Perform gymnastics
Learn and practice basic gymnastics skills like warm ups, balance, rolls, handstands, and simple routines safely on mats, improving strength and coordination.
About this activity
Learn and practice basic gymnastics skills like warm ups, balance, rolls, handstands, and simple routines safely on mats, improving strength and coordination.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Remove toys shoes and furniture so you have a clear safe practice space
- 2
Step 2
Lay your mat flat in the cleared space
- 3
Step 3
Put on comfortable clothes that let you move freely
- 4
Step 4
Jog lightly in place for one minute to warm up your body
- 5
Step 5
Do 10 arm circles forward and 10 arm circles backward to warm your shoulders
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Step 6
Do 10 leg swings on each leg to loosen your hips
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Step 7
Walk heel-to-toe along the middle of the mat five times to practice balance
- 8
Step 8
Kneel and tuck your chin to your chest five times to practice the forward-roll tuck position
- 9
Step 9
From a low squat try a forward roll by placing your hands on the mat tucking your chin and rolling over your shoulders to stand up
- 10
Step 10
Practice a wall-assisted handstand by placing your hands on the mat kicking up gently until one foot touches the wall and holding for up to 10 seconds
- 11
Step 11
Put together a short routine of three moves you like such as a balance walk a forward roll and a wall-assisted handstand and practice the routine three times
- 12
Step 12
Sit down and gently stretch your hamstrings and shoulders for 30 seconds each to cool down
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished routine on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I teach my child basic gymnastics skills at home?
Start with a 5–10 minute warm-up (jogging, arm swings, stretching). Set simple stations: balance (walk a taped line), forward and backward rolls on a padded mat, handstand progression against a wall, and a short routine combining moves. Demonstrate slowly, break skills into steps, use positive cues and plenty of repetition. Keep sessions short and fun, offer water breaks, and always supervise close enough to spot or help when needed.
What materials do I need for a beginner kids' gymnastics session?
You’ll need a padded gymnastics mat or thick exercise mats, comfortable stretchy clothes, and a clear, clutter-free space. Optional helpful items: a small balance beam or taped floor line, pillows for cushioning, cones for stations, resistance bands for conditioning, a spotter/coach or extra adult, water bottle, and first-aid basics. Good lighting and non-slip floors improve safety. Avoid hard surfaces and unsafe furniture near the practice area.
What ages is beginner gymnastics suitable for and how should it be adjusted?
Preschoolers (3–5) can learn basic balance, stretching, and supported rolls with short, playful sessions. Elementary kids (6–10) progress to independent rolls, cartwheel basics, and handstand progressions. Tweens (11+) can refine technique and build strength for more advanced moves. Always match activities to physical readiness, keep low pressure, and consult a coach before trying flips. Supervision and age-appropriate progressions reduce injury risk.
What safety tips should I follow when my child practices gymnastics at home?
Supervise every session and use proper mats on a flat surface. Ensure a thorough warm-up and teach progressions—don’t rush to advanced skills. Spot handstands and rolls until your child can control them independently. Remove hard objects from the area, keep sessions short to avoid fatigue, and stop if your child feels pain. Consider lessons with a qualified coach for tumbling or complex moves, and keep a phone nearby for emergencies.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a gymnastics mat if I can't find one?
Lay a thick folded blanket, rug, or yoga mat flat in the cleared practice space to protect knees and follow the instruction to 'lay your mat flat.'
My child gets stuck halfway through the forward roll and won't stand—what should I try?
Have an adult spot by supporting the hips, practice the tucked chin and hand placement while kneeling, and roll over a soft cushion so they can safely complete 'tucking your chin and rolling over your shoulders to stand up.'
How can I adapt the routine for younger or older children?
For ages 3–5 cut counts in half (fewer arm circles, leg swings, and walk repetitions) and replace the wall-assisted handstand with gentle wall walks, while older kids can hold handstands longer, add more repetitions, and build a more complex three-move routine.
How can we personalize or extend the activity after the basic routine?
Let the child create a themed three-move routine, add music, time or score each run, film the performance to share on DIY.org, and extend cool-down stretches to 45 seconds for extra benefit.