Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2024 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
Looking for a fun indoor activity to help your students burn off some energy during the colder months? Well, look no further than a local gymnastics club! Gymnastics have been shown to offer many benefits for kids, including increased flexibility and coordination, improved bone density, and better confidence, while also stimulating cognitive growth by working both sides of the brain. Participating in gymnastics can even help kids gain social skills such as listening, following directions, and taking turns. To that end, we’ve gathered a list of several gymnastics clubs across Canada and the United States that are definitely worth checking out.
All Star Sports Centre
Brampton, ON
All Star provides a safe, positive, and healthy learning environment for kids in Grades K–8. Younger students will learn basic gymnastics movements and safety rules, while focusing on listening skills and following instructions, all to the tune of fun and boisterous music. Older students will play games and be taught some gymnastics positions, centred around themes of balance, locomotion, landings, and more.
ASI Gymnastics
Various locations, TX
ASI has been offering quality gymnastics to children in Texas for over 30 years. During each 90-minute trip, students can try their hands at the rope swing, trampoline, and foam pit. Staff members will also lead them through exciting games designed to keep the kids active and moving for the duration of the trip, and best of all, the students will have a bit of open playtime before they go.
Club Aviva
Coquitlam, BC
Club Aviva and School District 43 have paired together to build a gymnastics curriculum designed to target the physical education needs of students. These high-energy field trips focus on improving students’ fine motor skills through instructional gymnastics lessons, and also include a warm-up and stretch. Club Aviva hosts class parties and celebrations as well, where students can play games, participate in relays, and have some free time in the facility.
Omega Gymnastics
Beaverton, OR
At Omega Gymnastics, students will have access to the gym’s 40-foot tumble track and Olympic-sized trampoline, as well as all plenty of other equipment. Each trip begins with a warm-up and safety instruction, followed by rotations through the equipment, then ending with games and free time.
Prairie Reign Gymnastics
Grande Pointe, MB
Students can jump, swing, and tumble to their hearts’ content at Prairie Reign Gymnastics. This gym runs one- and two-hour field trips on various days throughout the year. During the trip, students will learn movement patterns and safe trampolining techniques. The instructors will incorporate history and science into each session as well!
Seattle Gymnastics Academy
Various locations, WA
SGA field trips are designed for students in Grades 1–6. Each trip lasts for one hour, where coaches lead the group through a series of obstacle courses and team-building activities. Students will also get plenty of time in the foam pit. Field trips are currently offered at SGA’s Lake City and Burien locations.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, and is forever in search of good books and beautiful sunsets.
