Power of Progressions - August 2025

August 2025 - The Power of Progressions

Gymnastics is one of the oldest organized sports, and was even featured in the very first Olympic Games in 1896. What kept it so timeless? One powerful concept: progressions. According to Oxford Languages, progressions are defined as “the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state”. So what does this mean for our gymnasts? 

Building Blocks for Big Skills!

Think of every gymnastics skill like a LEGO set. Some are quick 50-piece builds you can finish in minutes, while others are massive, like the 10,000-piece Death Star that takes weeks. Big or small, each masterpiece is built piece by piece, the same way gymnasts master every skill step by step.

Small Wins = Happier Kiddos!

Reaching these milestones is not only super exciting, but it helps retain the interest of kids through quicker & more consistent fulfillment. Instead of working on daunting challenges, it’s a lot more fun to consistently win at every small stepping stone on the roadmap! That’s the same reason video games are so addictive. They reward you with small wins that build momentum! In gymnastics, those “level-ups” come with every new shape, skill, or drill kids master.

Real Life Application

The best part about all of this? Our kids can learn the way we break down the skills into little pieces and use it IN REAL LIFE. We don’t start with the back handspring - we learn: 

1. the arch shape

2. the sit

3. the handstand

4. the snap up

5. the jump

…and then try it on multiple surfaces before it’s considered “mastered”. Want to learn how to read? Start with:

1. Letters

2. Sounds

3. Words

4. Sentences

5. Chapters

Progressions apply to everything from riding a bike to what chores kids should complete. Progressions are how kids learn everything. 

At Hop, Skip, & Flip, we’re here for every win, big or small. When kids learn that progress happens step by step, nothing can stop them, whether inside the gym or out in the real world. #hopskipandflip #keepcalmandcartwheelon

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