Acrobatics classes are one of the fun hobbies that suit children and adults alike. They offer a fun-filled learning environment while improving the overall fitness of the students. Regular students, gymnasts, individuals who want to learn something new can all take up the hobby. People, irrespective of their age or skill level, will find an acrobatics class that fits their requirements.
What are Acrobatics Classes?
Acrobatics classes are programs designed to teach acrobatics arts to students. They learn skills and movements that require exceptional balance, agility, and body movement. Acrobatics are incorporated into different activities and sports. Gymnastics, dancing, skating, freestyling, and swimming may involve acrobatics in one form or another. Hand walking, headstand, elbow stand, somersault, front and back flips, and splits are considered acrobatics skills.
How are Acrobatics Classes Different from Gymnastics?
While acrobatics and gymnastics may seem similar on the surface, many differences distinguish the two.
- Gymnastics is a sport, whereas acrobatics is considered a form of art. Gymnastics may integrate art into the routines but is an athletic activity overall. On the other hand, acrobatics is a practical art that involves choreography.
- Every individual naturally has a dominant side or limb that is more efficient at performing tasks. Gymnastics training focuses on developing the dominant side of the gymnast. Routines are chosen and designed considering their dominant side. On the contrary, acrobatics classes lay equal emphasis on either side of the body. Students learn to lead routines with both their right and left leg. They don’t just rely on the side that they are comfortable using. It improves their versatility and allows them to adapt as per the routine or situation.
- A significant difference between acrobatics and gymnastics is that the former is performed on a hard stage, while the latter may employ a mat, spring floor, or other cushioned surfaces. Acrobatics training starts on a soft mat, but the progression is focused on enabling students to perform skills on the floor without any mat or cushion. The approach for teaching acrobatics is designed with this consideration. As gymnastics competitions are held on a mat or cushioned floor, there is no need to progress from a mat to a hard surface.
- Acrobatics classes do not use any form of equipment, unlike gymnastics. Acrobatics relies on the body and focuses on the skills and routines that can be accomplished on the floor. Gymnastics may use bars, balance beams, hoops, vaults, or other equipment and apparatus. Acrobatics is all about what you can accomplish with your body.
- As there is no need for specialized equipment, the expenses incurred for becoming an acrobat are less as compared to gymnastics. Students can practice it anywhere as long as they have a good floor and some mats for cushioning.
What are the Benefits of Enrolling in Acrobatics Classes?
Enrolling in acrobatics classes can be beneficial for children and adults. They improve physical fitness and flexibility while minimizing the chances of injuries. Acrobatics classes can boost the confidence and self-esteem of students as they learn new skills.
Strengthen and Condition Body
Acrobatics classes help to strengthen and condition the body, just like gymnastics. They promote muscle growth and make bones and joints healthier. Students learn the biomechanics of the body, how to activate target muscle groups, and master weight distribution for maintaining body balance. Acro skills utilize upper and lower body muscles, promoting all-round development.
Teach Injury Prevention
Acrobatics classes teach children how to launch and land safely for performing different routines or stunts. The training aims to minimize the risk of injury by focusing on proper methodology. It is not only useful in acrobatics but also other sports as well as daily life.
Excellent for Dancers and Gymnasts
Many acrobatics classes are designed for dancers. They choreograph dance elements into their curriculum to expand the horizons of dancers and even gymnasts. Many studios offer specialty classes like Acro Dance workshops and Rock’n’Roll Acrobatics. They may combine acrobatics, dance, and gymnastics, taking student’s skills to the next level.
Fitness-Oriented Hobby
Acrobatics classes are a great alternative for individuals who find gyms monotonous and unexciting. They improve cardiovascular strength while being fun. Most people find lifting weights or running boring and lose motivation over time. Acrobatics classes incorporate different routines and teach new skills to individuals as they progress. The art solely relies on the body and will appeal to most people.
Things To Consider When Choosing Acrobatics Classes
Acrobatics classes are offered by various academies, fitness centers, and institutions across the nation. They may have varying curriculums and teach different acro skills. Here are a few main things to consider when choosing acrobatics classes.
Skill Level
Acrobatics classes may have a minimum skill level requirement before they enroll students. They are generally categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. In addition to skill level, the academies may specify a minimum age limit for acrobatics classes. They may have different programs for kids, youth, and adults. Make sure to select a class according to the specified skill level and age requirements.
Type of Acrobatics Classes
Students must consider the type of acrobatics class they want to join. Different types of skills fall under acrobatics. There are basic acrobatics classes offered for beginners, as well as various kinds of advanced and specialty classes. You can enroll in acro dance, acrobatic gymnastics, acro yoga, acro figure skating, or acro balancing, to name a few. Choose an acrobatics class according to your interests and objectives. Partner acrobatics classes are also organized for couples.
Certified Instructors
Acrobatics instructors teaching gymnastics routines also require certification from USA Gymnastics. They need a Junior Olympic Development Coach Certification for teaching compulsory levels and Junior Olympic Team Coach Certification for optional competitive levels. If you are enrolling your kids in a beginner class, the instructor must have an Instructor Certification at the very least. Make sure that the academy has certified instructors. A few specific acrobatics classes like juggling, prop manipulation, and hoop may not require certified instructors.
Ultimately, the right acrobatics class for you will depend on your interests and objectives. Visit multiple academies and gyms and meet their instructors to find the one that suits you.
