When you enroll your child in an entry-level gymnastics program, you can expect that they'll learn several basic moves. These moves will vary based on the type of gymnastics that your child is pursuing, but many instructors teach young gymnastics a variety of animal walks. These are moves in which the children walk across the floor in an attempt to mimic how different animals walk. For example, in a frog walk, the children will crouch and then make several small jumps to get from one point to another. Here are three benefits of your young gymnast learning animal walks.

Balance

Balance is a necessary attribute to succeed in all disciplines of gymnastics, so it's important that your child begins to improve their balance at an early age. Animal walks are a good activity for improving balance. In the example of a frog walk, the children will need to crouch without toppling to either side, and then jump and land without toppling forward. In a bear walk, in which your child will walk on their hands and feet, they'll work on keeping their body level as they move. Some children who have poor balance may initially struggle with animal walks, but they should improve over time.

Strength

Animal walks are also a good activity that can help your young gymnast to get stronger. These types of walks will help to build strength in such areas as your child's legs, arms, shoulders, back, and core. Frog walks primarily build leg strength, while other animal walks that involve more use of the arms will help with arm and shoulder strength. As your child progresses in their gymnastics training, the strength that they develop through animal walks will help them to perform other moves.

Fun

A big benefit of practicing animal walks is having fun. Your child will know most of the animals that are introduced in this type of exercise, and will enjoy doing their best to move in the same way as each animal. There will be lots of laughing as the young gymnasts mimic all sorts of animals, from bears to snakes, which will help keep your child having fun and feeling excited about gymnastics. You can expect that your child will delight in showing you these moves at home, as well as demonstrating them to their sibling if they have one. Look online to learn about children's gymnastics classes in your area.