How Structured Are Adaptive Gymnastics Classes?
"How structured are your classes?"
This is one of the most common questions I get from parents. Most of the time, what they are really asking is:
Will you force my child to do things they're not ready for?
Is it so rigid they'll shut down?
Or so loose they won't learn anything?
First and foremost: We are not rigid at all. But we're also not chaotic (at least most of the time as long as it’s not during camp)
We Have a Framework; Not Rigid Rules
Whether it's a 1:1 session or a small group class, we work with a loose framework. We understand that having a concrete plan isn’t ever going to work but going in without a plan will also be messy.
This is how I operated as an occupational therapist and it has been the format that we see the most success with.
Most sessions include:
Some kind of warm-up/sensory rich activity to start
Rotating through different equipment and stations
Addressing sensory needs as they come up
Here's the key: How we use that framework changes constantly based on what the kids need.
Some days we might have one child at a time working on skills, while others are jumping. Other days everyone's rotating through different stations together. Time limits at stations? Sometimes 5 minutes, sometimes 2, sometimes 10.
We're constantly trial and erroring to figure out what works best; not just for each child, but for each GROUP of kids on each particular day.
What This Actually Looks Like
In a small group, you might see:
Kids rotating through stations, but at different paces
One child spending extra time on something they love while another moves on
Us switching up the rotation style mid class because the original plan isn't working
Spontaneous sensory breaks when we notice someone needs regulation
Activities modified on the spot based on how kids are responding
In 1:1 sessions: Even more flexibility. We follow your child's lead, addressing their sensory needs as they arise and adapting what we do minute by minute.
The common thread: We're responsive, not rigid.
What "Participation" Means to Us
At any point in class, participation can look like:
Doing the activity as suggested
Doing a modified version
Just touching or engaging with the equipment and moving on
Watching from the side first
Taking a break and rejoining later
All of these count. We're not grading on compliance; we're meeting kids where they are.
Child Led Doesn't Mean "Whatever They Want"
Parents worry "child led" means no expectations or boundaries.
Here's what it actually means:
We follow their cues about what their body needs
We offer choices within our framework
We adjust our approach constantly based on what's working
We work toward goals through activities that actually motivate them
When something isn't working, we change it
Example: We're working on bilateral coordination.
Rigid approach: "Everyone do 10 jumping jacks now in this exact way"
Our approach: "Let's jump on the trampoline! Can you clap while you jump? What about touching your knees? Want to try a different way? Oh, you want to try it on the floor instead? Let's do it!"
Same goal. Different execution. More engagement.
How We Address Sensory Needs
This is where our flexibility really shows up. We have tools ready:
Quiet spaces with sensory items
Trampoline for regulation
Heavy work activities
Movement breaks
Swings
Coaches are reading each child constantly: What do they need right now? Is this overstimulation or boredom? A quick reset or a bigger break?
We respond in the moment. Every time.
Why This Approach Works
Kids need some predictability (warm-up, equipment, activities) but they also need adults who can be flexible and responsive.
Predictability provides:
Reduced anxiety (they generally know what to expect)
Some routine
A framework for learning
Flexibility provides:
Respect for their nervous system needs in the moment
Space to actually engage (not just comply)
Trust that adults are paying attention to them
Permission to have hard days
When you combine both, kids thrive. They have enough structure to feel secure, but enough flexibility to be themselves.
We Adjust for Each Child
Some kids need more predictability:
We give them visual schedules
We warn them before transitions
We keep a more consistent routine
Some kids need more flexibility:
We offer lots of choices
We build in frequent breaks
We let them set the pace more
We figure out what each child needs and adapt accordingly.
Common Parent Questions
"What if my child refuses to participate?"
We go slow. We let them observer. We build rapport. We figure out why. Are they overwhelmed? Scared? Not interested? Need a different way in? Then we adjust. Refusal is information, not a problem.
"Will they actually learn skills?"
Yes. We have goals and progressions for each child. We get there by following their motivation and readiness, not by forcing compliance.
"What if they just want to jump on the trampoline the whole time?"
Perfect! We'll use the trampoline to work on counting (math), stop/go games (impulse control), bilateral jumps (coordination), safe landing (body awareness). We can teach through whatever motivates them.
Come See It in Action
The best way to understand how this works is to experience a session. We offer $20 1:1 meet and greet sessions!
Questions about how this would work for your child? Just ask - we're happy to talk through it.