YMCA Gymnastics Programs
Gymnastics is a fun and engaging way for children to stay active while building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Beyond physical skills, gymnastics can help develop confidence, focus, perseverance, and teamwork—giving children valuable skills that extend well beyond the gym.
The Defiance Area YMCA has a variety of Gymnastics programs for different age groups and abilities.
Preschool
Our program is age flexible, meaning athletes do not automatically age in or out of classes. This is a great start for our athletes to follow instructions and gain independence from their parents in a small group setting.
Rollie Pollies
Walking to 3 years old
Adult-assisted movement class focusing on introductory balance, coordination, and motor skills. This class encourages social connections for the toddler and adult as you engage with other families. You’ll share experiences, tips, and form lasting friendships as your children play and learn together.
Preschool
Ages 3-5 (Must be potty trained)
Our preschool classes focus on gross and fine motor skills including, but not limited to climbing, swinging, hopping, jumping and marching. Athletes also experience social skills following directions, taking turns and interacting with other children. Our lesson plans include preschool and kindergarten readiness activities.
Athletes are placed in groups according to age and skill.
Training Team
Ages 4-6
Available by invite only, for those preschool athletes that show strong skill development and are ready for building a stronger foundation in harder fundamental skills. These athletes will have the opportunity to advance to our competitive team program.
School-Age Recreational Gymnastics
Classes for beginners to advanced levels.
Rockets Classes
Ages 6 and older.
Rockets classes provide a safe and positive environment for athletes to learn, grow, and develop their gymnastics skills and love for the sport. Gymnasts will follow circuits when working on vault, bars, beam, floor and trampoline. Athletes will develop at their own pace while focusing on skills to ensure they build a solid foundation as they progress.
Classes are 60 Minutes.
Advanced Rockets Class
Ages 6 and older.
The Advanced Rockets class is perfect for those gymnasts who are ready to build on from their basic skill foundation. Athletes will move at a more disciplined pace, adding strength and flexibility requirements. Advanced Rockets are working on shaping and combining skills as they pursue excellence in their technique.
Classes are 90 minutes.
Tumbling
Ages 6 and older.
A great class for athletes interested in developing power, agility, flexibility and spatial awareness for other sports such as dance, diving, basketball, soccer, softball and cheerleading.
Private Lessons
Help your child build strength, confidence, flexibility, and gymnastics skills through personalized one-on-one instruction. Each lesson is tailored to the athlete's age, ability level, and goals, providing focused attention and faster progress in a fun, supportive environment. Perfect for beginners, competitive gymnasts, or athletes looking to improve specific skills.
Private Lessons are 30 Minutes.
YMCA Gymstars Gymnastics Team
Gymstars develops athletes from preschool through competitive levels, with a proven record of State, Regional, and National champions. Athletes compete in YMCA, OHSAA, and USA Gymnastics Region 5 competitions across Levels 2–10 and Xcel Bronze–Sapphire.
Level 2 and Silver Team
These teams are the perfect place for athletes and parents to experience the world of competitive gymnastics. Athletes join the Gymstars in all things, including reasonably priced team leotards and jackets, competitions that are relatively close to home, team comradery, skill and routine development, and overall fun and love for the sport of gymnastics.
Xcel Gold-Sapphire and Optional Team 7-9
Our competitive team athletes have a strong history of State, Regional and National honors, including individual and team champions. Our own Emma Willitzer earned a perfect 10.0 at Y Nationals. Our Competitive Team Gymnastics Program provides athletes with the training, support, and opportunities needed to excel at every level. Our Gymstar coaches inspire athletes to push beyond their limits, embrace challenges, and celebrate success. Gymnasts learn the value of discipline, goal setting, and perseverance while creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Through hard work, teamwork, and determination, gymnasts build the skills and confidence needed to shine both on the competition floor and in everyday life. Together, we strive for excellence, one skill, one routine, and one achievement at a time.