Expert: Dean Dryer - 10/25/2009

Question
My 5 year old daughter just started taking gymnastics 1 day a week. The class that's a level above hers meets at the same time and I notice that many of the girls can do the splits, back walkovers, etc.  I find it hard to believe that these types of skills can be developed simply from attending class once a week. This makes me wonder if I should be working with her at home or if I really can expect her to learn these types of skills simply through attending her class.

Answer
Amber,

Sorry it took me so long to respond, but I was out of town and away from my computer.

It's always a good idea to have your child do some daily practice at home. You can get a list of simple stretching and conditioning that she can do with you from her coach at the gym.

However, I would advise against practicing skills at home. Spotting gymnastics skill safely requires adequate equipment, mats, and most of all training. I recommend you leave that to her coach.

Best of Luck,

Dean Dryer