Keeping your little gymnasts active over the school holidays is a wonderful way to keep them entertained and healthy. It is also a terrific way to keep them progressing in their gymnastic journey. Gymnastics doesn’t need to stop because they are not currently in the gym. Here are some ideas on how to keep practising skills for their return to the Gym in Term 4:

• Holiday Programs: Here at FCGC we offer a School Holiday Program that will encourage learning, participation, creativity and co-ordination. Participants will be given time throughout their day to play, create arts & crafts as well as working through gymnastics rotations under the guidance of a Coach. This is a new and exciting way for gymnasts to experience gymnastics outside of their usual structure. Allowing for growth, confidence and independence.

 

• Parks: Being outside as a child is such a fun and joyous occasion. Invite some family and friends along and make a day of being at a park you enjoy. These Spring Holidays will be an exciting time to enjoy a picnic and get your little gymnasts to explore the playground equipment. Exploring new pathways on different equipment is also a wonderful way for your gymnasts to understand their body movements better.

 

• Home: You don’t need a lot of space to help your gymnast continue to work on their skills at home. Any floor space available can be used for strength conditioning, flexibility and injury prevention. Thankfully with our access to the internet, finding amazing at home drills is easier than ever! Have an open conversation with your gymnast about what they would like to work on improving and help them find some fun drills they can work on. You might even like to join in. Have a fun plank holding competition or a sit up challenge together. Make it enjoyable to really feel the benefits of such a social sport.

 

• Trampolines: If you have access to a trampoline, this is also another super fun and beneficial way to keep your gymnast active and working on their skills. Trampolines are so fun, that most of the time you forget you are even working out! There are plenty of fun games to play on trampolines also. Be mindful of course, that supervision is key. As fun as trampolines are, we still need to ensure safety!

 

• Pets: Spending playful quality time with a pet is not only physically beneficial, it is also mentally beneficial. A lot of studies in recent times have shown that exposure to animals over a period can improve mood, decrease stress and assist in socialising.

These are just a few ideas you can use these Spring Holidays. If you are interested in attending our Holiday Program here at FCGC you can find all relevant information on our website.

What are some fun holidays activities you like to do with your friends or family?
Let us know in the comments!

Signing off for now,
Coach Maygan
 
 
 
 
 
 

Working with Toddlers is a very rewarding experience, but of course it can be a challenge at times. It is such a joy to be able to come in to work, knowing you can help these little people to grow and learn in a safe fun environment. 
While I am helping our little gymnasts to learn new social skills, gymnastic skills and character growth... they are also helping me to learn.  
Here a few things I have learnt: 

1. Patience - When we speak to older gymnasts, we can use full sentences. That way we both can communicate our goals, needs and feedback. It isn’t always that easy with a toddler. You really need to observe their individual needs and listen to what they are trying to tell you verbally or with their body language. If you get too impatient and try to rush a task along, they will get lost and overwhelmed. So, its super important you take your time, and allow them to learn at their own pace and support them for as long as it takes. 

1. Persistence – Every week our little gymnasts will return to the gym, ready to attempt new and old skills again. There may be a skill that they don’t like, are afraid of, or aren’t yet capable of completing. However, each time they will do their best, and eventually they will progress and achieve their skills! This is the same for us as grown-ups. We will have challenges in our lives, inside and outside of the gym. If we keep trying, we will progress and overcome our challenges. 

1. Problem Solving – Occasionally we will be faced with a problem, or a challenge in a class. Where we will quickly have to find an adaptation to a skill, or a resolution that will comfort and progress our little gymnasts along in their learning journey. The ability to think quickly, and resolve a problem is a “skill for life” that we can use inside and outside of the gym once again! 

1. Confidence – Toddlers are so confident in about everything they do. It is amazing to see. If it is a brand-new skill that they haven’t seen before, they will try their hardest and no matter the results, they will be proud and confident in their ability. This positive, confidence building thinking is something we all should aspire to possess. 

1. Happiness – Everything is better when you have a smile on your face, and a good attitude. Sometimes we all can get a bit down. It is a part of our being’s as humans. However, how we try to resolve this for ourselves if where the true happiness lies. Find that one thing that truly makes you happy. That truly brings you joy. Make sure you are making time for yourself to be happy and joyful. Just like our little gymnasts on trampoline or hanging upside down! 

 
Have you got a child enrolled in one of our Play Skills programs? Have they taught you anything?  Let us know in the comments! 

Signing out for now, 
Coach Maygan