what age do most girl start gymanstics?

[luvmyfam444]

Will they behind if they don't start at 3sih? At what age are they into the competitions? I know it's not like dance where you can jump in @ any age & still learn & be successful, I'm assuming that most of the times girls need to be in there really young or they'll have the fear to do most of the things = am I right?
I know if around here you haven't had experience in playing the game (soccer/softball) to jump in @ say age 7 or 8 you're pretty far behind as far as learning the rules & such - but of course can pick it up pretty quick - but the experience pays off as far as starting young.

 

[phorsenuf]

I think it depends on the child. My son takes gymnastics. He just started this past September at age 13 and he is competing this Sunday. I know gymnastics is different for boys and girls but he was athletic, but very small for his age and learned alot of things on his own so that helped.
Now, my other son started at age 5 and and even going up through the ages my son isn't very far behind where he was at this age. (did that make sense? LOL)

 

[r3ngels]

My DD started when she was around 4 or 5 but you don't have to start at 3. our gym I don't think would let them start at that young age.

 

[Disney_1derland]

3 is the youngest they start here and really it's more for learning to pay attention and follow directions while doing basic tumbling type stuff. My daughter started at age 5 this past summer and she is a bit behind the kids who started at 3, especially in her strength but she has improved a lot. The youngest kids on team here are 8 and they are considered to be exceptional. Most of them don't start competing til around 10 at our gym.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

This is speaking as a former competitive gymnast. For girls it's different than boys. Boys can wait longer because it's more about strength. Girls I would suggest starting between 3 and 5. Per USAG rules you can compete level 4 at age 6 (some gyms have competitive level 2 and/or 3 teams that start competing at age 5). However, because it gets so intense so quick you have to watch out for burn out. I started at 5, burned out on it at 10 and then went back around 12. Good luck! I'm sure your daughter will enjoy it.

 

[javaj]

The daughter of a friend started late -- when she was 9. She is now 16 and has been competing at the elite level for a couple of years. She hasn't been able to stay healthy (knee, back, shoulder injuries) or she probably would've been more competitive.