One of the biggest questions I am asked every single week is:
“What is preschool gymnastics … and what are they actually learning?”
And the truth is this:
Preschool gymnastics is not about rushing cartwheels, walkovers or beam routines. It is about building the strong physical and emotional foundations that every sport is built upon — gymnastics included!
At Little Superhero HQ, everything we do has purpose ....
Even when it looks like simple play .... especially when it looks like simple play.
So today, I want to open the doors and show you exactly what your child is learning in our sessions — and why these foundations matter so much.💫
Here are 10 real examples to help you understand the magic behind the movement:
1️⃣ When you see us travelling like animals…
We are actually building:
• shoulder and hip stability
• core strength
• cross-lateral co-ordination
• whole-body control
These are essential for handstands, cartwheels, climbing, sprinting and ball sports.
2️⃣ When you see us gripping beanbags or, bouncing and catching balls …
We are actually building:
• hand–eye co-ordination
• visual tracking
• bilateral movement skills
• early throwing and receiving mechanics
This supports rugby, tennis, cricket, netball and bar work in gymnastics.
3️⃣ When you see us row-row-rowing our boats…
We are actually building:
• core activation and flexibility
• shoulder and back strength
• upper-body control
• rhythm and timing
These skills support tumbling, swinging, swimming and confident body movement.
4️⃣ When you see us navigating balance stepping stones…
We are actually building:
• balance
• proprioception
• focus and concentration
• safe risk-taking
All of which prepare children for beam work, bike riding, agility games and everyday confidence.
5️⃣ When you see us marching, tiptoeing or hopping…
We are actually building:
• dynamic balance
• co-ordination
• rhythm
• strong ankles, knees and hips
Perfect preparation for dance, football, athletics, trampolining and vaulting.
6️⃣ When you see us hanging from bars…
We are actually building:
• grip strength
• shoulder stability
• bravery and resilience
• early swinging technique
This is essential for bar circles, monkey bars, climbing frames and future gymnastics progressions.
7️⃣ When you see us rolling down mats…
We are actually building:
• body awareness
• safe falling techniques
• vestibular development
• confidence with being upside-down
All of which support forward rolls, tumbling, cartwheels and everyday movement confidence.
8️⃣ When you see us jumping off blocks
We are actually building:
• power
• landing mechanics
• co-ordination
• bone strength
These are the foundations of vaulting, athletics, trampolining and explosive sports.
9️⃣ When you see us stretching like superheroes…
We are actually building:
• early flexibility
• joint mobility
• postural alignment
• safe movement patterns
This supports walkovers, bridges, splits and fluid, confident movement.
🔟 When you see us using ribbons, scarves, beanbags or hoops…
We are actually building:
• creative movement
• spatial awareness
• fine and gross motor control
• imagination and expressive skills
All of which support dance artistry, gymnastics presentation and confident, joyful movement play.
✨ THE MAGIC BEHIND IT ALL
The children believe they are simply playing ... and so they should — because play is where children learn best!
But underneath the fun, every single session is intentionally designed to support:
💪 strength and flexibility
🤸 co-ordination
🧘 balance
🧠 resilience
❤️ emotional wellbeing
💬 communication
🌈 creativity
It’s the whole-child approach.
It’s the foundation of gymnastics.
It’s the foundation of all sport.
And it’s what we do best.
💛 WHY PRESCHOOL IS OUR PASSION
Sports Coaches often have specialisms — in gymnastics for example, a coach may specialise in women’s artistic, men’s artistic, recreational or trampolining …
But preschool is our favourite and it shows in our sessions, our energy and our community.
Families stay with us because they see their children growing in confidence, strength and joy.
Our classes and groups are full of:
🎨 creativity
🦸 Little Superhero role models
🌈 colourful hand apparatus
🤩 imaginative play
We create a learning environment where children feel brave, capable and excited to move
🧡 AND WHEN YOUR CHILD IS READY FOR MORE … if your child is ready for a structured gymnastics or sports pathway, we will be the first to guide you to the right club through our local connections both in gymnastics and wider sports. Not because we want them to leave — but because we want them to thrive.
We never rush childhood. The preschool years are for exploration, play and building strong foundations.
That’s exactly what we give them at Little Superhero HQ.
🌟 A FLYING START FOR EVERY CHILD
When you join a Little Superhero programme, in the community or in an EYFS setting, you are giving your child:
• a strong physical foundation
• a resilient mindset
• a love of movement
• a confident start to sport
• a happy heart, mind and body
Truly…
✨ that is the greatest gift you can give in the early years. ✨
Helen Dewhurst is a British Gymnastics Coach and an Early Years Physical Development Consultant. She runs sessions in her local Preston, Lancashire community and supports EYFS Settings in her local area with her CPD in action programmes. She also runs a global coach forum where coaches from around the world can share ideas, seek solutions and get mentoring support.
For more information and to work with Helen you can get in touch via email at helensprojectplay@gmail.com or visit the website at www.superherosportsacademy.com
Ofsted eligible provider photo credits to @Fulwood Childcare who attend our community sessions.