Gymnastics with Jacki

Watching the Olympics, gymnasts can be seen flipping, twisting, and jumping in various events.  These gymnasts began training at a young age and devoted countless hours to the sport. Before the gym though, many of these gymnasts started classes with their Moms/Dads or to prevent flipping around the house.  

I fell in love with gymnastics at a young age, and I enjoy passing on my love and knowledge of the sport to children.  The fundamentals of gymnastics and occupational therapy can be combined to help a child’s development.  In our gymnastics class, I look forward being able to combine my occupational therapy education and gymnastics knowledge at Connect the Dots!

Areas of Focus:

  • Gross motor benefits
    • Crossing midline during skills  
    • Learning sequence of tasks from start to end of skill
    • Graded movements and required force to complete skill
    • Flexibility
    • Separation of body (lower/upper and right/left)
  • Strength benefits
    • Core strength
    • Upper body strength
    • Lower body strength  
  • Vestibular System: Helps to gather information from fluid filled canals in the inner ear which respond to directional changes, movement, and head positions.
    • Forward/backward head tilt for vestibular input (forwards and backward rolls)
    • Rotational and circular movements for vestibular input (cartwheels and handstands)
    • Static and dynamic balance (balance beam)
    • Spatial Awareness: mind and body connection
  • Proprioception: Knowing where your body is in space (body awareness) and navigate your environment safely.
    • Heavy work and input throughout gymnastics session to help increase regulation throughout the class to match tasks
    • Body receptors are receiving input during skills to improve proprioception  
  • Social Skills
    • Turn taking and waiting in line
    • Peer relationships begin to build during classes
    • Emotional regulation
    • Frustration tolerance to learn new skills and continue to persevere
    • Attention to instructor and peers
    • Follow the appropriate rules and directions provided

Connect the Dots Gymnastic classes are held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2pm for ages 3 to 5. Ages 5 through 10 have class Wednesday nights from 6 to 7pm. For more information, please call the front desk at 541-255-2681 or download the Gymnastics with Jacki flyer here.

Eugene Clinic:
84 Centennial Loop
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday – Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

Corvallis Clinic:
375 NW Harrison Blvd.
Corvallis, OR  97330
Phone: (541) 255-2681 (Eugene)
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday - Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

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