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!