Many kids are naturally drawn to gymnastics. Some want to improve their balance and focus, while others are more interested in flipping around the room (and probably got a little too many reprimands for climbing the furniture). But regardless of why they’ve decided to take up this sport, all kids benefit from gymnastics. It’s a great way to burn off energy and build up strength, flexibility, and endurance. So if your kid wants to put some spring in their step, check out these gymnastics gyms near you.
Kids who want to compete at a higher level should definitely look for an elite gymnastics club. USA Gymnastics-certified facilities, which have qualified coaches and a safety plan in place, can help kids advance to the junior Olympic, senior Olympic, or U.S. national levels. The best of these gyms also offer a variety of classes that cater to kids of different abilities, from those just starting out to advanced gymnasts looking to train for competitions.
Hills and Capital Gymnastics
Hills has produced a lot of Olympians, including all-around champion Shawn Johnson and women’s gymnast Nia Dennis. They also have a competitive team that offers a chance for kids to earn college scholarships. However, their competitive program can also be a bit over-demanding. Kids may become burned out by the demands of training at an elite level, which can lead to mental and physical burnout.
Capital is another good choice, and its coaching talent is top notch. Their program is also very high-pressure, but it’s also a smaller facility than Hills, which can be beneficial for some kids.
Dynamite Gymnastics
This female-owned facility, which offers a free trial class, is a good option for kids who want to try out the sport. Their Baby Bobcat courses, which start at 3 months, are a good place to get started. But they also have a program for kids 6 years and up, including a team that competes in the USAG Xcel Program.
NYC Elite Gymnastics
NYC Elite has three Manhattan locations, and their programs are designed for kids from toddlers to adults. They have a variety of classes for different abilities, and kids can choose from artistic Olympic disciplines, as well as acrobatic gymnastics. Classes for kids up to age 5 are co-ed, while girls and boys train separately for those aiming for the Xcel level.
Other gyms in the city with Xcel-level teams include Chelsea Piers and the 92nd Street Y on the Upper East Side. But NYC Elite, at its three locations in Tribeca, the Upper West Side, and Manhattan’s Gotham neighborhood, is likely the most intense of them all. The gyms are also part of the USAIGC, which means they’re able to compete at both the Xcel and IGGC level. Kids can move up to the IGGC level after demonstrating skill and ability in a judging panel. The process takes several months, and requires both a parent and the gymnast to be present at the panel.