For School Going Children

Gym Start Classes

Gym Start

Gymstart classes are open to children from 5 years and up . A 4 yr old may attend a Gymstart class so long as he or she is attending school.

When a child wants to start gymnastics , the Gymstart class is where they would start. Classes are available Monday, Tuesday ,Wednesday and Saturday.

We never work more than an 1:8 coach to gymnast ratio so spaces in each class are limited.

When a gymnast enters into the Gymstart programme , they are graded so as to be put into a group of children of similar ability. Gymstart classes last 1 hour once a week. It is possible for Gymstart gymnasts to attend two gymstart classes per week but there will obviously be a cost factor and is subject to availability .

In Gymstart classes , children learn all the basic skills in a fun safe and friendly environment. Gymnasts are introduced to all the apparatus , not just floor and vault.

Gymnasts gain balance , strength and flexibility as well as an opportunity to improve confidence in themselves by interacting with other children.

It is our aim every year to participate in Gymnastics Ireland Gymstart competition . This takes place in the National Arena in Dublin usually around March time. Gymnasts compete in one of 4 different levels competing on floor and vault.

All Programs encourage the following

Cognitive Skills and Healthy Bones

Excercise is paramount to a childs congnitive development and Gymnastics is one of the best ways to improve cognitive skills. It is also weigth bearing so helps to strangthen and build strong bones

Confidence and Self Esteem

As with any new activity learned and mastered to some degree, it brings confidence and self esteem at having achieved a new skill.

Fun Fun Fun

Children love rolling and tumbling around and the Portlaosie Gymnastic center has a fantasic facilty to accomodate classes in a fun, safe, supervised and friendly environment.