Looking at gymnastics programs...??'s to ask?

[mom2grace]

I am looking for a gymnastics program for DD 3 years old.

She is very active (decided to use a broom handle as a balance beam) and very small, average height, low weight, and very strong, long, lean muscles. She is tough as nails.

Does she sound like a good candidate?

I want this to be for fun, but I also want a program that is strong enough that if she decides to stay long-term, she will be equipped. I know with gymnastics that if you don't begin the flexibility while the child is young, you lose it and can't get it back.

I plan to do swimming & soccer also when she is older.

What questions should I ask about the program, gym, etc? What else do I need to know about gymnastics? I know it's expensive!!

TIA!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not really sure, but there is a DIS'er here who has gymnastic (I think mom) as part of her name, she probably knows. Good luck, she sure sounds like she would like it a lot.

 

[Chrissi Pooh]

My dd is 5 and has been in gymnastics for a little over a year. She absolutely loves it and it has gotten her to stop bouncing so much at home.

As for questions to ask, I didn't really ask any except price. She is in the beginner girls class and it is 1 hour every week and costs $55 a month.

The only thing I would warn is to watch the interaction the teacher has with the kids. There wa one teacher that just didn't have any ambition and didn't respond to the kids if they fell or did some of their routines wrong and I was going to hold my dd back if they would have put her in that class but she left.

I am happy with my dd teacher and all the others there for that matter.

Always keep in mind this is for fun and if it happens to be more later than great!!!! Good luck!!!

 

[mickeyboat]

I had DD's in a gymnastics program last winter. They really loved it. It was not geared towards routines. It was set up along the lines of circuits. I enrolled them more for the structure and the setting (taking turns, listening to a teacher, following instructions) than for learning any particular skill at that age (they were 2 and 3 at the time). It was a great way to burn off excess energy. I hope to get them into the program again this year, but spaces are limited for Saturday classes.

I hope gymnasticsmom responds to this thread for you. If not, PM her. I am sure she would be more than willing to give you some info.

Denae

 

[Minnie824]

My DD will be 3 in a few months and I signed her up for a gymnastics class in the fall. Because of her age, its one with the parents along too, and they learn some basic skills once a week for 10 weeks. I figured its a good start and if she likes it she can get into something more in the spring. I'm sure she'll have fun at whichever you choose!

 

[tonyswife]

Ask if the teachers are safety certified. Ask what the child to coach ratio is. In my experience (as a competitive gymnast for 12 years and a coach for 6 years) is that anything more than 6 or 8 students to one teacher is too many.

Observe a few classes.

The focus should be on basics. If it seems to be that the school attempts to move the kids through a list of skills as quickly as possible, you might have a problem. The focus should be on perfecting the basics, not just learning them.

Is the class in motion? Do they spend a good amount of time warming up and stretching their entire bodies?

Do the kids look like they're having fun? The teacher should be encouraging gross movement at this age, she should be positive and upbeat, even when offering constructive criticisms. If the coach is yelling or berrating, find another school.

Is the teacher engaged with the students? Is she moving among the students? Does she remember their names, or make an effort to do so?

Does she make herself available to parents before and after class to answer the parent's questions and greet and say good bye to her students?

Does the teacher just sit down and issue instructions during class? If she is, find another school. That is bad and lazy coaching.

Is the school clean? Is the equipment in good repair? Are the crash mats torn and worn? Are their gaps in between mats? Use your good sense, a safe environment is obvious, if you look.

Safety and fun should be the main ideas taught at that age.

Good luck finding a school and if you have more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[mom2grace]

WOW!! Thanks for the replies.

I am looking at 2 schools, both are with USA gymnastics and have newer facilities (less than 5 years old). They are pretty similar, one really stressed fun, they said that they broke off from another gym, but didn't name names!

Thanks Tonyswife, I think I will go and spend some time observing the programs. One is closer to our home, the other is in the area I grew up in so I know their reputation is good.

These are both in Indianapolis, anyone from here?

My BIL used to work with Jaycie Phelps dad, I might see if he can ask his advice!!!

 

[Az Pirates]

Lots of good suggestions.

My oldest DD was involved in competitive gymnastics for many years and is doing some coaching now. I know her gym is gearing up for increased enrollment - the owners at her gym have been around for years and say it always happens in an olympic year.
Once they start showing the olympic gymnastics competitions on TV - they get lots of new students.
Not sure how many programs there are in your area... but if you make some calls now, you might have a better selection of days/times for classes.
I know DD's gym already has wait lists for some of the most popular class times.

Let us know how your daughter likes it.

 

[bcvprincesses]

My girls are 5 and 7 and are both competitive gymnasts. I have to agree with everything tonyswife said. I think the most important thing for a 3 year old is to have fun in a safe environment. Our gym has great coaches that treat the kids like they are their own children. My girls can't wait to go to the gym.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I live in Indianapolis. I am going to enter my daughter in classes. Where are you thinking of sending her? Theres 2 place right off of 96th and Hague that are suppose to be really good.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

DD took 2 sessions of gymnastics last winter for 2 year olds at the YMCA. It was a parent/tot class. I flet like I got more of a work out than she did. She had 2 classes left of her last session and I took her out early of the second to last class. She did not want to listen or participate at all. I skipped signing her up this summer and am going to start again in the fall. She really liked the beam and the trampoline.

They focused mainly on very basic gymnastic skills. We are also going to sign her up for swimming again and possibly dance. She is so full of energy I have to keep her busy, especially in the long winters here.

 

[Mimi Q]

My older DD has been taking gymnastics since she was 3 years old. She is now on the team. If she likes it and sticks with it, get ready to devote lots of time and money to this sport. My DD is going to be in 7th grade this year and she spends 12 hours/week at the gym. I would look for a gym where parents can observe the class anytime and where the coaches make it fun. Some coaches are only interested in little ones that look like they have the potential to be on their team in the future.

 

[mom2grace]

Originally posted by Jasminesmommy
I live in Indianapolis. I am going to enter my daughter in classes. Where are you thinking of sending her? Theres 2 place right off of 96th and Hague that are suppose to be really good.

I am probably going to use Sharp's at 86th & 465 on the NW side. I also considered Wright's, but it's pretty far from my house.

I don't know which one you are talking about, I am new to this!

 

[Jasminesmommy]

The first one is DeVeau's Schl. of Gymn. its in fishers suppose to be really good. This is were I will be sending my daughter then right across the street is Rec Room not that tough or competitive more of a place for fun.

Here id DeVeau's # 317/849-7744 these are on the NE side.
Here is there website http://www.deveaus.com/

Hope this helps