A new activity aimed at children aged four and under has been launch by Cardiff Council.
Gym and Play combines gymnastics and play and is an excellent way for young children to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and coordination whilst having fun and enjoying exercise.
Each session is lead by a qualified and experienced gymnastics coach who offer small, structured group activities for children who wish to participate. Alternatively parents can supervise children to play freely on the equipment.
The classes aim to encourage children to learn basic gymnastic moves in a safe and fun environment where they can experience using a variety of equipment.
Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “The Gym and Play programme not only teaches children the basics of gymnastics but also helps prepare them for other sports and activities they may take up in the future.
“The sessions are aimed at both parents and children and is an ideal opportunity for them to take part in activities together whilst providing parents with the chance to meet other parents from the same communities with children of a similar age.”
Gym coach Julie Matthews said: “Gym and Play is great for child development in so many ways. The sessions are run as a group which creates interaction and communication between the children, parents and with coaching staff before children experience this when they start school.
“During the sessions we do various activities to music and rhymes which encourages expression and improves timing, movement and speech.
“The children get to have fun and improve their fitness including balance, strength, co-ordination, and flexibility.”
The classes are currently running at Eastern Leisure Centre and Fairwater Leisure Centre with Star Centre, Pentwyn Leisure Centre and Llanishen Leisure Centre planning to start them in the near future.
For more information please call into your local leisure centre or visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure
