Flips Gymnastics on Robinson Road in Oak Ridge North has seen its share of award-winning gymnasts and Olympic athletes walk through its doors. And yet, after 30 years of business, fame is not what Flips Gymnastics prides itself on.

Owner Larry Anderson assumed ownership of Flips Gymnastics in 1984 and instilled positive reinforcement and maintaining a welcoming environment as mainstays within the program's curriculum.

Manager Kelley Jordan, who joined the Flips staff in 1997 while attending Texas A&M University, said Flips Gymnastics' teaching approach drew her to the program.

Jordan said she and the other trainers encourage their students to pursue a social lifestyle outside of gymnastics as a way to become well-rounded people.

Compared to other training gyms who ask their students to practice more hours and prefer their athletes to be homeschooled, Flips Gymnastics understands that few students will have the opportunity to compete beyond high school, Jordan said.

"Sometimes gymnastics will not last your whole life, and we understand that," she said. "So we want [the students] to be able to have other interests. If you've done gymnastics your whole life and then you turn 16 or 17 and you don't make it to the college [level], what're you going to do?"

Although Flips Gymnastics takes a step back from the sport's competitive nature, professional athletes like Olympic diving gold medalist and Woodlands resident Laura Wilkinson have trained at Flips Gymnastics, Jordan said.

Like other gyms, Flips starts working with their students at a young age. Three levels of training are offered as well as tumbling and team programs.

Students progress through the curriculum at a pace each trainer sees fit. Flips Gymnastics trains beginning students starting at the age of 2 all the way through the age of 18.

Flips Gymnastics works with Houser Elementary and Powell Elementary to encourage students to become involved not only in gymnastics but to instill a desire to exercise and be active.

Although Jordan praises the curriculum as a critical factor in the gym's success, a low turnover rate among staff members has created a sense of legacy in the community, she said.

Flips Gymnastics is in a transitional phrase as Anderson is transferring ownership to his daughter, Becky Anderson.

"We've got [awards] here that are our legacy," Jordan said. "You just don't see that in this type of gym very much."

Programs

Fundamental classes are geared toward preschool and kindergarten students to enhance basic motor and gymnastic skills.Progressive classes are split in groups and include conditioning and strength training. Progressive classes use more challenging equipment, such as trampolines. The classes are designed for students in first through fifth grades.Advanced classes are designated for older students who have been invited by their coaches to attend.27320 Robinson Road

Oak Ridge North 281-292-4407

Hours: Mon–Sat. 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.