YMCA Gymnastics
Oskaloosa YMCA
Gymnastics has for many years been a main stay at the Mahaska County YMCA. The gymnastics program was in existence at the YMCA when it was at the downtown location many years ago and has continued to grow and thrive every year. “Gymnastics is a sport that creates a whole individual; it helps with balance, confidence, and it has been proven that children who are involved in sports typically have higher grades than those who are not involved in a structured sport,” stated Coach Meghan Slay.
Gymnastics is better for children than most people would know. With child obesity at an all time high in kids and adolescents in the U.S. Getting these children away from t.v. and video games and to a gym is a great start on a healthy life. Involved parents and exercise programs that keep kids active, reduce the chance of having an obese child. Gymnastics is a good activity for children because it uses strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power, and discipline. Gymnastics burns fat and helps with weight control; therefore keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure at a healthy level. A regular gymnastics workout also releases endorphins (the happiness chemicals that improve mood). Gymnastics is a great way for your children to stay in shape and the best sport for acquiring and maintaining flexibility.
The Mahaska County YMCA recognizes these benefits and would love to have all the children of Mahaska County to experience the sport of gymnastics. We offer a wide variety of classes from the very beginning gymnast to the more advanced competitive gymnast; and age variations of 2-18. Classes run for 4 weeks per session, and run throughout the week Monday through Thursday. The next class sign up will be coming up mid to the end of February for our spring session. We also offer classes at the competitive team level; however, the athlete must try-out to be a part of the competitive team. Those try-outs are offered two times a year with Coach Meghan Slay.
Whatever your age and level is, we have you covered! To inquire about YMCA Gymnastics, come visit us and sign up for a class. We’d love to have you! The YMCA is located at 414 North Third Street. Members and volunteers are always welcome at the Y! For more information, call the Y at 673-8411.
SAVE THE DATE!!! On February 11 & 12 the YMCA will be hosting our annual Vaulting Valentine’s Meet at our location in University Park (formerly the Venard College Gymnasium). We would like to invite the community to come see what we offer and to cheer on our gymnasts! 30 gymnasts from the Mahaska County area will be competing and will face teams from other surrounding communities.
