Positive self-image in gymnastics
At the beginning of 2023, CHOPAR and the Finnish Gymnastics Federation signed a cooperation agreement to support gymnastics for children and youth.
One of the numerous development tasks of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation focuses on strengthening the coaching culture among youth gymnastics through positive pedagogy. Inspired by Pride Month, we wanted to know how gymnastics can contribute to understanding the concepts of diversity and acceptance of others among children. We talked with Satu Åkerlund, a well-known profile from the Finnish Gymnastics Federation working within youth gymnastics, about how important it is to strengthen the positive self-image of gymnasts in today’s society.
One of the numerous development tasks of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation focuses on strengthening the coaching culture among youth gymnastics through positive pedagogy. Inspired by Pride Month, we wanted to know how gymnastics can contribute to understanding the concepts of diversity and acceptance of others among children. We talked with Satu Åkerlund, a well-known profile from the Finnish Gymnastics Federation working within youth gymnastics, about how important it is to strengthen the positive self-image of gymnasts in today’s society.
It is clear that gymnastics has positive effects on the body, but it also has a positive effect on the well-being of the mind by producing experiences, sensations and emotions. In addition, the social aspect is an important part of the whole. Doing and training together teaches and strengthens social relationships, affecting the self-image and self-esteem of children and young people.
Coaches and instructors play an important role in the development of a positive self-image. According to Satu, supervisors and coaches are encouraged to utilize the teachings of positive pedagogy in their coaching work. An example of these is focusing on the skills improving confidence. During training, coaches are encouraged to use phrases such as "it's great that you dared to try this, even though it was a little scary at first. You were really brave". It is important not to look for mistakes, but to approach training positively and to think together about what went well and what should still be focused on.
Coaches and instructors play an important role in the development of a positive self-image. According to Satu, supervisors and coaches are encouraged to utilize the teachings of positive pedagogy in their coaching work. An example of these is focusing on the skills improving confidence. During training, coaches are encouraged to use phrases such as "it's great that you dared to try this, even though it was a little scary at first. You were really brave". It is important not to look for mistakes, but to approach training positively and to think together about what went well and what should still be focused on.
When gymnastics exercise produces positive experiences, it also develops the child's self-image and sense of self-worth. At best, the positive experiences gained from gymnastics help to discover their own potential and help the child to flourish in other areas of life as well as to act acceptingly towards their environment as well.
We at CHOPAR are very proud to support a cause that we find extremely important. After the summer, an exciting new project will launch when the first ever CHOPAR-stara events get underway. More on these soon.
Wishing you a happy summer and hope you have loads of at the gym. We wish to encourage everyone to come to the gym as they are!
We at CHOPAR are very proud to support a cause that we find extremely important. After the summer, an exciting new project will launch when the first ever CHOPAR-stara events get underway. More on these soon.
Wishing you a happy summer and hope you have loads of at the gym. We wish to encourage everyone to come to the gym as they are!