What is the best age to start gymnastics?

Ella: What is the best age to start gymnastics?
Does starting a child early necessarily mean they will be better than others who start later?

Also, do you know of any good gymnastics magazines?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Manu
it dosent matter

Answer by Rotti_luver
I taught gymnastics when I was 15-17.
There were daytime classes that were mothers/fathers and children starting at age 1.5 years. I thought that was a great place to meet people, start socializing your children. Sports give children confidence, that is another great reason to start them early.

It is better to start them at an early age, even 4 or 5 while they are still flexible, but talents in gymnastics is hereditary. So it doesnt mean that they will be better or worse depending upon when they start, tehre are many factors.

Answer by alw8205
I think this is one of them things that you have to look at your child and think if they can handle it.

Answer by cheyenne
My daughter started at 4 and a half,she then went on to do ballet and dance at 6 years old, I think the earlier the better as it helps them to keep fit. https://www.insidegymnastics.com and International gymnastics are two good magazines.

Answer by vick
4 years of age then you might consider some other dance classes.

Answer by Paso Fino horse lover
My parents own a gymnastics facility, and we usually don’t let children start gymnastics until they are 4 and 1/2 years old or unless they’re mature enough. They have to be well behaved and not goofing off–otherwise they could get hurt. A lot of gyms have mother/daughter (or father…whichever) classes that let you stay with your child and somewhat keep them in line/make sure they are ok and safe. It’s a great idea. Just remember that gymnastics is a fun and sport and often very challenging! I hope your child enjoys gymnastics thoroughly–it is a GREAT sport!! Also, for magazines, USA Gymnastics is a good one, as is IG–International Gymnast, although there are mostly Elite competition results or higher level gymnastics, but there are other things too. Another magazine is called Technique–that’s more for coaches, but I think it also has a lot of helpful information for parents.

Also, if you think starting your child early in gymnastics is going to make he/she better than others, keep in mind that it’s harder for younger children to control their bodies, but they usually display less fear toward skills, which is a good thing most of the time. I started gymnastics when I was 8 (11 years ago), and my sister started when she was 5, and although skills usually took me longer to learn, I retained them better and with better form and I believe I have beaten her in every meet except one (I had the flu), so really, age doesn’t have that big of an influence—heart and determination do. Good luck and I hope you have fun in the great sport of gymnastics! 🙂