How to find gymnastics lessons

[Barbeasty]

DD wants to start gymnastics. I've looked on the British Gymnastic website and got a list of places vaguely near us, and narrowed it down to 2 clubs which appear to do weekend lessons (can't do after school lessons because I work and can't get anywhere in time).

Obviously it will partly depend on who has spaces/ the shortest waiting list, but does it matter what sort of gymnastics they do? One seems to do more acrobatics, although the beginners do the badges etc.

Is there anything else I should be asking about?

How old is she? Primary school age and it'll be take what you're offered.

Round here good clubs have at least a 2 year waiting list for 5-7 year olds. Lots have closed waiting lists.

If she's talented you could ask about a trial.

She's 5 (year 1). There are other clubs whose waiting lists are closed.... but one of these 2 doesn't mention a waiting list, and the other has a website that's 3 years out of date but I can see from elsewhere that they run all day Saturday and Sunday, plus weekdays.

I realise we may have no choice, I just like to be prepared in case we do!

If she's 5 I wouldn't worry too much, she just needs good basics.

Where are you? I could give you an idea, I'm a coach and have a rough knowledge of most areas.

Acro is a great discipline, and tends to keep kids in longer and get them to a good level. 4 piece is tough because there is a separate "elite" track, selected by age 7/8. So you're either in it for the olympics, or as a hobby.

Get her in a club, give it 6 months see where she's at. If you find she needs challenging you can always switch clubs, and it's easier to get into a better club if she has a grounding and they can see what she's capable of.

Does your local council leisure centre do lessons?? I have found the official clubs quite serious.

Thanks. We're in Stroud but happy to travel to Cheltenham, Gloucester, Dursley, Tetbury etc.

The local leisure centre does classes, but they're about 4pm on a week day and even if I leave work an hour early I'm still on the train then!

I'm grateful for the advice.

My friend's daughters go to yoga for kids in London ( 3 House Club ) . They seem to enjoy it a lot and she's happy that it helps them develop their body harmoniously. They even practice at home.