- Recreational Gymnastics (Active Start, School Age, Teen)
- Adult Gymnastics
- Adaptive/Inclusive Programs
- lnterclub
- Recreational Parkour
- Performance Gymnastics - commonly known as "Gymnaestrada"
- Recreational Cheerleading
- Recreational Acrobatic Gymnastics
Recreational Gymnastics
Recreational gymnastics is a diverse and inclusive form of gymnastics that is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Unlike competitive gymnastics, which focuses on high-level performance and competition, recreational gymnastics prioritizes fun, fitness, skill development, and personal achievement.
It offers a wide range of activities and exercises inspired by gymnastics, tailored to meet the needs and interests of participants.
Gymnastics For All
GFA Programs
Gymnastics for All includes all non-competitive GBC programs offered by clubs, including those for community recreation and schools. It is the umbrella discipline for non-competitive gymnastics activities and disciplines, including but not limited to: artistic, trampoline, aerobic, acrobatic, and rhythmic* gymnastics.
GBC-recognized activities offered under the GFA banner encompass a tremendous range of ages, abilities, program goals, and philosophies.
These programs include, but are not limited to:
We are thrilled to partner with Gymnastics Australia and The Australian Physiotherapy Association to bring Fitter for Life to Gymnastics BC member clubs.
The Fitter for Life program aligns and supports the Gymnastics Australia’s vision, 'Gymnastics: The Foundation of Movement for Life' in promoting gymnastics as a 'sport for everybody'.
Fitter for Life also aligns with Sport for Life's Long Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity framework stage "Active for life".
This program has been developed with a view to provide a safe and enjoyable way for older adults to re-engage in physical activity.
*Please note that rhythmic gymnastics is governed separately under the British Columbia Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Federation (BCRSGF).
Community Access Programs
Kids Can Move uses the activities of gymnastics to develop physical literacy. The program is fun, inclusive, and requires only benches and mats.
For teacher workshop/in-services, please contact the Recreation Program Manager. We are not currently offering in-school student programming.
To order the KCM manual and e-task cards, please contact the Recreation Program Manager.
Many of Gymnastics BC's member clubs offer field trips for schools in their area. As each club has their own schedule and regulations, field trips are arranged with each club directly.
Manuals and Resources
5 December 2023
CanGym Program
Update in Progress.
More Info & Links
If you are interested in learning more about Recreational Gymnastics contact us today...
Quick Links
Gymnastics for All Committee
- Chair: Catou Tyler
- Erin Sandland
- Jenn Watts
- Jen Olthoff
- Keara Urquhart
- Mary Morice
Recreation Program Manager: Taphatna Duncan
To contact the Gymnastics For All Committee (GFA), please email the GFA Chair
To request program updates, please contact the Recreation Program Manager
Learn About Coaching Upcoming Events Provincial Gymnaestrada
Frequently Asked Questions (GFAs)
HOW DO I SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR GYMNASTICS CLASSES?
First, find a GymBC member club near you. Then, visit the club’s website, or contact the club directly for more information. Find a GymBC member club
IS GYMNASTICS ONLY AN ELITE-LEVEL SPORT?
Gymnastics is an activity that anyone can participate in and benefit from! From infant to senior classes, there is a program for everyone.
Learn more about the different programs and classes gymnastics has to offer by visiting our Programs Overview web page.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE SMALL TO PARTICIPATE IN GYMNASTICS?
Anyone can participate in gymnastics, regardless of size or strength. Gymnastics helps you build agility, balance, coordination, strength and flexibility!
IS GYMNASTICS INCLUSIVE TO SPECIAL NEEDS?
Absolutely! Many gyms offer adaptive classes and programming.
When a gymnastics program is tailored to the needs of the age group and ability level and practiced safely, it is not dangerous.
When you watch gymnastics on TV, it does look like it has dangerous elements, but those athletes are trained on how to perform their skills safely.
In fact, gymnasts are taught early on how to fall and land to avoid injuries – an invaluable skill that carries over to many sports.
MY KID WANTS TO BE A SOCCER/FOOTBALL/VOLLEYBALL PLAYER. HOW CAN GYMNASTICS HELP?
As a foundation sport, gymnastics helps give children the tools to become great athletes, not just great gymnasts. Many of the skills learned in gymnastics are transferable to other sports.
WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT (LTAD) MODEL?
Published by the Canadian Sport for Life Movement and developed by Canada’s sport leaders, the LTAD model ensures that developmentally-appropriate skill programs are provided throughout an athlete’s career.
Together with Gymnastics Canada and the other provincial associations, Gymnastics BC has customized and adopted the LTAD for gymnastics.
The LTAD is a model for development in physical activity and sport to provide a safe, enjoyable, and progressive pathway for children and youth to pursue healthy physical activity along with a pathway to excellence.
To learn more, check out these resources about the Long-Term Athlete Development Model:
WHICH STAGES OF THE LTAD MODEL RELATE TO PLAY GYMNASTICS?
Four of the eight gymnastics stages relate directly to Gymnastics For All. These include:
- Stage 1: Active Start
- Stage 2: Fundamentals (formerly Fun, Fitness & Fundamentals)
- Stage 3: Learn to Train (formerly Building the Skills of Gymnastics)
- Stage 8: Active for Life
There are two additional LTAD stages for individuals with a disability:
- Awareness
- First Contact
