Gymnastics is incredible. It’s a beautiful and disciplined activity. It’s why we do what we do. There’s nothing like that blend of visual beauty, physical strength and flexibility — along with the confidence, and discipline, that come with mastery.
We want to give our kids the world — that’s why we all love that glint in our child’s eye when they see something fun they can’t wait to do. But especially with sports, that initial excitement can often drain out into a sea of understandable questions:
“Where do we start? What makes a program ‘good’? How do I choose?”
It’s a significant decision. You’re trusting your kid’s physical development and safety — not to mention crucial early experiences with practice, skill-building and coaching — to other people. The options are overwhelming, especially when the marketing claims start to get dizzying. That’s why we created this roadmap and parent guide.
Read on as we break down all the factors to consider, the questions to ask, and ultimately figure out how to find the gym where your child can best thrive.
Table of Contents
The Right Choice Matters
A positive experience in the right program offers:
- Physical Literacy
Gain strength, balance and coordination, flexibility and overall body awareness.
- Cognitive Skills
Learn to listen, follow directions, solve problems and focus.
- Social-Emotional Learning
Improve confidence and resilience, teamwork, and respect for instructors and peers.
- Lifelong Love of Movement
Making positive associations with fitness early on is essential for a lifetime of loving, and caring for, the body you’re in.
A program that isn’t the right fit — whether because of safety concerns, a philosophical mismatch, or the instructors themselves — means frustration, stagnant progress, and can even discourage kids from physical activity.
Key Factors to Consider | A Gymnastics Program Checklist
Age Appropriateness | Timing is Everything
One of the first questions we always hear is, “Is my child ready?” And it’s true that while enthusiasm is wonderful, developmental readiness is key to building a strong foundation. Look for programs that target your child more exactly.
- Toddler/Parent-Tot Classes (about 18 months to 3 years of age)
These classes aren’t as much about formal gymnastics skills, of course. They’re more about exploration, learning basic movement patterns (climbing, rolling, jumping), socialization and getting comfortable in a supervised gym environment.
Look for programs focused on fun, music, and guided play. These are all signs of great toddler-aged gymnastics program.
- Preschool Gymnastics (about 3 to 5 years of age)
Here the focus generally shifts toward more structured activities: following multi-step directions, learning foundational gymnastics shapes and movements (forward rolls, donkey kicks, basic balance beam walks) and creating a relationship with pleasurable activity through more imaginative play. Patience and positive reinforcement are paramount for caregivers and instructors.
- Recreational Classes (5 years and up)
Classes become more skill-focused, introducing progressions for tumbling, bars, beam, and vault (or rings/pommel horse for boys). Proper technique and safety are the emphasis, but the core values are still enjoyment of movement and building that strong foundation.
Look for: Programs that offer distinct classes for your child’s developmental stage. Is the curriculum appropriate for your child’s current physical and cognitive abilities? Beware programs pushing advanced skills too early or mixing vastly different age groups. Those classes are far less valuable.
Safety First | A Non-Negotiable Foundation
Absolutely the most critical factor. Gymnastics involves inherent risk. A program must prioritize safety above anything else.
- Facility & Equipment:
Is the gym clean? Well-maintained? Is equipment in good shape, appropriately sized and regularly inspected? Is the matting under and around the equipment at its best? Are the landing surfaces appropriate and safe?
- Safety Protocols
Does the gym have clear safety rules? Are the staff trained in first aid and CPR? What are their emergency procedures? What about injuries? Are they affiliated with USA Gymnastics or another body — and what safety guidelines do they follow? Does this include the Safe Sport policies that protect athletes from misconduct?
- Spotting Techniques
Proper spotting requires training and techniques to ensure your child’s safety without hindering their learning. Ask about this, and observe it if possible.
A reputable gym will be happy to welcome these inquiries.
Trust your gut. If something feels unsafe, it probably is.
Qualified & Caring Instructors
Your instructors are arguably the most influential part of your child’s experience. They are teachers, but also role models and motivators.
- Qualifications & Experience.
Are the instructors certified, either through USA Gymnastics or another body? Do they have experience specifically with your child’s age group? Do the lead instructors have significant coaching backgrounds? And background checks — are they conducted for all staff?
- Teaching Style
The best instructors are patient, enthusiastic and encouraging. Is there positive reinforcement and constructive feedback? How do they deal with children who are hesitant, having difficulty, or acting out? Observe a class if possible. Are the students engaged and respected?
- Communication
Does the instructor communicate effectively with the children and the parents? Would they be approachable if you had any questions or concerns?
Look for qualified gymnastics teachers, who clearly enjoy working with children and have both the technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to teach.
There’s a necessary, unmistakable balance of structure and warmth that tells you you’re in good hands.
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Sign UpRequest More InfoUnderstanding Class Sizes and Ratios
A fantastic instructor can only be effective if they can give students adequate attention
Student-Instructor Ratio:
Ask directly about the maximum number of students per instructor for your child’s age group. Ratios should generally be lower for younger children (e.g., 6:1 or 8:1 for preschoolers). They can be slightly higher for older, more independent children, but must still allow for individual feedback and safe supervision.
Class Management:
Observe how instructors manage class flow. Do the kids spend excessive time waiting for their turn, with little activity? Are the circuits or stations used effectively to keep the class moving and engaged?
Look for a class size and ratio allowing for personalized attention, effective teaching, and safe supervision.
Overcrowded classes compromise both learning and safety.
The Importance of Your Program’s Philosophy
Programs range from highly competitive and intensive training centers to more purely recreational, fun-focused environments. A gym’s core philosophy can be crucial for meeting your goals and your child’s personality. Is the gym focused on competitive athletes, or do they emphasize fun and skill development for all levels? Many gyms offer both but we find that overall gym culture often leans one way.
Be honest about your goals — are you imagining a serious training program or simply a positive introductory experience?
Is the focus on positive reinforcement, building intrinsic motivation and celebrating effort? Or is it more disciplined, focused solely on outcomes? Both are effective, but you know your child best and what they need and will respond to.
Is the environment welcoming, supportive and inclusive? How does the gym handle progression — is there pressure to advance quickly, or is it entirely based on individual readiness? If you think your child needs more of a push, structure or discipline, there are programs for that. Similarly, a child who wants to have fun in a physical environment, or a child who requires the socialization of a group sport, can both find productive support.
How will the gym communicate with you? Some use newsletters, emails, and/or parent portals online. Do their stated values align with your family’s?
Every gym has a philosophy: you want one that resonates. Whether it’s recreational gymnastics fun you want, or or the start of a competitive journey, be sure their approach matches your expectations. The right gym can nurture your child’s love for the sport as much as their athleticism.
Asking the Right Questions | A Parent’s Toolkit
When you visit or call potential gyms, be prepared with specific questions based on the factors above:
“What are the student-to-instructor ratios for your [age] class?”
“What safety certifications do your instructors hold?” (USA Gymnastics, First Aid/CPR etc.)
“Are background checks performed on all staff?”
“Can you describe your program’s philosophy on recreational vs. competitive tracks?”
“How do you handle skill progression and children learning at different paces?”
“What are your procedures in case of an injury? What about acting out, or bullying?”
“May I observe a class for my child’s age group?”
“How do you communicate progress or concerns with parents?”
What Makes Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy Stand Out
Having gone through these critical considerations, we naturally want to share what makes Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy such a special place for children to learn and grow.
We embody the very principles we advise you to look for, and we’re proud to say so! At DDGNA, we center instruction on building confidence, fostering resilience, celebrating effort and igniting a lifelong love of movement. We offer pathways for those interested in competitive tracks, but our core focus is positive development for every child regardless of natural ability. Empowering kids through sport in a fun, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere is the goal.
Sign up in one of our locations today!
Your Child's Journey Begins with a Single Leap
The right gym is an investment in your child’s physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. Take the time to research, ask questions, and consider the factors we’ve discussed — things will quickly go from overwhelming to empowering.
The Bottom Line: Trust your instincts, involve your child in the final decision and look for a place that feels like the “perfect fit” for your unique family!
We invite you to experience the DDGNA difference firsthand. See for yourself how our commitment to safety, expert instruction, age-appropriate learning, and supportive, empowering philosophy helps create the exceptional environment we provide for children to thrive.
Let Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy help your child take flight. Reach out today!
Contact Information
Have Questions or Concerns? Call Our Office at (240)-690-4138
Our Clarksburg Location
22530 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD 20871
Recreational Gym – Suite 500
Preschool and Ninja Gyms – Suite 700
Our Rockville Location
5626 Randolph Road
Rockville, MD 20852
