We tried out at two very good gyms (they have 2012 Olympic gymnast and 2016 potentials). One of the gym, let's call it gym A, was very enthused about dd. So enthused (they think dd has what it takes to be an elite gymnast) that they want to start her out ASAP and very willing to work with us on when she can come to gym (temporary, since dd have other after school activities until April). They really want to help her catch up and perfect her skills which dd and I really appreciate and have been looking for in a gym.
I love gym A in terms of communications and their willingness to work with dd. Their enthusiasm made dd jump with joy. All around gut feeling says YES! Dd loved the coaching too. She has no complaints there.
Here's the great part... it's the furthest gym. It's 37 miles but the drive itself is about 50-60 minute. Could be more on a bad traffic day. I do though have an option to carpool the kids which means I might only have to drive once a week.
Gym B is 33 miles away. But, because it's all highway from me to there, I can make the drive in 38 minutes. I've been taking youngest dd there because it's the only place with a structured class for her age and been timing my travel. The thing is, from my meeting and emails, I've been getting vague responses. I don't quite like the feeling and that's why I'm not into this gym even though I like their waiting policy better and they do have a cafe. Gym A has a no waiting policy. Parents can watch sometimes, there is a window for that and an actual waiting area, but doing it regularly is not recommended.
I am very leaning towards gym A just because I think it'll be best for dd but to those who drive distance to gym, does the long drive wear you out? In the long run, if the gym still think dd's got it, dd still love it, and still has dreams of higher level gymnastics competitions we can move. We want to move anyways - we're renting now - and in terms of hubby's drive to work it'll be the same or closer. But right now, we love where we're at unless the most perfect Grade II hundred years old house come available for renting (it's my American living in the UK dream, to live in a stinkin' old house )
I love gym A in terms of communications and their willingness to work with dd. Their enthusiasm made dd jump with joy. All around gut feeling says YES! Dd loved the coaching too. She has no complaints there.
Here's the great part... it's the furthest gym. It's 37 miles but the drive itself is about 50-60 minute. Could be more on a bad traffic day. I do though have an option to carpool the kids which means I might only have to drive once a week.
Gym B is 33 miles away. But, because it's all highway from me to there, I can make the drive in 38 minutes. I've been taking youngest dd there because it's the only place with a structured class for her age and been timing my travel. The thing is, from my meeting and emails, I've been getting vague responses. I don't quite like the feeling and that's why I'm not into this gym even though I like their waiting policy better and they do have a cafe. Gym A has a no waiting policy. Parents can watch sometimes, there is a window for that and an actual waiting area, but doing it regularly is not recommended.
I am very leaning towards gym A just because I think it'll be best for dd but to those who drive distance to gym, does the long drive wear you out? In the long run, if the gym still think dd's got it, dd still love it, and still has dreams of higher level gymnastics competitions we can move. We want to move anyways - we're renting now - and in terms of hubby's drive to work it'll be the same or closer. But right now, we love where we're at unless the most perfect Grade II hundred years old house come available for renting (it's my American living in the UK dream, to live in a stinkin' old house )