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Enroll in a Class in June, Win a Summer Camp
Ready for summer fun? When you enroll your child in an in-person class this June, you’ll get a chance to score a FREE day at our summer camp! We’re choosing three lucky winners in July.
Bend, Don’t Break: Why Flexibility Training Matters for Your Young Gymnast
It’s not just about perfect splits, it’s about safety, strength, and setting your child up for success!
So, why is flexibility so important in gymnastics?
Stretching is more than a warm-up, it’s a key part of keeping our bodies safe and prepared. In gymnastics, flexibility protects growing muscles and joints. It reduces the risk of injury, especially during big movements like bridges, walkovers, or leaps. When muscles are tight, the body compensates in ways that can lead to strain or poor form.
We never start a class without stretching. That’s not just to prepare for the class that day, but also to build long-term flexibility that supports strength, control, and confidence over time.
It’s not just about form.
Yes, flexibility can help your gymnast achieve clean lines, pointed toes, and beautiful extensions, but that’s not the full story. A flexible body can move more freely and with less effort. This means more fluid movement on beam, better landings on floor, and a more graceful presence overall. It also means less soreness after class and fewer overuse injuries during more intense training.
Flexibility helps gymnasts move with grace without getting hurt.
It can even help your gymnast beyond the gym!
Flexibility helps in more areas of life than just the gym. Kid’s will grow confidence as they move more easily in daily life, whether they’re running, playing, or even just tying their shoes.
Flexibility will also improve posture, which is especially helpful during the school year when kids spend more time sitting or using devices.
Stretching can even support emotional well-being. Gentle flexibility work before bed can help calm the body and ease into a sleep routine. Kids who feel strong and capable in their bodies tend to feel more confident overall.
Here are some stretches to try at home!
Just 5–10 minutes of stretching outside of class can make a big difference. Remember, flexibility is built through consistency, not through intensity. Stretching should be gentle and relaxing, not painful!
1. Butterfly stretch
Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet touching and knees dropped out to the sides. Hold your feet and gently press your knees toward the ground.
This stretch improves hip mobility, which is essential for straddle jumps, splits, and basic floor work.
2. Seal Stretch
Lie on your stomach with hands flat on the floor near your shoulders. Gently press your upper body off the ground while keeping your hips down.
This backbend helps prepare the spine for bridges, walkovers, and strong core control.
3. Pancake Stretch
Sit in a wide straddle with your legs stretched out to the sides. Keep your knees straight and reach your hands forward between your legs.
Great for increasing flexibility for hamstrings, inner thighs, and lower back, important for keeping a body safe when living life.
4. Shoulder Thread-the-Needle
Start on all fours. Slide your right arm underneath your left arm, resting your right shoulder and ear on the ground. Hold gently, then switch sides.
This stretch helps with shoulder mobility, which is key for safe bridges, back handsprings, and bar work.
Kids Birthday Parties, Now Booking
Celebrate with action-packed fun! Party activities may include obstacle courses, relay races, trampoline bouncing, tumble-trak hopping, rope swings and age games for all ages. Our staff handles the details so you can enjoy your child’s special day, stress-free!
Learn more and check out our video
Pacific West Gymnastics Promo Products by Your Promo Pros
Pacific West Gymnastics partners with Your Promo Pros for promotional products and campaigns! Connect with your customers and achieve your marketing goals–promote your business with branded products and campaigns. Your Promo Pros will transform your brand and logo into a thoughtful gift for any occasion – company retreats, blood drives, holidays, and more.
Learn more and promote your event or business
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About Pacific West Gymnastics
Pacific West Gymnastics, with locations in Union City and Fremont, is a sporting facility that offers Preschool and Toddler Gymnastics, Boys and Girls Recreational Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, Girls Competitive Team Programs plus Seasonal & Summer Camp Programs. Request a Free Tour online.
We also do Birthday Parties!
Classes | Teams | Summer Camp & Seasonal Camps | Birthday Parties | Free Tour