Can Teenagers Do Gymnastics?

Teens who participate in sports, including gymnastics, enjoy a myriad of benefits, from academic and psychological development to improved social skills, according to the NYU Child Study Center. In addition to these perhaps unexpected benefits, gymnastics provides a physical challenge, one that help teens build strength. Teens may participate in gymnastics to make friends, test their skills and compete, or achieve at an individual and team level.

  1. Gymnastics Classes

    • Teen gymnasts may choose to develop their skills in a number of different ways. Local gyms often offer gymnastics classes for teens -- these classes may introduce students to basic gymnastics skills on the vault, bars, balance beam, floor and trampoline. Classes work well for teens who are new to the sport, allowing them to develop their skills, flexibility and balance in a noncompetitive environment.

    Competitive Gymnastics

    • Teens with some experience in gymnastics may find success on competitive club teams. On these teams, teen gymnasts may specialize in one skill area, such as the floor routine or balance beam. Competitions are often held at the local, regional and state level, allowing the gymnasts to travel and meet other like-minded teens. Some high schools sponsor gymnastics teams that compete with other schools. Participation on such teams allows teens to build friendships and camaraderie with classmates while representing their school.

    Benefits

    • Gymnastics is a physically challenging sport, one that may benefit the growing teen in a number of ways. This high-intensity sport is an anaerobic activity that allows teens to build their strength and flexibility. Even more, teen gymnasts can improve their balance: The sport develops both static and dynamic balance. Gymnastics can be an effective way of getting the minimum of one hour of daily exercise recommended for teenagers.

    Safety

    • Teens must be cognizant of the risks involved in gymnastics and take proper safety measures when they're on the floor, beam or bars. Wrist straps, guards and strips can improve a gymnast's grip, thereby minimizing the risk of a fall. Warming up and stretching before each gymnastics class, practice or competition can also reduce injury, according to TeensHealth. Teen gymnasts should know their skill level and do only those maneuvers that they are capable of.

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