Gymnastics, no drama?

[Anonymous]

We are at Silver Stars and I'm actually pretty happy with it which I never imagined - they focus on the girls being strong and constantly learning new things. Never heard a peep about diet or weight. I'm sure there is some drama but most of the parents seem even keeled and my child is now on the competitive team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I am in exactly the same spot with my 7 year old. I know she'd be a great gymnast and she is interested. I took gymnastics as a kid for several years and loved it, but I am wary of signing my daughter up for a few reasons. First, with 3 kids, we can't afford it time or money wise if she is on a team. (I suspect that, based on her skill level, she would be encouraged to join one.) Second, as an adult, I am bummed that there are really no outlets for me to do gymnastics recreationally (anyone know any?). I'm trying to encourage my kids to try sports they can enjoy their whole lives. Third, when I signed my kids up for a week long gymnastics camp last summer, 2 of them (tweens) came home and started talking about dieting (!). These kids are not overweight, but their counselor was talking about the need to diet to be a good gymnast. That really concerned me. So, for now, I am encouraging my 7 year old to do indoor rock climbing, which she loves. That said, I am still thinking of gymnastics if I can find a place that will encourage skill without focusing on competition or weight fixation.

Dynamite has adult classes!! Last time I checked, so did Hills and Preston.

[Anonymous]

My DD is at Fairfax Gymnastics. I have no complaints but I just drop her at her class and go run errands for the hour. She is in a weekly 6-8 year old class. No pressure and if there ever was any we'd go somewhere else. A lot of the pressure comes from the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I am in exactly the same spot with my 7 year old. I know she'd be a great gymnast and she is interested. I took gymnastics as a kid for several years and loved it, but I am wary of signing my daughter up for a few reasons. First, with 3 kids, we can't afford it time or money wise if she is on a team. (I suspect that, based on her skill level, she would be encouraged to join one.) Second, as an adult, I am bummed that there are really no outlets for me to do gymnastics recreationally (anyone know any?). I'm trying to encourage my kids to try sports they can enjoy their whole lives. Third, when I signed my kids up for a week long gymnastics camp last summer, 2 of them (tweens) came home and started talking about dieting (!). These kids are not overweight, but their counselor was talking about the need to diet to be a good gymnast. That really concerned me. So, for now, I am encouraging my 7 year old to do indoor rock climbing, which she loves. That said, I am still thinking of gymnastics if I can find a place that will encourage skill without focusing on competition or weight fixation.

Dynamite has adult classes!! Last time I checked, so did Hills and Preston.

Also Arlington County.

[Anonymous]

I e been very happy with Arlington county classes and they have a team as well. At barcroft community center. It's a nice facility.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone done the Dynamite summer camp?

[Anonymous]

There's obviously a huge difference between rec classes and the team/comp track at any of these gyms. It sounds to me like OP went to a team/comp track practice looking for a rec experience. Hills often people in the Olympic Trials, so of course some people going there take it seriously. Rec classes at any of these gyms would be fine; just find a teacher you like. Friends' kids are at a Silver Stars camp this week and love it.

[Anonymous]

You definitely need to be looking at classes and not team/pre-team if your daughter is new to gymnastics training. It's a great way to build skills safely and see if she really likes the sport.