Founded on the belief that gymnastics should be a fun, accessible sport for children of all abilities, family-run ChampionsTX Gymnastics is now in its 22nd year and growing by leaps and bounds, CEO Alison Callaway said.

With locations in Central Austin and Lakeway, the company offers tumbling, gymnastic and cheerleading classes as well as camps for children up to age 18. This summer, Champions’ Lakeway campus will expand into a new 24,000-square-foot building that will more than quadruple its available space, Callaway said.

Callaway took over gym operations from her mother, Janet Scott, who started the company in 1995 when gymnastics was primarily treated as a rigorous, competitive sport, Callaway said.

From the start, the goal of Champions was to create an environment in which all children could reap the physical and social benefits of gymnastics without the commitment required to become a competitive or professional gymnast, Callaway said.

“We really want kids to feel like they are champions whether or not they want to become a competitive gymnast,” she said. “[Competitive gymnastics] used to be all there was. Twenty-one years ago … recreational gymnastics and recreational gymnastic teams didn’t exist.”

Each Champions class is held a maximum of twice per week to allow children the flexibility to pursue other interests, Callaway said. While in class, students are encouraged to support their teammates and accomplish personal goals without comparing themselves to others, she said.

ChampionsTX Gymnastics At Champions, children are encouraged to love their bodies and achieve personal goals.[/caption]

“You give hugs, and you give smiles, and you make it silly, and you make it not such a giant commitment, so it’s fun. And it’s fun for the parents, too,” she said. “It’s all about getting kids to love their bodies and understand what their bodies can do.”

Champions’ by-invite gymnastics and cheerleading teams are exhibition teams, which means they perform their skills for audiences instead of entering competitions. Teams are often involved with local charity organizations and the community; the younger gymnasts regularly perform at assisted-living homes and visit with residents there, she said.

“They still get to show off what they’re learning, but it’s not nearly as high-pressure,” Callaway said. “We try to do things that are in the community.”

Champions offerings

  • ChampionsTX Gymnastics Champions offers gymnastics and cheerleading classes for children up to age 18.[/caption] GymKids: Children up to age 5 practice direction-following skills, discipline, motor skills and coordination.
  • Tumblin’ Tutus: Through a combination of dance and gymnastics, children age 3 1/2 through age 5 learn tumbling, balance beam, bar and trampoline skills.
  • Gymnastics: Instructors teach students in kindergarten through 12th grade a variety of skills, from parallel bar work to aerials.
  • Yoganastics: A specialty class combines story-time adventures, animated breathing exercises and imaginative relaxation techniques.
  • Gymnastics and cheerleading teams: Students learn about teamwork and confidence through weekly practices and community performances.
  • Cheer classes and school team prep: Students in middle school, high school or college prepare for squad tryouts or develop cheer skills for fun.
  • Parkour and boys gymnastics program: Tumblers train to develop muscle tone, motor control and coordination.
  • Camps and special events: Offerings include summer camps, spring break camps, winter camps, birthday parties and Parents’ Night Out.