Benefits of Gymnastics (II)
USECA Newsletter, July 2003
European researchers found that physical fitness in children related to a reduced risk of
developing asthma during adolescence (Rasmussen, Lambrechsten, Siersted, Hansen &
Hansen, 2000).
Physical activity is instrumental in preventing certain cancers; from colon cancer and breast
cancer to prostate cancer (Merrett, Theis & Ashbury, 2000). Increased exercise helped reduce
the risk of developing diabetes by 58% (Yale University School of Medicine, 2001). Beginning a
physical activity such as gymnastics at an early age is no guarantee but active children are
more likely to grow up to be active and healthy adults.
In a study of school-aged youth, researchers found that the risk of substance abuse by
adolescents is decreased by physical training programs that incorporate life skills. Better school
attendance, lower anxiety and depression, and decreased use of tobacco and alcohol were all
reported after a twelve week physical training program (Collingwood, Sunderlin, Reynolds &
Kohl, 2000). Recreational sports activities, including gymnastics is a key to balanced human
development and has been proven to be a significant factor in reducing alcohol and drug use
(Williams, 1994).
The gymnastics team coach is directly responsible for reducing the crime rate in the city;
statistics show that children actively engaged in organized “positive choice” extra-curricular
activities such as youth sports are less likely to be involved in self-destructive and anti-social
behavior and juvenile crime (Soenstrom, 1986).
Physical activity has been proven to delay the development of high blood pressure and helps
reduce blood pressure in adolescents with hypertension (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1999). • Many studies have reported the benefits of moderate impact activities such
as gymnastics has on the development of bone density and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Plyometric exercises (also known as jump training) like tumbling and vaulting have been
determined by the American College of Sports Medicine to be a safe, beneficial and fun activity
for children.
Healthy activities like gymnastics keep our kids off the couch and engaged in a healthy lifestyle.
That intermediate gymnastics class teacher is contributing to lower health care costs in the
United States; active children are more likely to grow to become active and healthier adults,
reducing the burden on the health care system. Sedentary lifestyles have been linked to the
development of coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and numerous other chronic ailments.
Nurturing the enjoyment of movement and motor skill development at an early age will help to
promote continued participation in physical activity. Long range, these active and therefore
healthier adults are more likely to be more productive at work, take less sick days, and have
fewer “on the job” accidents (Paffenbarger, 1986).
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USECA Newsletter, July 2003
European researchers found that physical fitness in children related to a reduced risk of
developing asthma during adolescence (Rasmussen, Lambrechsten, Siersted, Hansen &
Hansen, 2000).
Physical activity is instrumental in preventing certain cancers; from colon cancer and breast
cancer to prostate cancer (Merrett, Theis & Ashbury, 2000). Increased exercise helped reduce
the risk of developing diabetes by 58% (Yale University School of Medicine, 2001). Beginning a
physical activity such as gymnastics at an early age is no guarantee but active children are
more likely to grow up to be active and healthy adults.
In a study of school-aged youth, researchers found that the risk of substance abuse by
adolescents is decreased by physical training programs that incorporate life skills. Better school
attendance, lower anxiety and depression, and decreased use of tobacco and alcohol were all
reported after a twelve week physical training program (Collingwood, Sunderlin, Reynolds &
Kohl, 2000). Recreational sports activities, including gymnastics is a key to balanced human
development and has been proven to be a significant factor in reducing alcohol and drug use
(Williams, 1994).
The gymnastics team coach is directly responsible for reducing the crime rate in the city;
statistics show that children actively engaged in organized “positive choice” extra-curricular
activities such as youth sports are less likely to be involved in self-destructive and anti-social
behavior and juvenile crime (Soenstrom, 1986).
Physical activity has been proven to delay the development of high blood pressure and helps
reduce blood pressure in adolescents with hypertension (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 1999). • Many studies have reported the benefits of moderate impact activities such
as gymnastics has on the development of bone density and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Plyometric exercises (also known as jump training) like tumbling and vaulting have been
determined by the American College of Sports Medicine to be a safe, beneficial and fun activity
for children.
Healthy activities like gymnastics keep our kids off the couch and engaged in a healthy lifestyle.
That intermediate gymnastics class teacher is contributing to lower health care costs in the
United States; active children are more likely to grow to become active and healthier adults,
reducing the burden on the health care system. Sedentary lifestyles have been linked to the
development of coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and numerous other chronic ailments.
Nurturing the enjoyment of movement and motor skill development at an early age will help to
promote continued participation in physical activity. Long range, these active and therefore
healthier adults are more likely to be more productive at work, take less sick days, and have
fewer “on the job” accidents (Paffenbarger, 1986).
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| The Emotional, Physical and Developmental Benefits of Gymnastics |
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