FAQ’s About Gymnastics in San Diego: North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids Q&A Guide
FAQs
Are there annual registration, membership, or annual fees for the recreational programs?
Absolutely not. We do not have additional or hidden fees. All costs are included in tuition. We do not penalize our clients for registering at the start or at the year mark with an annual fee. Instead, we make it easy to join without added fees, and we celebrate and thank you each year you choose to do business with us, rather than charging you an annual penalty fee. In our experience, some gyms charge these fees to make their monthly tuition appear lower, whereas we are transparent from the start.
Why are your class prices higher than other San Diego gyms?
Gyminny Kids does not charge registration, membership, or annual fees like other gyms. Those fees are included in our monthly pricing. In addition, Gyminny Kids has more long-term career staff than other gyms, which means our average employee has 7-15 years of experience. This results in higher-paid employees than the industry standard. Industry standard hires seasonal staff who change every 3-6 months. On the other hand, we have three employees who have been with Gyminny Kids for more than 30 years, and plenty who have been with the company for 5-10+ years. That track record for longevity speaks to the quality and safety that your family will receive at Gyminny Kids. Gyminny Kids also has more full-time employees than most gyms, partially due to our off-peak class pricing model. Clients receive 25% off class prices if they attend during the middle of the day or later in the evening, which is popular with clients who homeschool or have an early release day from school. Off-peak pricing gives price-conscious clients a discount, while we use those slower hours (off-peak hours) to fill full-time staff hours and hold onto quality, long-term employees. Gyminny Kids also pays 100% of the full-time staff's medical, dental, vision insurance, and provides paid time-off. That is another way we hold onto long-term associates. That's not all! Gyminny Kids offers retention bonuses for coaches and performance bonuses for management, which increase the average employee's salary. Gyminny Kids takes care of its staff by providing free food in the staff room, two raises in the first year of employment, and one raise each year thereafter, plus additional bonuses when the company is profitable. Gyminny Kids also has the best facilities in San Diego, averaging 14,000 square feet and featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including foam pits, Olympic apparatus, and specialty equipment like bungee bouncers and ninja rigs. Gyminny Kids is climate-controlled, meaning heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, which can lead to a large utility bill, even with solar, which some locations have. Gyminny Kids is the Mercedes-Benz of Gymnastics Programs, and the longevity of the staff, the quality of the employees, the caliber of the facilities, the track record for safety, and the high quality of overall programs are the reasons we charge more. You are paying for peace of mind that your children are working with the best, well-vetted (background checked) staff, facilities, and programming in San Diego and beyond. Some gyms specialize in preschool and recreational gymnastics, and others specialize in high-level competitive teams. We dominate both, which means your child has a pathway regardless of which track they choose. If you want your little one to see and be motivated by high-level competitive athletes practicing, and to be part of the best preschool gymnastics program in the nation, North County Gymnastics is for you. If you want a high-level competitive program that has success through level 10 and elite, North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids is for you.
Can non-members still register and join classes, camp's parents night out, and birthday parties?
Absolutely! Anyone can join our programs without paying a membership fee. Convenience and flexibility are essential to our offerings.
How do I Check In?
Welcome! Parents, come on in to the front desk and let us know it's your first time! We will answer any questions you might have at this time and give your child a name tag with your coach's name and a new member shirt. From there, a friendly Gyminny Kids Associate will show you where to put your belongings and then introduce you to your teacher.
How do I watch my child's class, camp, or KNO? Parents, we have a beautiful observation deck upstairs at 4S Ranch and a spacious viewing area at our other locations, where you can watch your child while enjoying our complimentary coffee, tea, and wifi.
FOR THE CHILDREN
Attire, what does my child wear? Workout attire with no buttons or zippers. Children will be barefoot. Please have long hair (that reaches the shoulders) pulled back in a ponytail for safety reasons.
What should we bring to class?
Water bottle, shoes, and a smile on your face!
What cleaning procedures are in place?
For a complete list of our stringent cleaning measures, please visit our Cleaning Procedures page.
How do I know what level to place my child in?
Give our friendly, helpful office staff a call, text, email, or use live chat to set up a free, no-obligation trial class. Once you've completed your trial, you can sign up at the front desk or by phone, text, or email. You can also explore our class options HERE.
Does my child need any special clothing or attire?
We ask that children arrive in comfortable athletic clothing with long hair pulled back. We ask for safety that they do not wear any jewelry. Children will be barefoot for class. Socks are slippery when on the Tumbl Traks, springboards, and carpeted foam floors.
Am I signing up for a membership or a month-to-month plan?
Our tuition runs month to month. You may cancel at any time before the 25th of the month. We do not lock clients into lengthy contracts. We make it easy to enter and exit our programs as flexibility is a priority. We do not offer refunds, but we do offer free trial classes and unlimited makeup classes.
What happens if I miss class?
No worries, you can make up classes as needed. There is no need to feel like you need to attend when sick or on vacation. Let us know you will be absent, and we will issue you a makeup token to use as you please. We know families are busy.
What discounts are available?
We offer a 10% class discount to active-duty military families and teachers. We also offer a 10% sibling discount for families with multiple children, as well as off-peak discounts.
More About Off-peak Pricing!
We offer a Mid-day 25% off discount Mon-Sat (12 pm-2:30 pm), *Friday (12 pm-3:30 pm) & Twilight (7:30 pm). Come at a quieter off-peak time and receive the class discount, which also helps us fill full-time staff hours and have more committed full-time staff members than other gyms. If your child has an early release day from school or homeschool, off-peak pricing is perfect for you!
What is your makeup policy for missed classes?
We provide one in-class makeup or Open Gym per missed class.
Do you accept Charter Funds?
Yes. We are an approved vendor of most charter programs. For more info, please email Charterschools@gyminnykids.com .
Do I need anything to come to Open Gym?
We require a parent or guardian to complete a current liability waiver that can be found online. Guardians are required for children five and under; children six and up may attend open gym without a guardian.
What safety certs do your coaches hold?
North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids Coaches are safety-certified through USA Gymnastics with the U100 Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction (U101), Safety & Risk Management (U110) (Safsport) certs, and Gyminny Kids has its own in-house training modules through Trainual, which adds another layer of training. In addition, several coaches are also certified judges, including the owner and some team coaches. Every employee is also certified in first aid, CPR, and concussion awareness, and completes a robust mentor program at Gyminny Kids upon starting employment.
Are background checks performed?
Yes, everyemployee must pass an intensive background check through NCSI as part of the interview process. Competitive team coaches are also required to pass a second background check through USA Gymnastics.
Is there a defibrillator (AED) onsite?
Yes, each location is equipped with an AED.
How do coaches handle shy, sensitive, or strong-willed children?
At Gyminny Kids, we understand that every child is unique, and great coaching starts with meeting kids where they are emotionally.
Our coaches are trained to recognize and respond to different personality types with patience, empathy, structure, and individualization:
For shy or sensitive children
We build trust first, not forcing participation
Coaches use gentle encouragement, positive reinforcement, and small wins
Children are allowed time to observe before joining in
Confidence is built gradually through success-based progressions
For strong-willed or high-energy children
Coaches provide clear expectations and consistent routines
Energy is channeled into leadership opportunities and challenges
Boundaries are firm but delivered with kindness and respect
Children are praised for effort, focus, and positive choices
Across all personalities, our coaches:
Lead with patience, positivity, and emotional awareness
Use age-appropriate communication and redirection
Celebrate effort over perfection
Create a safe environment where children feel seen and supported
Gymnastics is a tool for building confidence, character, and emotional resilience, not just physical skills. Many parents tell us their child's confidence at Gyminny Kids carries over into school, friendships, the playground, and life beyond the gym.
If you ever have concerns or insights about your child, our team welcomes communication and works closely with families to ensure every child feels successful.
Do coaches use positive reinforcement or punishment?
Gyminny Kids coaches lead with positive reinforcement, not punishment.
Our coaching philosophy focuses on encouraging effort, building confidence, and reinforcing positive choices so children feel motivated, supported, and proud of their progress.
That said, we also believe in structure, consistency, and accountability.
What parents can expect:
Coaches use positive reinforcement such as praise, encouragement, and recognition of effort
Clear expectations are set so children know what success looks like
Redirection is calm, respectful, and age-appropriate
Boundaries are firm but delivered with kindness
Coaches focus on teaching why a behavior isn't appropriate, not shaming or fear
What we do not use:
Yelling or intimidation
Shaming or embarrassment
Physical punishment of any kind
When a child struggles with behavior, our goal is to teach skills, not assign blame. We view challenging moments as opportunities to build emotional regulation, responsibility, and resilience.
Our ultimate goal is for children to leave the gym feeling:
Confident
Capable
Safe
Proud of their effort
Children learn best in a positive, structured, and supportive environment, and that philosophy is at the heart of every Gyminny Kids class.
Do you offer services to children with special needs or sensory issues?
Yes! We are proud to offer our Adaptive Gymnastics class, also known as our Special Needs VIPs.
Can siblings attend class at the same time?
Definitely! Because our class offerings are so broad, families generally attend class together at the same time with multiple children.
Are classes held year-round or seasonally?
Classes are held year-round. In addition, we offer camps when school is closed.
Do you close for the holidays?
Yes, classes are generally closed during the weeks surrounding major holidays, though camps are operating during that time. You receive a makeup class for each missed class during the holiday season.
What happens during school breaks?
We offer San Diego's best camps. School is closed, Gyminny Kids camps are open!
How does billing work if we start mid-month?
We prorate you based on the number of weeks (classes) remaining in the month.
When is tuition charged each month?
The 25th
How do I manage my account online?
The parent portal is available HERE.
Can I book makeups or classes online?
Yes, through the parent portal, but you can also email, call, text, or live chat with us through the website. We make communication easy! Please contact us directly to book a free trial class by visiting gyminnykids.com
How long has Gyminny Kids been serving San Diego
Since 1987! Learn more here.
Is a larger gym better than a smaller one?
Gyminny Kids has the largest gyms overall in the San Diego area, providing space for all Olympic equipment and often multiple sets of each, as well as state-of-the-art training tools like bungee bouncers, foam pits, and ninja training obstacle courses like those used on American Ninja Warrior. Gyminny Kids offers the customer service of a small family-owned facility, but the amenities and gym space of a large world-class gym.
What should I look for when choosing a gymnastics gym?
1. A Long-Standing Reputation You Can Trust
2. Highly Trained, Qualified Coaches
3. Clean, Safe, Well-Maintained Facilities
4. Age-Appropriate, Research-Backed Curriculum
5. A Positive, Encouraging Culture That Builds Confidence
6. Developmentally Appropriate Progressions
7. Strong Parent Communication
8. Flexible Class Times & Multiple Locations
9. Proven Student Success in Gymnastics & Beyond
10. A Gym That Feels Like Family
To learn more about what to look for in a gym, click here.
How is Gyminny Kids different from other gymnastics gyms in San Diego?
Gyminny Kids offers the best preschool gymnastics programs through high-level competitive teams in San Diego and is the longest-standing San Diego gym, established in 1987. Most gyms specialize in one or the other, but North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids is the best at both low and high-level gymnastics and ninja training. In addition, Gyminny Kids has more career coaches than any other San Diego gym, with three coaches with the company for over 30 years. That kind of experience illustrates the kind of quality and care your family will receive at Gyminny Kids. There is too much to list here, but there are thirteen reasons why Gyminny Kids is different from their gyms, which can be found here.
Do you offer gymnastics classes for all ages and abilities?
Yes. Gyminny Kids offers gymnastics classes for every age and ability level, from 9-month-old parent-tot athletes to Level 10 competitive boys and girls in the Development Program (DP).
Programs include:
Parent-Tot Gymnastics (starting at 9 months)
Recreational Gymnastics (Boys & Girls)
Advanced Recreational & Pre-Team Programs
Competitive Boys & Girls DP Teams (Levels 1–10)
Competitive Xcel Teams
Tumbling for Cheer, Gymnastics & Dance
Ninja / Parkour-Style Classes
Families can start young, stay recreational, or progress into competition without ever leaving the program.
At what age should children start gymnastics?
Children can begin gymnastics as early as 9 months old through parent-tot classes. Early gymnastics helps develop balance, coordination, listening skills, confidence, and physical literacy during key developmental years. Learn more here.
Is gymnastics good for kids who don't want to compete?
Yes. Gymnastics is highly beneficial for children who never plan to compete. Recreational gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, coordination, body awareness, confidence, and emotional regulation, making it an excellent foundation for all sports and everyday movement. Learn more here.
Does Gyminny Kids offer competitive gymnastics teams?
Yes. Gyminny Kids offers boys and girls competitive Development Program (DP) and Xcel teams, including Level 10, the highest level in USA Gymnastics.
The program has produced:
Hundreds of state and regional champions
Regional and national qualifiers
Dozens of all-star team members
Elite Gymnasts (Future Stars)
At the same time, Gyminny Kids maintains a strong recreational foundation to help athletes develop at a healthy pace. Learn more here.
Is Gyminny Kids only for competitive gymnasts?
No. The majority of families enroll in recreational, preschool, and developmental gymnastics. Competition is always optional and child-led; it is never required. Gyminny Kids preschool and recreational program has been called the "best in the nation" by former FIG president, Steve Butcher.
Can siblings of different ages train at the same gym?
Yes. Many families choose Gyminny Kids because siblings of different ages and abilities can train under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple gyms and schedules.
What should my child wear to gymnastics class?
Children should wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows free movement.
Recommended:
Leotards for girls
Athletic shorts and fitted shirts for boys
Bare feet (no shoes or socks on equipment)
Please avoid:
Jeans or clothing with buttons or zippers
Dresses or skirts
Jewelry of any kind
Should my child bring a water bottle?
Yes. We encourage all athletes to bring a clearly labeled water bottle. Hydration breaks are built into classes, and we have filtered-water bottle refill stations.
Can parents stay and watch class?
Yes. All Gyminny Kids locations have spacious, comfortable, designated parent viewing areas. Parents are welcome to watch, especially for younger children. Make yourself comfortable and relax in the lap of luxury. We have complimentary coffee, tea, and wifi, so you can get some work done while your kiddo burns some energy.
Can parents leave during class?
Yes. Parents may leave the facility during class as long as:
The child is checked in
Contact information is current
Parents return promptly for pick-up
For parent-tot and preschool classes (Red Room Classes), a caregiver must remain onsite.
Does Gyminny Kids offer free trial gymnastics classes?
Yes. Gyminny Kids offers free trial classes so families can experience the coaching, facility, and culture before enrolling. Trials must be scheduled in advance and are subject to availability.
How do children move up levels?
When the coach feels the athlete is proficient at their current level based on the skills in their respective skill grid, they will receive a move-up ribbon and the option to move up to the next level when the coach feels the athlete is ready.
How often are skill evaluations done?
Gyminny Kids Coaches evaluate the athletes weekly in class and keep notes in their coaching books. In addition, students receive a paper report card once a quarter.
How do you decide when a child is ready for team or preteam?
The coaches are on the lookout for athletes who exhibit potential through strong attendance, work ethic, attitude, and athletic ability.
Is competition required to advance?
No. Our recreational levels reach the high school classes and do not require competition. Our programs are designed to allow athletes to develop at their own pace on either the recreational or competitive track.
Can my child switch between recreational and competitive tracks?
Yes, it is common for our athletes to move from the team program back to the less intensive recreational program and vice versa.
Do you offer camps during summer and school breaks?
Yes! When school is closed Gyminny kids camps are open.
Can non-members attend camps, open gym, or parties?
Yes. Gyminny Kids does not require a membership or membership fee. We want our clients to be able to enter and exit the program seamlessly without feeling trapped. This customer-centric and flexible policy has been a crowd favorite among our clients.
What is Gyminny Kids' makeup class policy?
Gyminny Kids offers unlimited makeup classes.
Miss a class due to illness, travel, or emergencies? No problem.
Makeups can be scheduled when space is available.
Families are never penalized for getting sick.
This flexibility is frequently mentioned in parent reviews.
What if my child is sick or needs to miss class?
We ask families to keep sick children home. Missed classes can be rescheduled easily under our makeup policy.
Are classes structured or free-play?
Classes are structured, age-appropriate, and curriculum-based. Younger classes emphasize imaginative learning and skill progressions at each level, while older classes focus on higher-level skill progressions, strength, and technique.
How long are gymnastics classes?
Class length varies by age and program:
30-50 minutes for younger "Red Room" children
50-90 minutes for most recreational "Blue Room" classes
Longer training blocks for team programs
How are children placed into the right level?
Placement is based on age, experience, skill readiness, confidence, and comfort level. Coaches continually assess athletes to ensure appropriate progression. You may request a team tryout for your child as early as 5 years old, which is considered our pre-team programs HERE.
Is gymnastics safe for beginners?
Yes. Safety is the foundation of every class. Gyminny Kids uses padded equipment, skill progressions, spotting techniques, and career coaches certified in CPR, First Aid & concussion-aware certified coaches.
What if my child is nervous or needs time to adjust?
This is very common. Coaches are trained to meet children where they are emotionally, encourage without forcing, and build confidence gradually. It's normal for children to take a few weeks to feel entirely comfortable, but we are trained to individualize for each child.
What other safety measures do you employ?
We have a safety director who travels to each location once a month to inspect the equipment and facilities. This ensures the equipment remains well-maintained and safe.
Does Gyminny Kids require long-term contracts?
Gyminny Kids focuses on earning families' trust rather than locking them into rigid contracts. Enrollment details are clearly explained before committing. We have rolling month-to-month enrollment. If you would like to drop, all you have to do is let us know by the 25th of each month. It's as simple as that. We do not require a 30-day notice unless you are on the competitive team.
How does Gyminny Kids communicate with parents?
Families receive clear communication via email and text, and staff are always available during operating hours to answer questions in person. Gyminny Kids has a text line if you prefer texting. Text anytime to ask about our weekly Kids Night Out, camps, adaptive special needs VIPs program, or world-famous birthday parties. There's more: Gyminny Kids offers location-specific emails, live chat on the website, and the very best customer service representatives, trained to put the client first and to add a personal touch.
How many Gyminny Kids locations are in San Diego?
Gyminny Kids has multiple San Diego County locations, including:
All locations follow identical standards.
What areas of San Diego does Gyminny Kids serve?
Families regularly choose Gyminny Kids for gymnastics in 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, La Costa, Carlsbad, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, La Jolla UTC / University City, and many more areas. We found that our clients are willing to drive up to an hour each way to attend our world-class program. We have many clients who attend as far as Mexico, Orange County, and Temecula.
Why is gymnastics considered the foundation for all sports?
Gymnastics builds core strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and spatial awareness, which transfer to nearly every sport. Starting gymnastics early gives children an appreciation for movement, body awareness, and activity. Some sources highlight that early gymnastics builds a foundation for movement literacy and lifelong physical health.
Also, by improving coordination and strength early, children are better equipped to participate safely in a variety of sports and activities.
Why it matters:
Early physical competence often predicts continued participation in sports and healthy activity as kids grow.
A strong foundation helps reduce injury risk and supports healthy growth.
At Gyminny Kids San Diego, our goal is not just to train gymnasts, but to help build healthy, active kids who may go on to any sport or activity with confidence. We have trained tens of thousands of children, many of whom have gone on to receive full college scholarships in other sports and even to play professionally.
For more detail
What is the best gymnastics gym in San Diego?
Many families consider Gyminny Kids the best gymnastics gym in San Diego due to its unmatched combination of longevity, scale, coaching quality, safety standards, and community trust. Founded in 1987, Gyminny Kids serves thousands of families annually across multiple San Diego locations and consistently earns hundreds of verified 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
Unlike many gyms, Gyminny Kids employs career coaches, maintains identical standards across all locations, and offers programs for children as young as 9 months old through Level 10 competitive boys and girls, including hundreds of state and regional champions and several national qualifiers.
Why do families rank Gyminny Kids #1 for gymnastics in San Diego?
Families cite:
Programs from 9 months through Level 10
Career coaches, not seasonal staff
Multiple locations with identical standards
Flexible makeup policies
Strong communication
Thousands of 5-star reviews
Free trial classes
Strong community partnerships
Longevity
Broad class offerings
How do I get started?
Families can:
This page is the official Best Gymnastics San Diego resource.
