportunity to pick up your children from a half-day or full-day, grab a snack, and go on an adventure to the nearby ArcLight Cinema, Santa Monica Pier, or one of the various museums. If you?re curious about how to register for Summer Camp, watch our instructional video here.

Space is limited and the start date is approaching soon. Reach out today to inquire about availability, pricing, and any other questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you and your children this Summer!

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Crawling Has Been Proven To Improve Reading Skills

Crawling is So Important to Toddlers

There are things we take for granted as parents. Like how amazing a child?s developmental process is. Many kids are slow to growing or learning because their parents are educated enough. It?s important that children learn to crawl before they walk. Skipping crawling will slow a child?s developmental process. Parents are often concerned about when their child will crawl, walk, jump, run, and talk. A good gymnastics program can be created to assist in all these areas of development.

Research has found that children who do not spend time crawling can typically have more difficulty with reading and writing later. The reason for this is because when a child crawls, they are tracking their hands with eyes in a pattern of movement (reading). Their hands slap the ground and develop strength and flexibility in the hand and wrist (writing and holding a pencil).

There should be crawling places in class every week. Go under things, over things, uphill and downhill. This also strengthens the shoulder girdle area for upper body strength that is needed in gymnastics and life in general.

There are a lot of children that will get right up as toddlers and walk without spending any time crawling. This isn?t ideal for children as it can stunt their growth. Use items from around your gym or room to make fun crawling stations every week.

Don?t Refer to it as CONDITIONING!

People tend not to like the word ?Conditioning. They think of it as doing work. Let?s help teach children to want to get stronger by making it into a GAME. They don?t need to know that we are secretly working out their muscles which will benefit them as they grow. Make it fun for them.

Here are a couple tips for your Toddler and Preschool classes:

  • Add educational stations to every event that keep kids busy but productive.
  • To keep exercising fun for young children, limit the number of times they go through the stations. Counting how old you are is a good way to limit your repetitions. If you are 4, do four sit-ups!
  • It?s better to do a few reps and then move on to another thing, then come back. This keeps young ones engaged.
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Spring Break Camp is Happening Now Summer Camp to Follow

Sign up for Spring Break Camp

Summer Break is around the corner and your children will soon be out of school looking for new and exciting activities to get into. Enrolling your child in Spring Break Camp or Summer Gymnastics Camp will keep them busy while also giving them the opportunity to learn a fun, new skill. At Summer Gymnastics Camp they will learn discipline, fitness skills and begin their journey to the Olympics!

At Summer Camp, kids get to learn new gymnastics elements, get creative with arts and crafts, play fun games, and most importantly, create memories that will last a lifetime! Our Summer Gymnastics Camp will be from June 4th ? August 25th (choose your weeks and days. We offer many different specialty programs that are sure to fit every child, of every age. Non-members are welcome! Experience not required for camp students.

June 4th marks the start of Summer Camp at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics. The camp is great for children who are beginners all the way through competition levels in artistic & rhythmic gymnastics.

Summer Camp will consist of 3 different camps:

  • Kiddy Camp (ages *2-4 ? participants must be potty trained)
  • Day Camp (ages 5-12)
  • Teen Camp (ages 13-15)

Classes and Activities include:

  • Rhythmic Gymnastics
  • Girls/Boys Competition Teams
  • Tumbling & Trampoline Camp
  • Cheer
  • Kiddy Day Camp
  • Special Education

Parents can pick and choose their days and weeks. Also, there is the option for half and full days, similar to our Spring Break Camp.

There should be no excuse why your kids are bored this Spring and Summer break. LA School of Gymnastics has you covered for Spring Break Camp and is proud to offer a healthy and active alternative to kids other than television and video games. Our classes encourage students to learn basic to advanced acrobatic skills, as well as balance skills. Ask about if we currently have any New Customer Specials! (310) 204-1980.

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Sign Up For Spring Break Camp Today!

Spring Break Camp at Los Angeles School of Gymnastics

Want to make your kids? spring break more active? This mini break from school can be a great opportunity to let your kids burn their energy in a fun and supportive camp this spring break. At the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, we have it all figured out for you. Sign your children up for Spring Break Camp where they will enjoy arts & crafts, play fun games, and take daily gymnastics classes.

The Spring Break Camp program helps to teach children discipline, fitness, and the fundamentals of gymnastics. Starting March 20th through April 11th, you can sign your child up for a half day or full day of Spring Break Camp. Each day from 9am-3pm kids will take classes teaching them rhythmic gymnastics, power tumbling, and even karate! Karate helps to improve self-confidence which becomes a valuable asset as you get older.

In other news, the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics is now offering Sunday classes! You asked and we listened. We know you have a busy life. That?s why our Sunday classes are a gift from the gymnastics gods. Enjoy your free day off! Special arrangements can be made for early or late care, just let us know ahead of time.

Sunday classes

  • Hot Tots: 12 pm ? 1 pm
  • Mini Tots: 12 pm ? 1 pm
  • Girls Beginning: 1 pm ? 2 pm, 2 pm ? 3 pm
  • Girls Intermediate: 1 pm ? 2:30 pm, 2 pm ? 3:30 pm
  • Boys Beginning: 2:30 pm ? 3:30 pm

New classes may be added with a 3 student minimum at no additional charge! Classes are filling up fast, so call (310) 204-1980 or apply here and sign up today.

Parent and Me Classes

Have you ever wanted to take a gymnastics class with your child?

That?s no problem, we have Parent and Me classes available. This program introduces children to the wonderful world of movement. The 1-hour class is hosted by a qualified staff member and will teach hand-eye coordination, motor development, and physical education.

At the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, there is something for everyone. Sign up today for our Spring Break Camp. Space is not always a guarantee, as our Gymnastics School is the best in Los Angeles and growing every day. Sign your children up for Spring Break Camp.

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Best Gymnastics School in Los Angeles is LA School of Gymnastics

Best Gymnastics School in Los Angeles

Kids love gymnastics and adults do too. It?s the new year and it?s only right you make it a goal for you and your kids to get involved in gymnastics. It?s not only a great way to get in shape but will also bring you the energy and excitement you?ve been missing. We?ve got a few reasons why you should sign up for the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics today. You won?t regret it! Here are a few of the reasons why we are considered the best gymnastics school in Los Angeles.

One of the best reasons to start up with LA School of Gymnastics is the simple fact that we are the first gymnastics center in Los Angeles! Established in 1975, our school has taught gymnastics instruction and education to over 1,000,000 families. We offer innovative programs and well-rounded curriculum that supports healthy, happy children and adults for over 40 years.

LA School of Gymnastics offers many classes for all ages.

Maybe you want to get active yourself. Try something new like our Off-Ice Skating classes. Whether you?re a professional ice skater or have never gone near an ice rink, Anyone can do Off-Ice Skating. Or maybe you want to try something a little more exciting called Trick lining. Tricklining is a form of Slacklining where the performer does a number of tricks while balancing on the line. Have no fear and go for it!

Our school accepts kids with professional gymnastics skills, all the way down to the first time kids who are just starting to get involved. Our classes are specifically designed for different levels of skill so nobody is left out. Who said your preschooler or toddler is too young to start gymnastics? Start them early with preschool programs as well as Mini Tot classes.

LA School of Gymnastics offers many classes for all ages.

Keep your kids occupied after school with our boys and girls recreational gymnastics classes. These classes offer a unique blend of Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics, part of the developmental program based on USA Gymnastics.

Be ready because coming up this month (January) is the LA Lights Tournament of Champions 2018. Get a chance to see the Olympic Stars of the 2017 Summer Games. The event runs from January 26 ? January 28. Download the 2018 competitors list here.

Are those enough reasons why we are the best gymnastics school in Los Angeles? If not, Contact the LA School of Gymnastics today to learn more about any of our classes for adults, kids, and teens. Our LASG ChatBot is also available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about classes or sign up. Sign up for classes online today. Online bill pay is now available for any of our gymnastics classes.

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