Wellyn Chase (Google User)
5 months ago
Disappointing Experience at Gymstrada
We have been long-time members of Gymstrada and have generally enjoyed our experience. However, recent changes have significantly impacted our satisfaction.
The first issue arose due to the loss of parking across the street, which has created a chaotic situation, especially during peak class times. Parents are now forced to circle the block multiple times in search of a parking space, often arriving late and disrupting the class. This has not only caused stress for parents but has also made it difficult for the gym to maintain a smooth and orderly environment with the small space the parents have for viewing. But that was something I was willing to do just so my daughter can participate 2x weekly but also dread every. single. time.
Our primary issue stems from a recent incident involving my daughter's developmental gymnastics class. After a brief hiatus, my daughter returned to the class and as a group that rotates in different stations with some new, younger coaches at some stations. These coaches are responsible for spotting students, regardless of their skill level or when applicable.
My daughter, who is still learning the handstand-to-bridge transition, was asked to attempt the skill in which she did not know she was not being spotted. The coach insisted she perform the move. Unfortunately, my daughter fell and landing straight on her back which was very painful.
This incident was particularly disturbing because it deviates from our previous experiences at Gymstrada. In the past, coaches have always been attentive to students' needs and provided appropriate spotting, even for less challenging skills.
Following the incident, I spoke with the gym's management. Instead of acknowledging the coach's error, they placed blame on my daughter, suggesting she should have communicated her need for assistance. The coach also claimed to be unfamiliar with my daughter and stated that she had never seen her before. This is a concerning oversight, as it suggests a lack of attention to detail and a failure to properly assess students' abilities. Given that the coach was unfamiliar with my daughter, it is even more important that she provide extra care and support, including spotting, to ensure the student's safety at least until they get familiar with that child’s abilities.
Furthermore, the coach's decision to dismiss my daughter after her first attempt at the handstand-to-bridge transition is unusual and inappropriate. It is common for coaches to provide multiple opportunities for students to practice a new skill, especially when the skill is challenging or requires additional support. By dismissing my daughter after only one attempt, the coach demonstrated a lack of care, patience, sympathy and understanding.
Despite my daughters distress, the coach continued to dismiss her concerns and urged her to proceed to the next station. This was a clear indication that the coach was more focused on maintaining a fast pace than on ensuring the well-being of her students.
Given this disappointing experience with the incident, the ongoing parking challenges, the staff's response to the incident, and the overall impact on our satisfaction with the gym, we have decided to discontinue our membership at Gymstrada. The gym's failure to prioritize student safety and its dismissive attitude towards our concerns have eroded our trust.