Parents How to pick a good gym?

[Littlegymmama]

I’m a little new to the competitive gymnastics world and was wondering if there is a way to check gym ratings? I’m looking to switch my daughter to a new gym but want to make sure we are going to a gym that will push her and does well In competitions. My concern is that my daughters gym doesn't turn out anyone at decent level, so if my kid does have that potential, she will be restricted to whatever it is her gym is capable of providing. Which I’m already seeing sign of. We are in the Georgetown/ Round Rock area of TX

 

[Mthegymqueen]

You can look at websites like Mymeetscores, MeetScoresOnline, SportzSoft Live Meet, etc. for gyms you have researched to see what levels they have, what meets they compete at, and how well they score in those levels. You can also find the gym's website and see if they have any information about if they have produced elite or college athletes.

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Biggest thing I would look for is a gym with lots of older team kids. This is an indicator that they train in a way that is sustainable and keeps kids wanting to return.

Don't let yourself be impressed by good meet placement at lower levels; upper-level success, and kids sticking with the program into their teens, are much better indicators of a quality program

 

[Littlegymmama]

You can look at websites like Mymeetscores, MeetScoresOnline, SportzSoft Live Meet, etc. for gyms you have researched to see what levels they have, what meets they compete at, and how well they score in those levels. You can also find the gym's website and see if they have any information about if they have produced elite or college athletes.

Thank you. The websites didn’t give much of an indication of this and I wasn’t sure where else to look.

 

[Littlegymmama]

Biggest thing I would look for is a gym with lots of older team kids. This is an indicator that they train in a way that is sustainable and keeps kids wanting to return.

Don't let yourself be impressed by good meet placement at lower levels; upper-level success, and kids sticking with the program into their teens, are much better indicators of a quality program

Thank you so much. I didn’t even think of that but it’s so true.

 

[Dahlialover]

There are some large gymnastics Facebook groups where it is easy to solicit info on specific gyms from people with personal experiences.

 

[Scream4IceCream]

Looking at MyMeetScores.com, etc. is a great idea, but be sure to click on each gymnast’s individual history and see if she’s “homegrown” or a transfer from another program. Then start noting any trends. I know in our metro area, you would see some.

 

[EMonkeyD]

There are some large gymnastics Facebook groups where it is easy to solicit info on specific gyms from people with personal experiences.

Would you mind sharing which groups these are? I’m also looking for feedback on gyms (Nor Cal).

 

[xcel.kiddo]

Would you mind sharing which groups these are? I’m also looking for feedback on gyms (Nor Cal).

I also live in NorCal (the Bay Area) and am a competitive gymnast. Here are my thoughts on some gyms.

• Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics, they have a great xcel program with good coaches however, they are on the pricier side and have a TON of gymnasts competing for them.
• East Bay Gymnastics, a great beautiful gym with an amazing DP program and amazing coaches, would probably be one of my favorite gyms!
• Luna Gymnastics, xcel and dp program, small gym with old equipment and a very toxic gym environment for the higher levels, STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE.
• Mega Gymnastics, xcel and dp program, huge gym with newer equipment, this is a good gym if you are looking for a more affordable gym in the marin area.

lmk if you have any questions about specific gyms.

 

[Dahlialover]

Would you mind sharing which groups these are? I’m also looking for feedback on gyms (Nor Cal).

The crazy mamas of gymnastics, gymnastics moms, gymnastics parents, etc

 

[GymnastMomX2]

I’m familiar with gyms in that area if you want to message me. There are several that have good upper level programs.

 

[Noah315]

Hey, I totally get your concerns, especially if you want your daughter to have the best opportunities to grow, When it comes to gym ratings, there’s no official ranking or anything, but you can look for info on forums, social media, and from other parents, Check competition results – often the bigger meets have published results online, and you can see which gyms are producing top athletes, And it’s always good to talk to coaches at any potential new gym to see their approach to training and athlete development, Also, I know some parents in your area who moved their kids to different gyms and saw a difference, Sometimes a change in environment can really help!

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

I coached at Cal Sports Center in San Jose from 2012 to 2016. Happy to answer any questions I can.