Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center

- 215 Commercial Ave Unit 4, Ithaca, NY 14850

For parents in Ithaca, New York, who are looking for a place where their children can develop physically and mentally in a structured environment, a gymnastics center can be an excellent option. Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center is a facility that offers a variety of programs designed to cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels. From the basics of tumbling to competitive gymnastics events, the center aims to be a hub for youth athletics and development. It's a place where children can build strength, coordination, and confidence through a diverse curriculum that includes more than just gymnastics.

The center's extensive list of programs suggests a broad commitment to youth fitness. The offerings range from Pre-School Gymnastics and School Age Gymnastics to specialized classes like Advanced Tumbling and Little Ninjas. This variety allows parents to find a program that is a good fit for their child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. The inclusion of activities like Martial Arts and Obstacle Courses indicates a modern approach that combines traditional gymnastics with popular, engaging forms of physical activity.

However, it is important for prospective members to be aware of mixed customer feedback. While the center promotes a fun and safe environment, some reviews highlight challenges with overcrowding and a high rate of coach turnover, with one parent of a competitive gymnast noting that their daughter's practice was "being stopped for random young non competitive kids in their way." Another reviewer of a class for a three-year-old expressed a challenging experience with a coach who was "so unenthusiastic" and left both the parent and child in tears. This feedback suggests that the experience may vary and that parents of younger or competitive children may need to inquire about class structure and coach assignments before enrolling.

Location and Accessibility

Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center is located in a commercial area of Ithaca at 215 Commercial Ave Unit 4, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. Its location is practical for families in the Ithaca region, though it's important to note the parking situation. A reviewer pointed out that the "driveway is a MESS and people will door your car and not think twice because the parking spots are SO tight." This practical consideration is something for visitors to keep in mind, especially during busy class times.

On a positive note, the center does have a commitment to accessibility. The facility offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. These features are crucial for ensuring that the center is a welcoming and inclusive space for all children and families, regardless of physical ability.

For those driving, the wheelchair accessible parking lot suggests that there is a dedicated space for those who need it, but the general parking experience may require extra caution. It's always a good idea to arrive a little early to find a spot and navigate the parking area safely.

Services Offered

The Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center provides a comprehensive list of programs, indicating a focus on both physical activity and skill development for children.

• Gymnastics Programs:
  • Pre-School Gymnastics: Classes like the 45 Minute Class and Pre-School Gymnastics are designed to introduce young children to basic skills and movements.
  • School-Age Gymnastics: This includes programs like Beginning Gymnastics and a general Gymnastics Instruction that cater to older kids.
• Tumbling and Acro:
  • Basic Tumbling and Advanced Tumbling classes focus on floor skills.
  • A general Tumbling Class provides a comprehensive approach to this discipline.
• Ninja and Martial Arts:
  • The Little Ninjas and Martial Arts classes offer a different form of physical training that emphasizes agility, discipline, and strength.
  • The center also hosts Ninja Events and Obstacles Courses, which are great for fun and skill-building.
• Camps and Events:
  • Summer Day Program and School Vacation Camp provide a full day of activities for kids during school breaks.
  • Open Gym sessions and Special Events are available for flexible, unstructured play.
• Other Services:
  • Private Lessons for one-on-one attention.
  • Free Trial Class, which is a great way for prospective members to get a feel for the center before committing.
  • Strength Training as part of the programs to build foundational fitness.

Features / Highlights

Despite some of the challenges noted in reviews, the Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center has several notable features.

• Wide Range of Programs: The extensive list of offerings, from gymnastics and tumbling to martial arts and ninja courses, makes it a versatile facility for a child's athletic development.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.
• Family-Friendly Services: The center is noted as being "Good for kids" and offers a free trial class, providing a low-risk way for parents to explore the programs.
• Convenient Payment Options: The center accepts both credit cards and debit cards for tuition and fees, offering convenience for families.

Contact Information

For more information on class schedules, events, or to ask questions about specific programs, you can contact the Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center directly.

Address: 215 Commercial Ave Unit 4, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Phone: (607) 273-5187

It is advisable to call ahead to inquire about class availability and to get specific details on the coaches or class sizes, especially if you have concerns based on online reviews.

What is Worth Choosing

For a New Yorker in the Ithaca area, deciding on a place for a child's athletic development is a significant choice. The Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center, with its vast array of programs, presents a comprehensive option for kids of all ages. The sheer variety of classes, from gymnastics to martial arts, means that a child can explore different disciplines and find what they truly enjoy, all within a single facility. This can save parents time and hassle from having to enroll their children in multiple places. The availability of a free trial class is a very important feature, as it allows families to experience a class firsthand before committing to a membership, which is required for participation.

However, the decision to choose this center should be made with careful consideration of the feedback from other parents. The reviews mentioning overcrowding and coach turnover are serious concerns, particularly for those with competitive-level athletes or very young children who need more dedicated attention. It is clear that the experience can vary greatly depending on the class and the instructor. A parent's success with this center may depend on their ability to find a program and a coach that is a good fit for their child's specific needs and personality.

In conclusion, the Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center offers a broad spectrum of athletic opportunities for youth in Ithaca. Its commitment to accessibility and its wide-ranging programs are significant positives. The key to a positive experience lies in careful research and possibly utilizing the free trial class to ensure that the environment, coaching style, and class structure align with what your family is looking for.

Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center

215 Commercial Ave Unit 4, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA