Raring2go! CLUBS, CLASSES & CAMPS 40 When should you specialise in a specific sport? Did you know gymnastics is the only weight bearing activity that works the whole body at the same time? That makes it the prefect base for future sports. Research shows opportunity to develop the body in all areas as a child is the most beneficial and specialising in specific sports should wait until adolescence. Delaying specialisation in specific sports until after the age of 12 has been shown to reduce likelihood of injury and psychological stress and giving up on sport whilst children and teens are going through both growth and academic pressure. Early specialisation can result in a restricted exposure to a variety of movements and exercises, leading to a narrow skill-set. For longterm athletics and sporting involvement, and particularly if an athlete has a goal to participate in a higher level or even high-performance sport, they will need to have a wide base of movement experiences. Early specialisation just does not allow for this. 60% of girls give up sport coming into their teens and that follows with 50 % of boys if thrown into a competitive environment too soon. There are some unicorns out there of course, Hamilton started go-karting competitions at the age of 6 and went on, well really went on... Rafa, Federer, Elliot, LeBron, Williams etc... started very young as well. Kids thrive on variety but not the one you think. Variety is important in maintaining a child’s enthusiasm and progress long term it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t maintain continuity – for continuity is the key to success. This is something that they are hugely passionate about at The Little Gym Godalming, changing the set up for each and every class, alongside weekly themes and monthly focuses through a three-dimensional learning approach. During classes the children have the opportunity to work their entire body through locomotor skills, rolls, spins, weight-bearing activities and more giving a multi-sensory experience. They grow in strength and coordination that will build the whole body and mind ready for future. It’s the perfect foundation for future sports and for life as a whole. To find out more on how The Little Gym can develop your child’s body and mind - contact them on 01483 343 000 or email godalming@thelittlegym.co.uk Try us out! From crawling to 12 years old
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