Camden gym opens for Sussex gymnasts

Gymstarz Gymnastics opened this spring in Camden, giving local gymnasts a new venue for classes and camps.

While it is a commute for most Sussex residents, owner Kristen Maday said gymnasts don't have many options in Delaware, and she hopes her new gym will draw from across the state.

"I've been involved in competitive gymnastics since the first grade," said Maday, 36. "I now have four children, three of them are girls, and I wanted to get them involved in gymnastics because of the benefits it offers. There are not a lot of gyms around, so there is a great need in Delaware."

Maday received her bachelor degree in physical education and a masters degree in athletic administration from Springfield College in Massachusetts. She and her husband relocated to the Dover area seven years ago for her husband's job in the medical field.

"I am certified for K-12, so I am really excited about creating new lesson plans each week to keep the kids entertained," said Maday. "We have summer camps coming up for 3- to 12-year-olds beginning June 13. I will have different themes every week, and our prices are very reasonable."

Maday said she is a big supporter of any activity that gets kids moving.

"The more businesses promoting physical activity for children, the better," Maday said. "The majority of my students are between the ages of 3 and 12, but we also provide mommy and infant classes starting at 6 months; and we go up to age 23 for collegiate athletes looking for a gym."

The variety of classes offered at Gymstarz promote fitness, coordination, balance and strength, as well as building competitive skills and allowing students to create their own routines.

Preschool classes allow younger students to learn pommel horse, floor exercises, tumble track and uneven bars. After age 6, students are separated based on ability.

"USA gymnastics sets the standard, and we follow that," said Maday. "Students get report cards so they know how they are doing and are aiming toward specific goals."

While most of her clients are from Kent County or the Milford and Lincoln areas, Maday is looking forward to expanding her promotions to Sussex County.

"Right now we want to grow the program so the kids grow up here with us," Maday said. "We are trying to continually up-train the children, so they are working on the next skill sets and can be ready to move to the next level when the time comes. We are just starting to get the word out in Sussex County."

For more information on Gymstarz, visit www.gymstarzgymnastics.com, or email cs@gymstarzgymnastics.com.