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From Tiny Tots To Astronauts
The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has studied brain growth and development for 45 years. It is well known that the brain grows at an astonishing rate the first six years of life and then its ability to absorb information slows down drastically. For example, babies learn to speak their native language without any “teaching”. Learning a language after the age of six is extremely difficult. This understanding has led The Institutes to a more sound educational concept; they teach babies to read, do math, learn encyclopedic knowledge, speak foreign languages, play the violin and do gymnastics.
Mothers from all over the world have come to The Better Baby Institute in Philadelphia to learn how to teach their babies to do these things. They believe that early intellectual growth is directly related to early physical development. They have found that gymnastics literally grows the brain by developing the vestibular mechanism. The vestibular mechanism is the part of the brain responsible for balance, which involves the parts of the inner ear. As a result, coordination and control of the body improves. This development of the vestibular mechanism can then be applied to any physical and/or academic activity. The Institutes teach that when one area of the brain grows, so does the capacity of the other areas. They call top level gymnasts “vestibular geniuses.” Unlike most sports, gymnastics develops the ability to know where the body is in space. Being upside down, flipping, and twisting help us understand our physical presence in any position and situation.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has helped The Institutes on various research projects. Dr. Gerry Soffen, Director of Life Sciences, came to The Institutes to discuss the problem of Space Adaptation Syndrome (astronauts becoming sick in weightless environment). He explained that 50 percent of all astronauts became ill in the first 48 hours of their weightlessness space environment. NASA was intensively searching for an answer to this problem. They then asked gymnasts to participate in a series of tests at their Rotating Chair Facility. They found that because of gymnastics training, there were no adverse effects and believed it was due to a well-developed vestibular mechanism acquired at an early age.
These findings are of great value to the gymnastics comunity. If further tests turn out the way we believe they will, activities that develop the vestibular parts of the brain and gymnastics will become a part of astronaut training. Gymnastics is now understood as an activity that develops brain function as well as a great sport. Such an understanding should explode the grass roots level gymnastics programs of this country. The earlier children begin such activities, the better their vestibular mechanism development will be and the better their chances of becoming fine gymnasts or great athletes of any sport, not to mention the academic benefits which we have found hold true.
At the Ocean State School of Gymnastics in Lincoln, you will find the most highly developed preschool gymnastics program in the country. Our talented and highly trained staff works with children from 15 months and up. We have PeeWee classes for children 15 to 36 months, Preschool classes for 3 to 5 year olds and Kindergarten classes for 5 and 6 year olds. Stop in and see for yourself what we have to offer. You will be amazed at our “state-of-the-art” facility! You can’t get better training, anywhere! OSSG has been in business for 23 years and is the oldest private gymnastics facility in the state of Rhode Island. Call for an appointment at 401-333-1530. We’re not just creating great athletes, we’re developing better kids™.
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