Parents Looking to narrow down gym choices that would be a good fit for our competitive daughter

[GymMomVT]

All right, everyone. I am looking for people who have personal experience with the culture and injury rate at certain gyms around Massachusetts

. I’m trying to decide which gym is going to be the best for my daughter. I’m OK going to trial classes at some of these gyms, but I need to narrow the list down first. I’m hoping there are people on here with firsthand experience at these gyms who can help.

My daughter is in the lower levels but seeking a competitive track and long career in gymnastics. As her parents, my husband and I are trying to prioritize a gym that will help her achieve success and one that will prioritize a low injury rate .

I know that injuries happen in Gymnastics, but I also know there are coaches that push too hard at the expense of the gymnast. I know there are gyms that have a culture of tearing gymnasts down and harming their mental health.

The Massachusetts gyms we are considering have been mentioned positively on the board:
Elite Gymnastics in Ashland
beyond Gymnastics in Burlington
Metro south in Canton, Massachusetts. Reading Gymnastics

Can anyone here give me an idea of the culture at these gyms? Are there any that stand as being exceptionally careful of injuries on a child growing body while excelling at pushing and growing gymnastics skills in a safe and healthy way?

 

[AlexandraU16]

I can’t help with the specific gyms but I think it would be helpful for people to know your daughter’s age and level/experience to help point you to a good fit.

 

[GymMomVT]

What a great comment. My daughter is six. She has been doing gymnastics for two years taking two classes a week and personally is very driven to make team. Her current coach is working hard to prepare her for that. We are very happy with our current gym but we are moving out of state and I have received polarized reviews from many of these gyms from different parents and coaches.

My daughter definitely is pushing us to enroll her in more classes a week. She has a strong love for this sport and a very strong work ethic and focus.

 

[RTT2]

Where in MA will you be living?

 

[GymMomVT]

Where in MA will you be living?

Newton

 

[GymMomVT]

Also MEGA in Millis

 

[GymDadWA]

At the pre-team level I'd just pick the gym that is the most convenient for your family. Either close to school, close to work, next to a gym that you want to exercise at, etc. If the facilities look nice, the coaches seem nice, and they have gymnasts at all levels, you will be fine.

I wouldn't go to the gym that adds an hour a day to your commute because their rating is .25 stars higher or something like that, your daughter is just starting, there will be lots of challenges ahead, take the easier path for as long as you can.

 

[GymMomVT]

That’s really great advice. Here what we’re thinking: we could live in Lexington or Newton but prefer Newton because it’s close to my oldest daughters ballet.

Are there any parents on here from Newton? Where do your kids go to gymnastics? Do they like MEGA in Millis cause that’s by far the most convenient place traffic wise.

No matter where we go I definitely want to find a coach that’s not just fun and games but really is focused on building skills. When my Gymnastics loving daughter started her gymnastics journey she was placed with a couple of fun, loving recreational coaches and they just didn’t mesh. Her current coach is kind but very firm and a very good teacher.

Otherwise, it might be a good idea to look for a house in Lexington and a good school district there and she was one of the gyms closer to Lexington but then we have a longer commute to the Ballet studio……

 

[34gymcoach]

Also look at Exxcel in Newton. They have a very positive environment and great coaches. If you live in Newton- all of the gyms you listed would be a LONG drive in rush hour.

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Don't know specific gyms in the area, but here is my general advice:

1) If you want a gym that will work well for long-term development, look for a gym that has lots of older girls, because this shows the gym is training in a way that is sustainable

2) If you want your daughter to stick with it for the long term, stop focusing on the long term. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but it's important. Find a gym that's convenient for you and that your daughter enjoys. If the main focus is long term goals right from the start, then every struggle feels like a disastrous setback, and it will be discouraging and frustrating for both you and her; but if the main focus is on having a good time and developing at whatever rate she develops, it's much easier to relax and enjoy the journey, which makes it far more likely to be a longer-lasting one.
Maybe she'll stick with it long term, maybe she won't (statistically the latter is far more likely,) but either way she'll get the most benefit if you and she relax and let the sport take her wherever it takes her and not worry about what lays far over the horizon.

 

[InMyGymMomEra]

Hi there. I have a 6yo gymmie and live in the area you are describing. Feel free to PM me!