Gymnastics for little kids

[K and K's Mommy]

My DD takes gymnastics and loves it. I agree with others, find a new gym. There are three gyms near me, and they all have a slightly different philosophy so I hope you find one you like.

 

[sharlon]

I disagree that it has to be a USAG gym. While the USAG website can be helpful, their safety guidelines and coaching certifications are a money making joke. I've taken the course and it focuses more on how to avoid a lawsuit. Also, USAG is very selective about which coaches they call out for abuse. Like everything, politics plays heavily and while they may point out some not great coaches, they also sweep allegations against winning coaches under the rug.

There's nothing wrong with an AAU or YMCA program whether or not you're looking for a competitive program. I know many good coaches in those programs that can easily coach in a USAG gym, but don't agree with USAG's philosophy. I competed and judged USAG - it was fine for me, but it's expensive, it's hard to be successful at, and it's hard to juggle other activities if that is a priority. Plus, I guarantee the gym the OP saw the quote at was a USAG gym.

I stand corrected. We don't have AAU here, so I had completely forgotten about those gyms. I would definitely look at those gyms as well. YMCA programs can be very spotty. It depends on your local Y. I know the "gymnastics" classes at our local Ys are not that at all. The "coaches" aren't trained in gymnastics.

As for the USAG comments, there are probably situations as you described, but I don't think you are describing the majority of gyms. The gym search can be a great starting point, then you could narrow it from there. Our gym is not expensive (gym owner has 4 daughters who are gymnasts, so she keeps costs way down!), and my daughter, though nowhere close to being a great gymnast, has been successful. It all goes back to the philosophy of the individual gym owner.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My kids do dance and gymnastics for fun and did competive dance thisnpast year. I have no issues with going to gyms and studios that are more serious, but there is no way that I'd go to a gym with that sign. While they may not treat your kids like that...your childrn will be exposed to it at one time or another. It is an unhealthy attitude.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

id look elsewhere as well. i have my 4, almost 5 yr old and 3 yr old in gymnastics, mainly for her to help with coordination(mild cp) and him to get rid of energy! lol but we do it through one of our local community centres. its a 45 minute class once a week and they do all the apparatuses, but in no way is it competative. they have the rest of their lives for that! hope you can find another place for her.

 

[castleview]

I stand corrected. We don't have AAU here, so I had completely forgotten about those gyms. I would definitely look at those gyms as well. YMCA programs can be very spotty. It depends on your local Y. I know the "gymnastics" classes at our local Ys are not that at all. The "coaches" aren't trained in gymnastics.

As for the USAG comments, there are probably situations as you described, but I don't think you are describing the majority of gyms. The gym search can be a great starting point, then you could narrow it from there. Our gym is not expensive (gym owner has 4 daughters who are gymnasts, so she keeps costs way down!), and my daughter, though nowhere close to being a great gymnast, has been successful. It all goes back to the philosophy of the individual gym owner.

My post probably seemed a little jumpy, but I didn't mean that. Yes, you have to make sure that Y's know what they are doing. Some actually have their kids compete some USAG also (as do many AAU gyms). Many gyms are good. Unfortunately, some of the hardcore ones you do have to look into. I actually take into consideration the parents at gyms also. If the parents are catty, competitive, spending way too much time in the waiting room (I'm talking sitting through four hour practices), and playing off each other - it's usually because the coach invites that sort of behavior. JMO though. Good luck with your daughter though. As much as many aspects of gymnastics bother me, I absolutely love it.