Preschool training

[gymbabisMom]

We have that too. The pipe insulation wrapped around the bar with tape around it. It works really well when the kids say it is hurting to come to the bar.

[just4fun]

Okay, at least I know it is somewhat normal and she is not anatomically challenged. Maybe she needs to get a little belly for cushioning. She seems to be hungry ALL the time! And I think she has grown a foot since Sept! All that hanging around is making her taller. Thanks for the input.

[just4fun]

My dtr finally will flip forward on the bars- she just did it one day and came flying out of class beaming! The fact that she faced her fear was a priceless moment. Now she loves going on the bars.
My question is - what age and level did your kids or yourself start competing? I am curious to know what ages/levels most gymnasts start level competitions. And does anyone know if you have to start at a certain level? Like would a 10 year old be a level 4 if she just started gymnastics, or could she compete at a higher level if she had all of her skills and elements? Are the levels age restricted? Also, do boys competitions start at level 6 only?
I am trying to do some research on gymnastics - pretty soon we will have to decide between the dance team and preteam, and I know alot about dancing but minimal regarding gymnastics. I think it is unrealistic for a five year old to do three hours of dance a week (dance team) with four hours of gymnastics, so any input on any similar situations/experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

[just4fun]

My dtr finally will flip forward on the bars- she just did it one day and came flying out of class beaming! The fact that she faced her fear was a priceless moment. Now she loves going on the bars.
My questions are - what age and level did your kids or yourself start competing? I am curious to know what ages/levels most gymnasts start level competitions. And does anyone know if you have to start at a certain level? Like would a 10 year old be a level 4 if she just started gymnastics, or could she compete at a higher level if she had all of her skills and elements? Are the levels age restricted? Also, do boys competitions start at level 6 only?
I am trying to do some research on gymnastics - pretty soon we will have to decide between the dance team and preteam, and I know alot about dancing but minimal regarding gymnastics. I think it is unrealistic for a five year old to do three hours of dance a week (dance team) with four hours of gymnastics, plus dance competitions, etc.,so any input on any similar situations/experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Megley]

Congrats to your DD! That is great news about flipping forward over the bar. I hope it is not continuing to hurt her hips. I don't know a whole lot about competing but I can tell you that the girls cannot compete until they are 6 years old. They must be 6 to compete Level 4 and 7 to compete Level 5. After that, there is no age restriction that I know of. As for whether a 10 year old would start at Level 4 or some other level, that is dependent on the skills she possesses. I know there used to not even be a Level 4 so many girls start at Level 5, particularly if they are older. Boys compete Level 4 and Level 5 as well and I think the age issues are the same. My son is in preteam and if all goes well will compete Level 4 next year as an 8 year old. As for the hours, be aware that if you continue in gymnastics the hours go up the farther along you get. I know it varies widely from gym to gym (check out the Hours in the Gym thread) but my 5 yo DD is in preteam at 6 hours per week. She is probably going to be on the Level 4 team next year and the hours rise to 12 a week. I am considering letting her take dance classes this Spring because I know that once summer starts, she won't have the time what with all the gymnastics. I think that your daughter could probably handle preteam and dance, but once she gets old enough to compete you will have to make a choice. Best of luck!

[gracefulone]

I started competing level four at age ten. I have practiced 5 hours a week since I started competing. I don't do club, persay. I do a YMCA, which tends to be a lot more relaxed. M y parents made it their life goal to get me into as much as possible, so I do everything a little bit low key. Besides gymanstics, I do orchestra, with a few solo/ensemble competitions in March, cheerleading(poms next year!), french club, international club, and track. I also take AP world history, which is a/b an hour of hw every night. I coach the very beginning levels of gym as well. I'm currently a sophomore competing level six. On my team, I am barely the oldest, the youngest is just in third grade.

[just4fun]

WOW you must be super busy- but definately it sounds like you enjoy everything you do! I like your parent's idea of exposing you to alot of activities - then you get to discover your own strengths, likes and dislikes. You must need an incredible planner to get through your week! You should have no problem handling college (if you opt) it sounds like you have prioritization down straight! Keep up all the good work.

[just4fun]

She says it doesn't hurt anymore! I think there was some minor underlying issue there! Thank you for asking!
From what I have learned - the mini-squads or pre-team teams compete at level 3 (some gyms) or 4. I went to a competition last week to watch and the gym she goes to puts their mini pre-team in gym sponsored events at a level four at 6-8 years-old. Who know maybe next year she might not want to do either! It is already hard to juggle hockey (her brother 4-5 times week) and three days of dance/gymnastics, with working (i am a single mom)
Thanks for the information! Have a great day.

[gracefulone]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just4fun WOW you must be super busy- but definately it sounds like you enjoy everything you do! I like your parent's idea of exposing you to alot of activities - then you get to discover your own strengths, likes and dislikes. You must need an incredible planner to get through your week! You should have no problem handling college (if you opt) it sounds like you have prioritization down straight! Keep up all the good work.

LOL Thank you. College is definite. I've already visited one campus and have gotten letters/info from 15-20 others.