Sunday, August 26, 2001
[LIKE TRY?]
Gymnastics focuses IN life sometimes you stumble, sometimes you fall. But if you learn to tumble and roll with the crisp precision of a gymnast, you will be a lot safer when your feet slip from beneath you.
on fitness, fun
The sport doesn't have to be
highly competitive, like on
TV; it can be for funBy C.R. Dudley
cdudley@starbulletin.comFor competitive gymnastics, training starts very early. Classes offered at several gymnastics schools in the area include instructions for toddlers. But all of the schools also offer less stressful classes focusing on general physical fitness and enjoyment for older children and adults.
"We have many 1- and 2-year-olds come in for our classes," Dave Vandervort, owner and coach at Aloha Gymnastics World in Waiakamilo, said. "They come with a parent. It's really motor development through gymnastics. We teach them how to bounce on the trampoline with help from an adult."
Many parents are usually referred to Aloha Gymnastics World by other parents who have children already attending classes.
"The main reason parents call us is that the kids are already hanging off of railings and tumbling on their own," Vandervort said. "They're doing these things naturally. A friend who might have had a child who liked to climb and hang on things recommends us. I want the kids to learn to be safe and do it the right way. Instead of the parent saying 'don't do that' to the child (because the kid's going to do it anyway), we show the child how to do it safely. Then the parent can tell the child to wait until the proper time and place to tumble around."
But whether you're a toddler or a 95-year-old teetotaler, a retired professional or a kindergardener with Olympic dreams, gymnastics programs throughout Oahu have something to offer you.
Getting started
What: Gymnastics.Where: Windward-Hawaii Island Twisters, 235-4487; Kokokahi Gym Team, 235-6866. Honolulu-Aloha Gymnastics World, 842-5642; Hawaii Academy, 537-5481. North-What's Up Gymnastics, 680-0777; Island Tumblers Gymnastics, 678-2999. Leeward-Rainbow Gymnastics, 488-7030; Hickam Gymnastics, 449-2088. Also-Schofield Barracks Gymnastics, 655-4641.
When: Call for free introductory class and proper placement according to ability level.
Cost: Varies considerably, depending on age, number of classes and type of class.
Vandervort said one free introductory class is all it usually takes to convince parents that the programs are safe.
"The parents sometimes see those movies where the gymnastics coach is a real maniac and the kids are being hurt," Vandervort said. "But really, in our programs, there are a lot of high-fives and hugs. It's actually a really good experience, a very positive experience."
Vandervort asked and then answered the biggest question himself:
"How do you get started? If you have a child, the first class is free. First call and find out which class suits your needs. You might have two children at different ages and abilities. We'll try to work it out so that they can attend classes at the same time so there's not as much running around.
"We're used to dealing with kids of all types. Your child might be shy. We have techniques for shy kids and techniques for the wild ones. When the parent sees that the child will listen to the coach, then they want to get the kid into the regular classes. Then the kid has an outlet. Instead of just saying, 'don't hang from the lamp,' the parent can say, 'wait until the next gymnastics class.' "
The largest class size is eight students per coach. The coaches advance the children according to ability, desire and general attitude. Only when the child is safe will he or she be allowed to move on. Of the 600 gymnasts who work out at Aloha Gymnastics World each week, Vandervort sees only one injury a year that requires medical attention.
"Usually that's just an ankle twist," he said.
The floor exercise area at Aloha Gymnastics World is padded by two inches of foam attached to plywood and buoyed by 2,000 steel springs.
"It's kind of like those floors you see the wrestlers on TV bounce off of," Vandervort said. "It's really safe to land and learn to roll and fall on it."
There are four events for girls in general gymnastics --the vault, balance beam, uneven bars and floor exercises. Boys participate in vault, parallel bars, rings, high bar, pommel horse and floor exercise.
In addition to gymnastics, classes are offered in trampoline and tumbling, cheerleading, drill, martial arts and flexibility at several schools.
Aloha Gymnastics World is the practice home of the University of Hawaii Cheerleaders, as well as several other local cheerleading squads.
The best way to find out which school is for you is to call one in your area. The two most extensive schools are Aloha and Hawaii Academy, both in Honolulu.
Ninety percent of gymnastics participants today are girls, and most are in the 5-11 age range.
According to Dr. Max Vercrussen of Hawaii Academy, boys programs are experiencing an upturn in numbers.
Hawaii Academy is starting a high school program this fall to allow students to represent their schools in unsanctioned meets.
"We'll recognize the winners and the schools they attend," Vercrussen said. "If the athletic directors of the high schools see that they've got some talented athletes, then maybe they'll buy some leotards and start a program."
Vercrussen said the sport could help schools meet their Title IX obligation because it draws many more girls than boys.