Parents Big Gym or Little Gym

[Dream]

Wondering which is more popular with people a big established gym or a smaller less known gym.

 

[NutterButter]

Depends on a multitude of factors. Bad gyms come in all sizes.

 

[mom2newgymnast]

I voted big, established gym, but honestly I would probably pick a middle option if there was one. It is not a small gym and they have a ton of upper optionals/level 10s. But I would guess most people here haven't heard of them so I wouldn't say they are big in that sense.

 

[Liza]

My DD’s gym has trained Olympians and the owner as well as the coaches have been Olympians or national team members, but while it’s well known in our state it’s not as well known outside our state.

 

[GymnastMomX2]

I voted small, but would probably vote middle if that was an option. We aren’t a household name but we have 10 level 10s this year and send girls off to D1 schools most years.

 

[Pineapple_Lump]

Assuming same quality of coaching, resources and gym culture... it depends on the child.

 

[Dahlialover]

It really depends. Small gyms can provide a wonderful environment but there are limitations. For instance, a gym that is too small to have a pit is a no-go for me for level 8 and above. I also prefer a team that is large enough to have at least 3 gymnasts per level in the upper levels. My son will be the only gymnast at his level for two years (level 6 and 8), which is not ideal. It’s much better socially to have several gymnasts of similar ages training and competing together.

Big elite gyms have wonderful equipment and experienced coaches but I have heard that some use their regular non-elite gymnasts as a funding source and have very little interest in providing them a quality experience. There are also DP-focused gyms who treat the Xcel program the same way. A small Xcel-focused gym could be a better choice for an Xcel gymnast than a big name gym that offers Xcel but only as an afterthought or as a cash cow. You really want a gym that focuses on whatever program you are participating in. If you are an NCAA hopeful, then you want a gym that is experienced with college recruiting. If you are a gymnast that prefers lower hours, then a gym with a great Xcel program would be best. It all depends on your situation.

And of course you cannot underestimate the importance of quality gym management and a positive gym culture. Bad gyms come in all shapes and sizes!

 

[gym_dad32608]

Not sure the point of this? Asking for opinion on which is better? or just asking where posters go? Most folks go to the gym that is closest and easiest for them regardless of size. Perhaps if the get further along, more consideration is given to a different gym, but ultimately its about best fit for the gymnasts and family.

 

[Dream]

Not sure the point of this?

Just wondered about people's experiences and opinions.

 

[NutterButter]

It's just that it's much more nuanced than simply a large gym vs small gym. For instance I would call my DDs gym a 'large' gym based on the size of their facility and the number of rec students. They have two large gyms (toddler and big kid) plus two additional spaces that can be used for dance and/or other specialized instruction. The main gym has two competition floors, three vaults, pit, two tramps, several sets of bars and well over a dozen beams. They have both Xcel and DP. The DP team though is intentionally smaller and would qualify as a 'small' gym. Sometimes they have 2 L10s, sometimes 7 or 8. They don't take in many kids from other gyms so this is mostly based on the size of the original preteam group and how many stick with the sport into the upper levels. They send a kid to D3 every other year and a kid to D1 every 4 years or so. When my DD joined DP the head coach told me that their goal is not college gymnastics but rather an emphasis on safety and the well being of the athlete. In every preteam group there will be one who leaves for a gym that has a more solid track record of sending kids to D1 (usually these kids don't even make it through high school but the family wants a different experience where odds for NCAA are in theory higher).

Then of course, you are limited by what is even available in your area. Families in a major metro will have several options and will have to factor in how long of a commute they want. Some towns are lucky to have one facility.

So it really comes down to the gym that will provide the best experience for your child and family - and the specific qualities that are prioritized will be different for each family.

 

[Dream]

We just started with a gym because it offered babynastics which was cute and fun.
Then we just stayed with the gym and thought how they do things was how gymnastics was done especially in the competive world since they seemed like experts and all the other parents supported and followed what they said.
Now hearing different stories and pathways has expanded our understanding that there are many different ideas and philosophies out there so I like hearing about people's real life experiences and thoughts.