Finding the Right Cheer Gym

Whether it's fro tumbling classes or joining a team here's a few things to ask and remember before 100% committing to a cheer gym by you.

-Location
It really depends on what your situation is. You might have a stay at home mom or dad who is willing to take you at whatever time or distance. You might have full time working parents who get home just in time for dinner. You might have your own car where you're free to drive wherever you need to be. All of these will make or break a cheer gym location. If your parents are willing to take you 1hr+ distance to cheer practice then so be it but if your parents can't always give you rides everywhere you want to make sure your gym is close enough to your house to where you can walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or have a teammate pick you up along the way.

-Scheduling
Most cheer gyms are good about keeping their practice times on weekdays with convient times for parents and student. Practices are usually held from 6-9 p.m. This gives students enough time to get home and do homework and parents enough time to get home and take their child. You should ask about timing when researching your future cheer gym so that times and dates don't constantly clash with another school sport, or your parents' work schedules.

-Quality
Cheerleading is rather expensive and if you're going to invest time and money into something you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth. Check online for reviews of the gym and see what others have to say. Go to the actual gym and check out the building. Does it have good equipment? Friendly looking staff? Holes in the walls? Are there a lot of kids there? These are all things you want to consider and more when finding the best quality gym. You don't want to end up on a gym that's so large that they don't except kids, or a gym so small you're mixed with different ages and levels.

-Cost
This is usually the biggest factor for parents! They want to know what they're paying which is understandable. If a gym doesn't outright so it on their website or tell you when getting a tour then just ask. You won't look rude or greedy by doing show you just want to know if it's in your budget and that's reasonable. A season of all star cheerleading on average goes for $3,800+ every season and a month of tumbling classes is usually $60+ for a one hour class once a week. Find what's in your budget and compare each cheer gym.

-Comparisons
Sit down together with your parents and make a list of your favorite cheer gyms. Then set them up like this:

Example
Firecracker All Stars
Distance: 10 minutes (on freeway)
Practice Times: 6pm-9:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,995

Blue Fountain All Stars
Distance: 15 minutes (main streets)
Practice Times: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,750

At the end of it your list should look something like this. Figure out what the deciding factor will be whether it's practice times, quality, cost or distance. These things should be talked about with your parents. Compare each gym to each other and in the end go with the one that fits your lifestyle the most.

I hope whatever cheer gym you choose you're happy with it. Don't sign up for something that you or your parents are 100% about, because you could end up losing time and money! Pick the gym that will make you the happiest and help you progress more and more each practice.

Love,

A Cheerleader