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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I sign my child up for gymnastics? Learning gymnastics increases a child’s agility, strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and self esteem. Also, learning to interact in a small group will help your child develop necessary social skills such as listening, cooperation, patience, and communication.
When can we sign-up? Our program runs year round so you may sign up at anytime in a class with openings. If there are not openings in the class you want then you can get on a waiting list for the next available opening.
What will they do? The gym is divided into six events. The kids will work on three events each time they come, spending 15 minutes on each event (10 minutes for Tots and Tiny Tot classes). The rest of the class is divided into a warm-up and a cool down. They will do floor exercise, balance beam, and trampoline one week and tumbling, vault, and uneven bars the next week. Most of the events have an obstacle course set up so the kids can keep moving and practice skills on their own when the instructor is working with a classmate. Each class has a particular set of skills, appropriate to its skill level that the instructor will introduce your child to.
How many kids do you take in a class? We take up to seven kids in a class with one instructor in the Tiny Tots and Tots classes. We take up to nine kids in a class with one instructor in the 5 year old and up classes. Often there is less due to a child being absent or the class not being full.
What do they need to wear? They can wear anything they are comfortable moving around in. We do prefer that they do not wear anything with zippers or buttons (they might scratch the bars). A lot of girls wear leotards, which we have for sale, but they are not required. We also prefer that they go barefoot. Long hair should be pulled back in a pony tail.
Can we try a class? You may try a class if there are openings in the appropriate class. If there are no openings you can get on the waiting list. The class will be free if you decide not to sign up, if you sign up for the class, regular fees will apply. You can also come by anytime to watch classes from the observation area.
What are your instructors’ qualifications? All of our instructors have a background in advanced gymnastics. That is, they have taken gymnastic lessons and performed gymnastics through an advanced level. They are trained extensively and continuously by our program director, Julie Durham, before teaching classes. Julie was an advanced competitive gymnast and has been teaching recreational and competitive gymnastics full time since 1980. Julie has written a class manual for the instructors, which they memorize and teach from. In other words, they don’t just go out and do whatever they want. They follow the methods and skill progressions they have learned in training.
What do you consider a great cartwheel? A great cartwheel is when the feet come over the top (as opposed to around the side). Also, they must be able to stand them up every time (no falling down or landing off balance. It is very important that a child in the Beginner 2 class have a great cartwheel because in that level they start cartwheels on the balance beam and one-arm cartwheels on the floor.
What is open gym? Open gym is on Friday nights from 6:30 to 8:30. The cost is $6 for members and $8 for non-members. Kids use open gym to play or practice. Open gym may be used as a make-up class. It is not structured but there are instructors in the gym to keep an eye on the kids and spot them when necessary.
Can I go in the gym with my child? Parents are not allowed in the gym except during emergencies, tiny tot classes, and open gym. However, you are invited to stay and watch from our observation area.
Do you have cheerleading classes? We have tumbling classes that teach the gymnastics skills that a cheerleader will need.
Have a Question? Send us an email.
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