bridges

[flipspotter]

Hi I used to coach when my family lived near Baltimore. Now that we have moved I’ve started my 2 year old in a parent tot class. The new gym is great except they want the children to do bridges as a part of stretch. After class I pulled the coach aside and told her that bridges were harmful for such young children to be doing. She claimed to have never heard this before. So I was wondering if any one could supply me with the actual facts of what harm could be done and any articles or quotes form specialist would also be helpful if any exist, so I can pass this information on the owner of the gym he attends. Thank you so much for any help you may be able to provide.

[kristilyn73]

I was taught the same thing, kids under age 4 shouldn't do a true bridge. They can do a Table Bridge. It has to do with the size of their head in relationship to the size of the rest of the body.

I will see if I can find some further information for you,

[gym_mom2one]

I was told by a coach at my daughter gym that under 5 shouldn't be forced. If they can do a bridge on their own it was okay but you shouldn't touch them... usually they do a stretch they call "table tops"

[MoonKid]

I don't have a link for you or anything, but when I did a coaching certification course (mandatory where I live) we were told that it's really bad for under the age of like 5 or 6 to bend their back basically at all. At my gym the preschool programs never do real bridges, just table tops.

[lannamavity]

The latest info I can recall was given at National Congress last year. For physiological/developmental reasons, true bridges are too stressful on the backs of children six and under.

Some people have also gone "off the deep end" and refuse to have any kids under 10 do bridges, which I think, could be dangerous when those kids try to learn skills which require back/shoulder flexibility and muscle control.

[Gymnasticsgirl521]

I have heard this but I really think it depends on the child's strength. DD is almost 5 and has been doing bridges since she was almost 3. That being said her coaches have never forced them, they only helped her with the positing of her hands and such. I have pictures from over the past 3 years that really show the progression. This year she has been on pre-team and is working more on her flexibility but her coaches NEVER push it with her.

Like I said I believe that is a guide that MOST should not be doing them but there are always exceptions to the rules

[BlairBob]

Just the other day I caught our jr boy's coach trying to have a 4 and a half year old on his first day do a bridge. Poor lil guy. I found a physio ball and he enjoyed the heck out of that. I'm all for having the under 5's do it on balls or mailboxes or with their back supported. Really I just want them to the idea of their hands on the floor and shoulders open.

I can remember at Congress that basically bridges are a no-no, but if they end up doing them on their own, they will probably be fine and great, but I would still worrying about too many ( especially if they are disproportionate or physically under the bar to say ).

Lannamavity. The first and second rec/somewhat comp gyms I coached at held the same idea about headstands and even back drops and stomach drops much to the gymnasts detriment.

Kristilyn73. I will have to remember and look into the head size theory. It's been awhile since I've taught any 4 year olds and I can't remember if I have them do hand supported headstands of any variety or not. I want to say that all I teach them is a sort of piked pushup position with their hands and head in a tripod shape, often against a block; which is roughly my same progression for headstands for any gymnast.

[a_gymnast_forever]

I started doing bridges when I was 15 months old. hahaha. It never bothered me. and yes. I have been doing gymnastics for about 14 1/2 years. I'm going to be 16 in 12 days

[elilla]

Just wondering if anyone has solid research behind the "no bridges until you are 5" theory. I am a medical professional and haven't been able to find any actual research to back this up. Just wondering....

[lannamavity]

Quote:
Originally Posted by elilla Just wondering if anyone has solid research behind the "no bridges until you are 5" theory. I am a medical professional and haven't been able to find any actual research to back this up. Just wondering....

Google Larry Nassar. I wish I could give you more specific info, but USAG is often vague about issues which could implicate gymnastics of wrong doing.

The information was given out when USAG changed the compulsory elements on floor to "reduce stress on athletes' backs" last year. Clinicians at National Congress brought it up more than a few times. I think we all just accept it because it's the reason for the changes.