Our progressive instructors are highly energetic and well-trained individuals, actively involved in the growing world of gymnastics. They bring valuable knowledge to this program, many with their own personal backgrounds as gymnasts. They continually seek updated resources and participate in training clinics and conferences to increase their knowledge as gymnastic professionals. Our progressive instructors range in age from high school through adult, with years of experience working with children. Each of our progressive instructors bring their own personality, knowledge and excellence that will make your child’s class a positive one.
Obviously the gym is full of equipment. The progressive program includes events, such as the floor exercise, tumbling strip, balance beams, uneven bars, vault and trampoline. Along with our main equipment, we use a variety of training tools (visuals, mats and boys equipment) to reinforce skills.
Our instructors use drills, stations and skill break-downs that will allow gymnasts to not only learn the usual skill, but to also feel success through achieving smaller more attainable goals.
We provided progressions and skills for Beginner gymnasts through level 4. We have a very specific curriculum using the latest USA Gymnastics guidelines and materials. Our curriculum includes floor exercise, balance beam, uneven bars, vault and basic dance. We review our curriculum each year and make changes according to USA Gymnastics revisions, updates, etc.
We welcome parents to stay and watch classes. However due to safety precautions we ask that you remain in the lobby or designated areas. Many of our progressive students are dropped off. Please be sure to ask your child for any handouts so that you are informed about our upcoming events. Some of our events may include performances, bring a friend, parent participation and education weeks, parents night out, day camps, clinics and overnighters.
At this level we begin teaching basics: body positions, rolls, cartwheels; approach to the vaulting techniques, basic walks, jumps and balance positions on the balance beam, support positions and pull-over on the uneven bars and basic jumps on the trampoline. Strength and flexibility are also incorporated. All skills are presented in a fun positive atmosphere. Generally classes are 50 minutes in length (each Olympiad location may offer 30 minutes or 80 minute classes).
The intermediate level classes run for 50 or 80 minutes. Once the gymnast has learned the advanced beginner skills and terminology of the sport they are ready to be introduced to a more challenging curriculum. The skills will require more flexibility and strength. Gymnasts also begin working on the high bar and high beams.
Once the intermediate skills have been achieved, gymnasts are now ready to move to level 1, then level 2 and so on through Level 4, which are also 50 to 80 minute classes depending on your location. At these levels gymnasts are concentrating not only a higher level curriculum, but also focusing on the technique of the skills performed. Instructors may also suggest exercises to do at home to continue building physical strength and flexibility that will assist them in the gym. At level 2-4 some gyms may offer the opportunity to learn routines and compete in either the Gateway Gymnastics League or Fun meets. Non-competitive gymnasts will also learn the same skill with less focus on the routines.
We are continually watching each gymnast progress and evaluating them with our “Certificates of Achievement”. The certificates list all the skills necessary to move to the next level. This system allows us to keep the students challenges and focuses on achieving their goals. Most students advance to the next level at the end of the semester. Many parents ask how long it usually takes to move from level to level. Each child’s progress is different, but we do encourage gymnasts to attend open gym, take a second class or work at home.
We are constantly evaluating our students and welcome all students interested in the competitive program. All of our groups are formed in May, usually through evaluations. Competitive team allows gymnasts to experience the aspects of individual and team athletics, along with important lessons and values that will follow them through adulthood.
