In today’s world, it’s not unusual for kids to spend more time sitting than moving. Screens are everywhere, TVs, tablets, phones, and computers, and they’re becoming a bigger part of children’s daily lives. While technology has its benefits, it’s also changing how kids grow, play, and learn.
At Elevate Sports Center, we believe movement is one of the most important parts of childhood. It’s how kids build strength, confidence, focus, and friendships. With so much time spent indoors or on screens, movement-based programs are more valuable than ever for helping children develop in healthy, balanced ways.
In this blog, we’ll explore why movement matters, how it supports development, and how our classes, from preschool gymnastics to NinjaZone and aerial silks, offer kids the tools they need to thrive in a digital age.
The Modern Childhood: Screens Are Up, Movement Is Down
Over the past decade, screen time among children has increased dramatically. Studies show that many kids spend more than four to six hours a day in front of a screen. That number often rises on weekends or during school breaks. As screen time goes up, physical activity often goes down.
Kids today spend less time outside, less time playing with friends, and less time in active movement. This trend is linked to lower levels of fitness, shorter attention spans, poor sleep, and increased feelings of restlessness or anxiety.
Even small changes in daily habits can shape a child’s overall development. That’s why it’s so important to make movement a regular part of their week. It benefits not just their bodies, but their brains and emotions too.
Why Movement Is Essential for Growing Bodies and Brains
Movement is much more than exercise. For kids, it’s a key part of learning and development. Every time a child jumps, balances, crawls, or climbs, they’re strengthening the pathways in their brain and body.
Physical movement builds:
- Motor skills like balance, coordination, and control
- Cognitive abilities like memory, focus, and decision-making
- Emotional regulation by helping kids process stress and energy
- Self-confidence as they master new skills and challenges
When children move, their whole brain lights up. Movement isn’t just fun. It builds the foundation for learning, problem-solving, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What Movement-Based Programs Offer That Screens Can’t
Screens can entertain and educate, but they don’t offer the same full-body learning experience that real-world movement does. In-person classes help children learn with all their senses and support deeper, more lasting growth.
At Elevate, our programs are designed to help kids explore their abilities in supportive, high-energy environments. Each class type offers something different, but they all share the same goal: helping kids move with purpose and confidence.
Here’s how our classes support movement-based learning:
Preschool Gymnastics (Ages 2–5)
Preschool gymnastics introduces foundational movement skills through guided play. Kids develop coordination, balance, and body awareness, all while learning to take turns, listen to instructions, and follow routines in a playful setting.
Recreational Gymnastics (Ages 5–17)
Recreational gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, and discipline. Students learn tumbling, bars, beam, and more. It’s a great way to improve focus, determination, and physical control, all while having fun.
NinjaZone (Ages 3–13)
NinjaZone is high-energy obstacle training designed for kids who love to move. It blends agility, strength, and creative problem-solving with movement challenges that feel like play. For kids who struggle to sit still, NinjaZone is a perfect outlet for energy and focus.
Aerial Silks (Ages 5+)
Aerial silks classes promote strength, grace, and body control in a creative way. Kids learn to climb, wrap, and pose using suspended fabric. It’s an excellent way to build confidence and focus while exploring movement in a completely new direction.
Helping Kids Rebalance: Small Shifts, Big Wins
It doesn’t take huge changes to see the benefits of more movement. Adding even one active class per week can help a child become more focused, confident, and connected.
Here are a few signs your child might benefit from a structured movement class:
- They have a lot of energy and need a positive outlet
- They seem less engaged or focused during the day
- They struggle with mood, restlessness, or sleeping well
- They express interest in trying something new
Parents can support this shift by setting movement goals, encouraging new activities, and modeling active habits themselves. The most important step is starting. At Elevate, we make it easy to try a class and see if it’s a good fit.
The Long-Term Value of Movement Habits
Building a healthy relationship with movement now lays the foundation for future success in school, in sports, and in everyday life. Kids who grow up being active are more likely to stay active as adults. They also tend to:
- Focus better in class
- Handle stress more effectively
- Show greater resilience and problem-solving
- Feel more confident in their abilities
Movement-based programs also offer a sense of accomplishment that screen time can’t replicate. When a child learns a new skill, overcomes a fear, or finishes a routine, they feel proud of their effort. These wins build a strong sense of identity, perseverance, and joy in learning.
Replacing Screen Time with Stronger Habits
Screens are part of life, but they don’t have to take over. Movement-based programs like the ones at Elevate Sports Center help kids get back in touch with their bodies, minds, and inner strength.
Whether your child is tumbling through a gymnastics class, climbing through a NinjaZone obstacle, or soaring in an aerial silks routine, they’re learning so much more than just physical skills. They’re building a sense of who they are, what they’re capable of, and how they can grow.
If you’re looking for a positive change that helps your child thrive both now and in the future, we invite you to try a class at Elevate. Let’s move forward together.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free trial class.
Try it FREE!
We offer one free trial class to all students who are interested in our programs. From NinjaZone to Tumbling, give one of our classes are shot. After all…. it’s FREE!