A
Anonymous (35d9)
Hey everyone I have found myself in a situation of needing to commit very soon to one of two gyms for the 2023-2024 season for my daughter and am realizing I really have no idea how to go about making that choice as I don’t really know what constitutes a “good” gym and how to evaluate the best fit for my kid. I’m hoping maybe some veterans can give some wisdom.
My daughter is 5 (and will be until likely her second meet) and moved up to team from preteam at the start of the summer at the gym she has been at since preschool gymnastics (1.5 years ago). Her team experience so far has been great from her perspective but on the parent side there’s been so much administrative disorganization, drama, and scheduling issues. We got cost breakdown finally and it was significantly greater than I expected and is at the very top of what our family can realistically make happen. Out of necessity I did a little research into the other gyms within driving distance (of which there are very few; we are not a competitive area of the country) and discovered the tuition differences between them and the current gym are significant (current gym being far greater) for the same number of training hours at parallel levels. The fee estimates are substantially lower as well at the other gyms. With this info I felt like we at least needed to scope out other options so my DD was evaluated at another gym and they immediately offered her a spot on their bronze team (they compete xcel as a bridge to optionals). They said she is solidly at the equivalent of developmental level 2.
Her current gym does not compete USAG and has a very relaxed approach to team with anyone welcome regardless of age or skill level. My DD is the youngest in her training group (girls expected to compete levels 1-2) with the average age being around 9. This welcoming and inclusive environment is, in my opinion, one of the best attributes of the gym but I am beginning to wonder if in addition to the financial burden it may not be the best route for her?
DD was not throwing back handsprings on Ellen at four years old but she definitely has some natural talent with her most stand out trait being her strength. She has a (albeit very poorly controlled on the descent) press handstand from sitting (that she taught herself at home; they do not appear to be part of her training at her current gym) and can do 8-10 unassisted pullups with good form. She is not a phenom but coaches and parents notice her. The current gym says they put all girls her age at level 1 regardless of skill level so they can "build confidence and feel good about themselves." Apparently level 1 is often even repeated. Is this normal or is this a gym that likes good scores? Is it good to let them get those medals early on or better to have them work harder for the scores at their more accurate level? They haven't said for sure but she could very likely be competing level 1.
She attended a practice at the other gym we are considering and their attention to detail seemed to far surpass the current gym. They were correcting knees and toe positions even through stretching and warming up and seemed to have a strong focus on perfect form and shapes. They had to help DD make several adjustments and I realized those were things I'd never seen anyone correct at her gym. Overall it seemed more focused with higher expectations but perhaps less fun.
So this entire novel is to ask...what criteria is important at this stage in the game? If a kid has potential (and drive) to go reasonably far then how important are really good, precise fundamentals at the beginning of the journey? Do all these things matter more than a colorful, fun environment? My DD says she would be happy at either place (although I worry she will miss the friends she's already made if we move on). I feel very ill equipped to make this choice and just want to do what's best for my kid. Finances are a factor but if staying put is right we would make it work somehow. Any advice/insight would be greatly appreciated.
My daughter is 5 (and will be until likely her second meet) and moved up to team from preteam at the start of the summer at the gym she has been at since preschool gymnastics (1.5 years ago). Her team experience so far has been great from her perspective but on the parent side there’s been so much administrative disorganization, drama, and scheduling issues. We got cost breakdown finally and it was significantly greater than I expected and is at the very top of what our family can realistically make happen. Out of necessity I did a little research into the other gyms within driving distance (of which there are very few; we are not a competitive area of the country) and discovered the tuition differences between them and the current gym are significant (current gym being far greater) for the same number of training hours at parallel levels. The fee estimates are substantially lower as well at the other gyms. With this info I felt like we at least needed to scope out other options so my DD was evaluated at another gym and they immediately offered her a spot on their bronze team (they compete xcel as a bridge to optionals). They said she is solidly at the equivalent of developmental level 2.
Her current gym does not compete USAG and has a very relaxed approach to team with anyone welcome regardless of age or skill level. My DD is the youngest in her training group (girls expected to compete levels 1-2) with the average age being around 9. This welcoming and inclusive environment is, in my opinion, one of the best attributes of the gym but I am beginning to wonder if in addition to the financial burden it may not be the best route for her?
DD was not throwing back handsprings on Ellen at four years old but she definitely has some natural talent with her most stand out trait being her strength. She has a (albeit very poorly controlled on the descent) press handstand from sitting (that she taught herself at home; they do not appear to be part of her training at her current gym) and can do 8-10 unassisted pullups with good form. She is not a phenom but coaches and parents notice her. The current gym says they put all girls her age at level 1 regardless of skill level so they can "build confidence and feel good about themselves." Apparently level 1 is often even repeated. Is this normal or is this a gym that likes good scores? Is it good to let them get those medals early on or better to have them work harder for the scores at their more accurate level? They haven't said for sure but she could very likely be competing level 1.
She attended a practice at the other gym we are considering and their attention to detail seemed to far surpass the current gym. They were correcting knees and toe positions even through stretching and warming up and seemed to have a strong focus on perfect form and shapes. They had to help DD make several adjustments and I realized those were things I'd never seen anyone correct at her gym. Overall it seemed more focused with higher expectations but perhaps less fun.
So this entire novel is to ask...what criteria is important at this stage in the game? If a kid has potential (and drive) to go reasonably far then how important are really good, precise fundamentals at the beginning of the journey? Do all these things matter more than a colorful, fun environment? My DD says she would be happy at either place (although I worry she will miss the friends she's already made if we move on). I feel very ill equipped to make this choice and just want to do what's best for my kid. Finances are a factor but if staying put is right we would make it work somehow. Any advice/insight would be greatly appreciated.