Gymnastics for All

This winter and spring, all three kids participated in gymnastics. The younger two basically took a tumbling class t ogetherwith the gymnastics equipment, but it was absolutely perfect for them.  Will and Laney loved it so much.

Laney really liked wearing her leotard for class

While it was fun to have a class they could take together, this was a constant problem - Will wanting to wrestle Laney.

Assisted handstand! Laney was fearless and loved doing things that involved going upside down (this handstand mat and hanging upside down from the bars).

About halfway through the class, Will decided gymnastics were actually a ninja training class.  He loved jumping from different equipment and doing ninja kicks and chops.  He wanted me to capture him in action in this picture.

Ninja chop!

Eliana's class was much more structured and geared toward learning actual skills, not just running around. Eliana also enjoyed her class, but she is definitely not as fearless as Laney.  A gymnast needs a certain amount of confidence and lack of fear in able to commit to some moves (like a cartwheel - you can't do that slowly - you have to basically throw your body into the move or you can't get enough momentum to carry your legs around). She definitely improved as the year went on, but I'm not sure she is exactly Olympic gymnast material! She does have great balance though and always excelled at the balance beam.

I'll definitely continue gymnastics with Laney next fall.  She will have a lot more choices of classes besides just a tumbling class since she will be three.  Eliana said she might be interested in trying soccer again (because her friend Adele is playing now!) or possibly tennis. We will see what Will wants to do.