Types of gymnastics classes, explained

Walk into most gyms and you'll find a menu of programs. Here's what each one is, who it's for, and how kids usually move between them. For the bigger picture, see the ultimate guide to gymnastics for parents.

Parent-and-child classes

For toddlers, usually walking age up to about three. A parent joins in on the floor, and classes focus on movement, balance, and confidence through play.

Preschool classes

For ages three to five or so, without a parent on the floor. Kids rotate through stations, learn to take turns and follow directions, and build early skills like rolls, jumps, and hanging.

Recreational classes

The heart of most gyms. Kids learn skills on each event at their own pace, often grouped by age and level, usually once or twice a week. Recreational gymnastics is a great place to stay for years, and it's where most competitive gymnasts begin.

Tumbling classes

Floor-focused classes for cartwheels, round-offs, back handsprings, and beyond. They're popular with cheerleaders, dancers, and kids who love tumbling more than bars and beam.

Ninja, parkour, and open gym

Many gyms also run ninja or parkour classes, built around obstacle courses, climbing, and agility, plus open gym time for supervised free play. They're fun ways to build strength and body control, though they're separate from competitive gymnastics.

Pre-team and developmental groups

A step between recreational classes and team. Gymnasts train more hours, build the strength and skills team requires, and learn routines. Gyms usually invite kids based on skills, focus, and enthusiasm.

Competitive teams

Team gymnasts train several days a week and compete at meets. In USA Gymnastics, most girls compete in either the Development Program (Levels 1 to 10) or Xcel (Bronze through Sapphire). Read Xcel vs. the Development Program to compare them, and the ultimate guide to gymnastics meets for what competing looks like.

Other gymnastics disciplines

Gymnastics is bigger than bars and beam. USA Gymnastics also governs men's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics, and some gyms offer classes or teams in these too.

How to choose

• Start with your child's age and interest. Young kids thrive in play-based classes; older beginners may love tumbling or recreational classes grouped by age.
• Ask about class sizes and progressions. Good gyms can tell you how kids move up.
• Try a class. Many gyms offer a trial class or a short session first.

Next, read what gymnastics classes cost and how to choose a gymnastics gym.