Program Overview

NEW STUDENT INFORMATION-Gymnastics/Ninja Zone

Where are the classes held? 

Gymnastics and Ninja zone classes are held at the YMCA Sports Center (formerly the LIFE FITNESS CENTER).  The address is 2222 Middle Road in Bettendorf, IA.   Parking is tight.  You can park in the lot that is furthest east (toward the church).  Additionally there is a lot across the street at the park.

Where do I go once I get there? 

Students need to go into the front entrance of the YMCA Sports Center.   The gymnastics and ninja zone classes are held in the main gym to the right of the entrance.   Once you enter the gym, you go to the right and  follow the arrows/signs directing you to the far east end of the gym.

Children can put their things in a cubby.  HAVE THEM GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE CLASS!!  Students get checked in at the check in table.  Your child will then report to their class line to await for their instructor and their class to start.

Do I stay and watch or do I have to leave?

We do have a parent viewing area.  Parents are not allowed on the gym floor unless their child is in a ⅔’s or baby ninja class (parent involved class).  Additionally, we can not allow participants’ siblings to run around in the gym area.

Parents of children ages 6 and under should remain in the gymnastics/ninja zone parent viewing area.   All other parents are not required but are encouraged to stay inside the YMCA Sports center while their child is in class.

How do I know who my child’s teacher is?

For the first couple of weeks (at least), there will be a ‘who’s your coach’ posted each day so you know who is coaching.  It is our goal to have consistency with our coaching staff from week to week.  We acknowledge that consistency is crucial to learning.

What does my child need to wear? 

Girls should wear a leotard, unitard or comfortable shorts/leggings and t-shirt.  Boys should wear comfy shorts/sweatpants and t-shirt.  NO DENIM or clothing with zippers should be worn.

Hair should be pulled back and out of the eyes.  We do keep hair ties on hand so if you forget, we will put your child’s hair back for them.

No necklaces or watches.  Post earrings are okay; no dangling earrings.

What do I do if my child is nervous and they cry; not wanting to participate without me? 

You should communicate with your child’s teacher.  Oftentimes, we will invite the parent to sit with the child (WITH THE CLASS) to help them feel comfortable.  Once they engage, we’ll let the parent know that they can go to the viewing area.  Our ultimate goal is for your child to have a positive experience with gymnastics/ninja zone so it is really a case by case situation.

COMMUNICATION TOOL USED BY THE YMCA DIRECTOR

REMIND APP:

All communication to class participants will be done using the REMIND APP.  These may include:  class cancellations, event reminders, updates on registration or class changes.  This app also allows for private messaging to Karin, the program director! 

You follow the text option below based on the class(es) you are registered for: *Preschool would be the ⅔’s class and the preschool class

*Gymnastics would be the beginner, intermediate and future advanced classes

*Ninja Zone would be Baby Ninja, Lil Ninja, Ninja zone white and Ninja zone yellow

*Team would be our competitive teams: Levels 2, 3, 4 and the Xcel team 

**Preschool:  text  @ymcaimvps to number 81010

** Ninja Zone:  text  @ymcaimvnz to number 81010

**Gymnastics: text @ymcaimvgym to number 81010

Join the app and get all the updated news!

Monthly Class Schedule Basic Information

• Introductory classes teach age-appropriate skills and fundamentals of gymnastics, while also developing an appreciation for the sport.
• Private Lessons available (please use link below)
• Classes meet once per week
• One month commitment- sign up monthly for ages 2 and up
• All classes are Monday to Thursday (Ninja Yellow on Friday nights)
• Saturday classes will be offered beginning in January, 2023
• Boys are welcome in all classes
• Please bring a water bottle, Long hair NEEDS to be pulled up (we have hair ties if needed); plan to arrive 15-minutes before class to get signed in at the check in table.  Students must wait in designated areas until their class begins.  THERE IS NO RUNNING AROUND OR PLAYING ON EQUIPMENT BEFORE CLASS BEGINS!
• Students should USE Bathroom before class begins whenever possible
• A Water fountain is on location, but parents will need to take their children during class
• No gum, please!
• Click here to email Coach Karin with questions.
•  2023/2024 school year schedule:

YMCA Gymnastics
Class Descriptions

⅔ ‘s class    Age:  2-3 yr olds, boys & girls  (Minimum age change:  18 months)         Length: 30 minutes

PARENT PARTICIPATION is required for this class.  In addition to introducing the children to basic gymnastics skills, the ⅔’s class focuses on hand-eye coordination, large and small motor skills and social development.  They learn rolls, cartwheels, swinging, balancing and jumping while learning to follow directions through the use of obstacle courses.

Preschool class Age:  4-5 yr olds, boys & girls Length:  45minutes

The preschool class expands on the fun obstacle courses used for the ⅔’s class!  The skills worked on in this class progress from the ⅔’s class and begin to introduce the proper body shapes and form necessary to master the gymnastics and tumbling skills on the preschool program curriculum.  Additionally, this class will be introduced to the high beam and the regular set of bars at different points throughout each month.  The goal is to get our preschoolers ready for the BEGINNER gymnastics class. 

Beginner gymnastics class   Age: 6+(5 yr olds admitted by invite only) Length:  60 minutes

This is an entry level class designed to teach the fundamentals of all 4 gymnastics events:  Vault/Bars/Balance Beam/Floor Exercises.  At each of the events, students will learn to use proper body posture as well as develop strength and confidence.  They will learn rolls, handstands, cartwheels and backbends on the floor. On the bars they learn front supports, casts and swings.   The main beam skills taught are walks (all directions), hops, balances/holds and introduction to handstand progressions.   Vault introduces jumping skills, hurdles and running techniques. 

Intermediate gymnastics class Age: 6+_ Length: 90 minutes

INVITE ONLY or Director approval is required to enroll in this class. 

The intermediate class takes the skills mastered at the Beginner level and uses them to begin learning more difficult skills.  The class will include conditioning/muscle development and more advanced skills on all 4 events.  Students will begin to learn the skills in the level 2 USAG compulsory program routines.   Floor:  walkovers and roundoffs

Bars: pullovers, casts and glides  Beam:  pivot turns, jumps, handstands  Vault:  drills for handspring vault onto a resi mat

Advanced gymnastics class Age: 5+_ Length: 90 minutes

INVITE ONLY or Director approval is required to enroll in this class. 

This class is considered our PRE-TEAM.  These students will focus on the level 2 skills introduced in the Intermediate class with the goal of skill mastery and moving to our competitive gymnastics team in the spring.  Advanced gymnasts also begin learning back handsprings, kips, back and front hip circles, leaps and cartwheels on beam. 

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT WE MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 3 STUDENTS REGISTERED FOR A CLASS TO KEEP THE CLASS OPEN.  

Click on the "+" to expand and register for your Gymnastics classes

(Tumbling and Ninja Zone below)

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NEW IN JANUARY 2023

TUMBLING ONLY CLASSES

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Tumble 1   Age:  5yr olds and up, boys & girls         Length: 45 minutes

This class is for the new tumbler.  It covers the basics:  forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, bridges and it introduces back bends.  The class is split between tumbling and tumble trak/trampoline skills.  The tumble trak will be utilized to cover jumps, coordination, hurdles, dive rolls and jump combinations.    Students will work toward the goal of advancing to the tumble 2 class. 

Tumble 2    Age:  6yr olds and up, boys & girls Length:  45minutes

5 yr olds can be enrolled per coach approval and/or recommendation

The tumble 2 class expands on the skills learned in tumble 1.  Basics are essential so they will continue to polish up rolls, handstands and cartwheels.  Additionally, they will be challenged by learning handstand rolls, back extension roll drills, back bends, bridge kickovers, round off drills and front/back walkovers.  On tumble trak they will focus on new jumps, new combinations of jumps, hurdle to round offs and other challenging skills like front flip drills.  They will work to master their tumble 2 skills to advance to tumble 3.  

Tumble 3    Age:  6yr olds and up, boys & girls Length:  60 minutes

5 yr olds can be enrolled per coach approval and/or recommendation

If your tumbler has mastered their basic rolls, handstands and cartwheels, the tumble 3 class will introduce dive cartwheels, back handsprings, back extension rolls to handstands, and front handsprings. Tumble 3 students will do backdrops, front flips and back handsprings on the tumble trak as well.  

Advanced tumbling    Age:  6yr olds and up, boys & girls Length:  60minutes

REGISTRATION IS BY INVITE ONLY-Currently waitlisted.  Must have 3 students to have the class run. 

Advanced tumblers will work to perfect their front and back handsprings.  Additionally they will  start to put their skills together.  They will work roundoff back handsprings, front handspring combinations, aerials and front tucks on the floor.  These combinations of skills will go from the tumble trak to the floor once confidence is developed.  Back tucks will also be covered on the tumble trak as the tumbler shows more advancement. 

Click on the "+" to expand and register for your Tumbling classes

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Click on the "+" to expand and register for your Ninja Zone class

Make sure to order and pick up your
Ninja Zone uniform too! 

Uniforms can be picked up at the Bettendorf, Bittner or Utica Ridge YMCAs.

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Competitive USA Gymnastics Team

We offer USAG Junior Olympic Level 2, 3 and 4 teams as well as Xcel!

• For the gymnastics enthusiasts that want to take it to the next level
• Advanced skills will be developed and participants will learn about the competitive side of Gymnastics
• USAG curriculum used and competitive teams will compete in USAG events
• Your gymnast will grow into a well-rounded athlete
• Tryouts required at the competitive team level
• Annual commitment

Click here to contact our Gymnastics & Ninja Zone Leadership Team

Click here to order Team Uniform, Jacket, and backpack here

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New Coach Karin Rousey

We're excited to have Coach Karin ready to lead our Gymnastics and Tumbling teams to national recognition!

Karin's leadership of the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley program began in late July and we look forward to an awesome fall!

Click here to contact Coach Karin and her team.

Can you INSPIRE KIDS?

Staff:

We're always looking for positive leaders with great attitudes to teach gymnastics & ninja zone. The YMCA focuses on a higher purpose: to help more kids and families live healthier, happier lives. Think you have what it takes? Join our team!

A YMCA Instructor is a great way to launch a career!

Click here for more info and to apply!