Gymnastics is one of the most sought-after sports followed by kids at an early age. Among several other advantages, it is said to render kids strong, flexible, coordinated, and disciplined.
Most parents have a similar concern about how gymnastics can hamper their children growing tall. We review this question with what research has to say and discuss overall development in kids engaging in the sport.
Does Gymnastics Stunt Your Growth?
To understand this relationship, one has to first know how growth comes about and then proceed to the relationship that gymnastics and growth may have with each other. Some of the major players that take part in height growth include genetic factors, nutrition, and health in general.
Growth spurts in children happen at specific times in their development, especially around puberty. The growth plates at the end of the long bones consist of developing cartilage which allows for the elongation. Once the growth plates close, a child will no longer be able to grow in height.
Common Myths About Gymnastics and Growth
One of the more common gymnastics myths is that the sport stunts a child’s growth. Probably this is because gymnasts appear much shorter than other athletes competing in other sports.
That does not mean that gymnastics causes stunted growth. It comes down to making the distinction between correlation and causation. Just because most of the top gymnasts are short does not mean gymnastics is causing this.
Why Are Many Gymnasts Short?
Several factors make many gymnasts much shorter compared to others:
• Genetics: Most good gymnasts tend to come from genes within the family that aren’t usually tall. Yes, genes do affect height.
• Training Demands: Gymnastics is a high-strength, flexible, and controlling sport for the body. Therefore, the training of a gymnast is pretty intensive and might change body composition and development in comparison to many other sports.
• Timing of Training: Most gymnasts start practising the sport when they are at a very tender age. Early professionalization in gymnastics may imply spending less time on other activities contributing to various physical developments.
What Does the Research Say?
Unfortunately, there is scant specific research as to whether gymnastics hurts kids’ growth. Generally speaking, there does not appear to be much concern that gymnastics stunts the growth of individuals; some research even in the Journal of Pediatrics takes into consideration growth in child gymnasts of all ages, and those studied are growing typically and well within the mean for age in height.
In a separate study in the journal Pediatric Exercise Science, one researcher compared young gymnasts to other athletes and found, once again, that gymnasts tend to be shorter on average, but because of genetics and selective training for this sport and not because of anything related to it.
Benefits of Gymnastics
Aside from not hindering the child’s growth, the sport is greatly beneficial in terms of its impact on a child’s physiology.
Better Physical Fitness
Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, and coordination. These skills are fundamental in the child’s general physical fitness and can help a child in other sports.
Discipline and Focus
Gymnastics is a sport that requires one’s concentration and discipline. Children learn to set goals, practice consistently, and work hard to achieve their objectives.
Social Skills
Children make friends and learn social skills through gymnastics. In the team or class setting, a sense of membership leads to camaraderie and acceptance.
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Mastery of new skills in gymnastics helps build confidence in children. A child realizes some of his goals that are important to them; hence, it brings about an improved self-image.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Engaging in gymnastics encourages children to lead an active lifestyle. This foundation can lead to healthier habits as they grow older.
Gymnastics Tips for Parents
If you’re considering enrolling your child in gymnastics, here are some tips to ensure a positive experience:
• Get the Right Gymnastics: The gymnastics program one enrols in should not be competitive-based but one that focuses on the overall development of the kids. The right environment is where safety, fun, and the development of skills are paramount.
• Encourage Balance: As fantastic as gymnastics is, too much of a single thing is not healthy for the kids. It is good that they try other sports and hobbies to encourage overall development.
• Monitored Training Intensity: Let training be appropriate for the age of your child and not too intense, since too much training results in physical and mental burnout.
• Wholesome Nutrition: A diet balanced is very vital in the growth and development of children. Let your child get the nutrients he requires to keep him active.
• Talk Honestly: Discuss with your child about his or her gymnastics-related feelings and experiences. Let him or her tell if he or she likes the sport.
Final Thoughts
In short, gymnastics does not affect a child’s growth. Although many gymnasts tend to be shorter in comparison with other athletes in other various sports, this is majorly linked to genetic factors and the nature of the sport rather than the activity itself.
The sport can bring a lot of benefits: fitness, discipline, and confidence. As a parent, you should consider the all-round development of your child and ensure that his or her experience in gymnastics is positive and well-rounded. You will be setting your child up for a healthy, active life and teaching them to love physical activity for life.
