Gym offers fun, skills

Class time at the Bootheel Gymnastics and Recreational Center

NEW MADRID - The third time was the charm.

Shannon Reed watched the youngster attempt a cartwheel on the narrow balance-beam. The first time offering a steadying hand, the second time adding a bit of encouragement, the third time it was applause for the girl's success. Coach and student grinned at one another over the accomplishment.

Reed sent the aspiring gymnast to the next apparatus while another student hopped up on the balance beam for her turn.

It was a busy afternoon at Bootheel Gymnastics and Recreational Center, 321 U.S. Highway 61 in New Madrid. While parents watched patiently, youngsters tumbled, twirled and tested their athletic skills under Reed or one of her nine staff members' watchful eyes.

For Reed, the activity is the culmination of her work to create her own business as well as a place for youngsters to correctly and safely learn gymnastics.

"Our goal is to teach good gymnastics skills in a positive, fun way so children can develop self-confidence and succeed in anything they try," said Reed.

Describing gymnastics as a combination of art and athletics, Reed explained it is natural extension of a child's play. "Gymnastics is based on body movements that involve swinging, leaping or vaulting on large pieces of apparatus or tossing and catching various hand apparatuses," she said. "The range of gymnastics movements is very broad: walking, running, jumping, hopping, hanging or being supported by the hands and arms, rolling, diving, somersaulting or spinning."

Reed's background in the sport is extensive. A safety-certified gymnastics instructor and a member of the American Athletics Union, she became involved in the sport some 20 years ago as a student and as a competitor.

Prior to opening her Bootheel Gymnastics and recreational Center, Reed coached and managed a Sikeston-based gymnastics program.

When she decided to open her own business in New Madrid, she knew what she wanted and that it would be a challenge. "There is a lot involved in getting a gym going, more than most people realize," said Reed. "I've put a lot of heart into this."

The 6,660-square-foot building includes all the traditional gymnastic equipment from balance beam and rings to pommel horse and parallel bars. Youngsters can bound from the in-ground trampoline, a 30-foot in-ground tumble trampoline or the 30-foot Air Trak into the in-ground foam pit, used to help the gymnasts develop more difficult skills.

Classes at Bootheel Gymnastics and Recreational Center are geared by age and expertise. Classes to master the basics for aspiring gymnasts at age 3 are typically 30 minutes. As youngsters' skills improve, classes extend to 45 minutes for those ages 4 and 5 then to as much as an hour as students advance.

In addition to classes, Bootheel Gymnastics and Recreational Center offers private lessons; an after-school program with structured activities and free play each Friday until 5 p.m.; also it can be used on weekends for birthday parties.

Parents Night Out from 6 to 10 p.m. every other Friday has proved popular drawing an average of 30 youngsters for evenings of games and activities as well as the opportunity to use the gymnastic equipment.

Also time is set aside for students to come on their own for "open gym" and work on the skills they are developing.

Reed excitedly talks about other classes she hopes to add at the facility including yoga and Pilates for those age 16 and older, a fitness program for children, a competitive cheerleading squad and next summer a month-long day camp.

While many of her students are from New Madrid, Reed said others are coming to the center from the surrounding towns and even as far away as Kennett, Risco, Portageville and Matthews for instruction. And, she points out, the students are both girls and boys.

"Gymnastics helps youngsters be active in other sports. It helps with coordination, conditioning," she said adding, "We have a very strong boys program."

Since opening in August, Reed said she has been pleased with the community support and their suggestions.

Reed is already making additions to her building. Construction has begun on a balcony to enable parents and others to have a better view as the gymnasts work on their skills. Also she is planning to add a game room to the upper level.

Bootheel Gymnastics and Recreational Center is open from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 573-748-5939.