BK’s Gymnastics sites experience surge in demand for their programs

BK’s Gymnastics sites across Australia are experiencing a huge surge in demand for their KinderGym program as parents seek to help their children regain lost skills due to lockdowns.

The KinderGym program is designed for babies through to five year olds and according to Bree Mort, Centre manager at BK’s Gymnastics Bacchus Marsh, it is this age group that really missed out on two years of vital social interaction and physical development time due to ongoing lockdowns.

Mort notes “Parents are telling us their kids are lacking social skills and key development skills, such as coordination and risk-taking.

“The benefits of KinderGym are massive and I can understand why parents are drawn to it as they try to return their kids to normal activities.”

From 2021 to 2022, the average increase in KinderGym enrolments across the national network is 47%. Some sites have experienced considerable surges, such as BK’s Gymnastics Bayside, which has seen a 198% growth in enrolments in the last 12 months.

BK’s Gymnastics Early Years Coordinator Tania Gummow said KinderGym is a fun and energetic program, where the brain and body work together in a social and safe environment.

Gummow adds “some of the benefits are an enhanced vestibular system - important for balance and movement, core and upper body strength, cross patterning activities, flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and plenty of proprioceptive activities such as crawling through tunnels, bear walks and jumping on trampolines.

“Gymnastics offers a perfect start for a child’s sporting life, teaching a love of movement in a fun and stimulating environment.

“We’re also seeing so many grandparents bringing their grandchildren to gymnastics each week now, it’s fantastic. With more parents re-entering the workforce, many grandparents play an important role in helping out with the occasional care of their grandchildren and are looking for a fun learning activity they can experience together with their grandchild.”

BK’s Gymnastics Chief Executive Mark Rendell advises the KinderGym program has allowed BK’s Gymnastics to engage with children from a younger age and broaden its customer base and adds “BK’s Gymnastics is all about inclusivity. The model doesn’t just focus on competitive gymnastics as that’s very limiting – there are options for those wanting to engage in a fun, recreational program.

“Programs like KinderGym and FreeG Ninja are helping to expand our appeal and offer something for all kids.

“We’re really happy with how KinderGym is performing.”

For more information visit bkgymswim.com.au/