Recreational gymnastics classes offer a fun, non-competitive environment where participants of all ages can learn and develop fundamental gymnastics skills. These classes focus on improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body awareness through various activities and exercises. Students typically work on basic gymnastic movements like tumbling, vaulting, and using apparatus such as bars, beams, and mats. The emphasis is on building confidence, motor skills, and enjoyment, rather than competition, making it accessible for beginners and those seeking fitness and fun.

The Xcel gymnastics program is a competitive gymnastics system designed to offer flexibility and inclusivity for athletes of various skill levels and abilities. Unlike traditional gymnastics, which has a set progression through levels, Xcel allows gymnasts to progress at their own pace while still participating in competitions. The program is divided into different divisions, such as Xcel Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, each with specific skill requirements.

Xcel emphasizes individual development, where gymnasts can specialize in certain apparatuses or routines that match their strengths. It is often seen as a more accessible option for gymnasts who might not wish to commit to the intense training required by the traditional junior Olympic (JO) program. The Xcel program allows for a more flexible commitment, making it an appealing choice for gymnasts of varying ages and abilities.

DP (Developmental Program) Compulsory Gymnastics is a structured, level-based gymnastics program designed to teach and assess fundamental skills in a progressive manner. The program focuses on building strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness through a series of compulsory routines and skills that gymnasts must perform. These routines are standardized, meaning they are the same for all gymnasts within a certain level and are used to evaluate their technical ability.

The DP Compulsory system is typically used in gymnastics clubs and competitions to help gymnasts develop a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced skills. It is part of a larger gymnastics framework, with each level having specific requirements that must be met before advancing to the next level. The goal is to ensure that athletes develop proper technique and are ready for higher-level, more complex gymnastics.

DP Optionals (Development Program Optionals) in gymnastics refers to a set of routines and competitions for gymnasts who are part of a developmental program that allows them to create customized routines based on specific skills and difficulty levels. These routines are typically designed by the gymnast, with input from their coach, to showcase their abilities in the most advantageous way.

In the U.S., DP Optionals are often part of USA Gymnastics' Level 7 and higher competitions (usually Level 7-10) and are aimed at athletes who have advanced beyond the compulsory routines, where the sequence of moves is strictly defined. DP Optionals provide more freedom for gymnasts to demonstrate their individual style, strength, and skill level, particularly on apparatuses like floor, vault, beam, and bars.

The routines are judged based on both difficulty and execution. Gymnasts are required to perform a series of specific elements that align with the level's requirements, but within those guidelines, they can tailor their routine to highlight their strengths.