Adaptive and Inclusive Movement (AIM)
At Viking we are strong believers that gymnastics is for everyone. It helps children with their balance, coordination, self-esteem, and strengthens the core muscles. It can help improve posture, endurance, speech, and so much more; the benefits are numerous! In all levels of our adaptive program, the focus is on learning while having fun! We attempt to be inclusive in all our programs, whenever possible. Please contact aim@vikinggymnastics.com and we can assist you in finding the right fit for your child.
Adaptive Gymnastics Classes
Adaptive gymnastics classes are for children who have a diagnosis or disability which requires some adaptation or additional support. This is a weekly structured class with parent/guardian participation. During these 40 minute classes, students will stretch, then learn and practice gymnastics skills on various apparatus. We will work on coordination, balance, strength, fine and gross motor skills, visual motor skills, body awareness, spatial awareness. The class will also focus on helping children learn to follow directions with a group of peers, and improve overall regulation and self-esteem.
Level 1 – This class is for children 4-6 years old (pre-kindergarten to kindergarten)
Level 2 – This class is For 6-14 year olds. (1st grade and up, elementary school age)
Level 3 – This level requires prior coach approval and focuses on moving the students towards independence while fading out parent support.
Rising Stars Team Program
Since 2017, Viking has been proud to be the home to our Rising Stars Team. Rising Stars is a competitive program that is made up of children with special needs ages 8 and up. Our coaching staff works with these students weekly learning skills that are part of the routines that they will compete in Special Olympics competitions. In addition, some upper-level gymnasts may compete in AAU Competitions. The coaching staff helps build confidence and self-esteem in their athletes in addition to preparing them to compete.
Unified TeamGym
Power TeamGym is a USA Gymnastics program under the umbrella called “Gymnastics For All.” Our TeamGym is a “unified” co-ed team. The team is at least 50% children with disabilities/ diagnoses and 50% “typically” developing children. The team competes together as a group to perform a “Jump Routine” that includes tumbling, vaulting, using the mini-tramp, and includes a floor routine to music. The focus is on synchronicity and execution of the routines as a team. The athletes receive an overall team score, rather than individual scores.