TAGS Gymnastics Blog

TAGS Gymnastics COVID-19 Update March 25th, 2020

Dear TAGS Gymnastics Families,

We’d like to take a moment to introduce ourselves. We’re Tony Aretz and Alex Pesavento and we own and operate TAGS Gymnastics. We hope this email finds you and your family in good health during these challenging times. We appreciate you taking the time to read our letter.

History

TAGS was started 43 years ago in 1977 by our parents Greg and Julia. Julia was running a thriving community ed gymnastics program that lost their space to practice. In order for these gymnasts to continue with the sport they loved, TAGS was born. From our small gym in Burnsville with 50 students, we’ve grown to multiple locations where thousands of students per week enjoy the sport we’re all so passionate about.

As youngsters we were fortunate to have had the ability to participate in gymnastics at TAGS for over 10 years. Some of our fondest memories are of flipping around at TAGS while making new friends during the 80’s and 90’s. Even today we still maintain many of these friendships. We’ve been blessed to serve our community by providing quality gymnastics in a safe, fun and positive atmosphere for so many years.

Today

Everyone’s world has been rocked by the spread of COVID-19 over the past few weeks. While we were led to believe that a few week closure of schools & certain businesses was to be sufficient to stop the virus, it seems as though we’ll now need to commit to social distancing for an extended period. This means TAGS will not reopen by the March 30th projection.

It’s been difficult walking through a cold, dark gym in silence that’s typically filled with the laughter and exuberance of hundreds of athletes each day doing the sport they love. Devastated doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the emotions we’re all feeling at this time.

Our Promise

Our promise to you, your family, the 130 dedicated TAGS employees and their families is that TAGS will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever to continue our tradition of being a leader in Minnesota gymnastics instruction. With that being said, we know this road will not be easy. TAGS has been working hard to cut any non-essential expenses while compensating all employees for hours missed for this week and the last. Unfortunately, there will still be unavoidable expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, etc. Many amazing people have reached out to help and here’s how you can.

Please Remain Enrolled

Our TAGS family, like many other small businesses, is at a critical juncture at this time. We’re looking forward to resuming operations when this crisis is over and we deeply appreciate your support. TAGS will resume all activities when we’ve been directed by our officials that it’s safe to do so (tentatively May 4th).

At the time of reopening, in lieu of makeup classes, we’ll be crediting everyone’s TAGS account for any classes missed due to the COVID-19 closure. In addition, by staying enrolled, every Spring Session family will get a $50 BONUS credit on your TAGS account at the end of the session to use for future at TAGS. These credits will never expire and will be good for any future sessions, camps, extra events and ProShop purchases.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to offer a sincere thank you for being a part of the TAGS Gymnastics family. We recognize that we’re entrusted with the most important people in your lives and our staff strives to make your child’s gymnastics experience a positive and fulfilling one. TAGS wouldn’t be the place it is today without the amazing gymnasts, parents and staff. THANK YOU!

We at TAGS can’t wait to turn on the lights, fire up the heat and get your children involved in the physically, mentally and emotionally rewarding sport of gymnastics. In the meantime, we wish you and your family continued good health. Stay positive and remember this troubled time will pass and life will be back to normal sooner than later.

Kind Regards,

Tony & Alex

TAGS Gymnastics Owners

“Quality gymnastics in a safe, fun, positive atmosphere since 1977.”

The Endless Benefits of Gymnastics at TAGS

Gymnastics has so many benefits for children. Not only does it promote self-confidence, it builds physical and mental strength, and improves social and emotional well-being!

Physical Benefits

Gymnastics has physical benefits such as increased strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance and agility. Gymnastics works muscles in the body from the large muscle groups to the smallest stabilizing muscles. Becoming stronger, more flexible and coordinated not only helps kids in the gym, it also helps them with other aspects of their lives.

Another component of gymnastics is proprioception. Proprioception is the ability to be aware of how the body moves and being able to think about what position/movement you want your body to do and then being able to follow through. Children who participate in gymnastics are able to learn how to increase this “sixth sense” by learning to do new skills. With a coach’s help they learn what positions are required, and then with repetition they learn how to do the skills alone using proprioception.

Social Skills

Gymnastics can help children enhance social skills. Children learn how to take turns, listen to instructions, focus on a task, be patient, process constructive criticism, be supportive of other kids and ask for help. Gymnastics requires a lot of communication between students and their coach to ensure a safe and fun environment. Going to gymnastics is a great time for kids to make new friends and learn new things.

Resilience

Gymnastics teaches kids resilience. In gymnastics, there will be times when gymnasts might fall or make mistakes, but with the support of coaches, kids are taught to get up and try again! They are taught that practice and patience are what make successful gymnasts.

Kindergarten Readiness

Gymnastics also helps kids succeed in school. Our sport helps develop the grip strength needed for fine motor skills like holding a pencil and writing. Kids are also taught to listen and focus while they are at gymnastics. In addition, the process of learning new skills in gymnastics helps develop spatial awareness. Spatial awareness helps kids understand shapes and distances, which are often referenced in school.

Confidence & Self-Esteem

Children learn how to build up their confidence and self esteem doing gymnastics. They learn to trust themselves when trying new things! They are encouraged by their coaches and other classmates. No two kids learn the same way and gymnastics offers a personalized approach to learning. In gymnastics, it’s important to remind kids of this and to encourage them not to feel discouraged when others are progressing at a different rate. Gymnastics can be difficult for some, but with patience, encouragement and confidence gymnasts can accomplish so much!

TAGS = Fun, Fitness, Friends!

Gymnastics, along with all exercise, activates the release of endorphins and activates opioid receptors in the brain which helps increase the feeling of being happy.

These amazing benefits, combined with our phenomenal staff, make TAGS Gymnastics all about Fun, Fitness & Friends!

The TAGS Summer Progressive Meet is Coming Up!

What is the Summer Progressive Meet?

During the summer, TAGS staff are working hard with students ages 5 & over to prepare them for the Progressive Meet! All students who are registered for the Summer Session in either Progressive or Trampoline & Tumbling class are eligible to register and compete in the 2019 TAGS Summer Progressive Meet. All of the skills learned for routines in the meet are also the skills students need to move up to the next class level.

Students in these programs will learn routines for each of the events they practice on during the summer session. The Progressive Meet is a great time for students to show off the skills they have been working on all summer. Each student that signs up to compete will receive a ribbon on each event, a summer meet t-shirt and an all-around trophy!

What can children learn from this competitive experience?

Competition has many aspects that children can benefit from. It can help them develop physically, mentally, and emotionally and will teach them to understand the different components of winning and losing. Our goal at TAGS is to introduce competition in a safe, fun, positive atmosphere.

How do I register?

Registration for the Summer Progressive Meet can be done in person at the front desk, over the phone, online via our website or in the TAGS Gymnastics App!

TAGS Apple Valley: (952) 431-6445 TAGS Eden Prairie: (952) 920-5342

Register for the summer meet to join the fun!

Download the TAGS Gymnastics App!

Thinking of “Taking a Break” for the Summer? Consider This…

The sport of gymnastics is all about MUSCLE MEMORY.

Muscle memory is the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement. Much like riding a bike or learning to play a musical instrument, gymnastics takes practice! Participating in gymnastics at TAGS consistently throughout the year will mean more frequent repetition and will help gymnasts continue to progress.

In addition, gymnastics is great for exercise & fitness and will help prepare your child academically as well. Here are a few benefits of gymnastics beyond fun & cartwheels:

Flip on the Focus

Gymnastics activates all large and fine motor skills. Large motor activities like jumping, swinging, flipping & climbing stimulate the brain and allow children to focus. Physical movement and exercise builds brain cells and helps children focus on a task. Focusing with ease leads to learning with ease.

Rolling into Reading

Movements like swinging, twisting and rolling help the vestibular system develop properly. Rolling starts with the eyes and eye tracking is a prerequisite to reading. Gymnasts understand where their bodies are in space and work on visual, auditory, and tactile activities that help follow a pattern of movement.

Math Moves

For children to be able to understand mathematical principles, they need good spatial skills. All gymnastics moves improve body awareness and wire the brain for math.

Hang Ten for Handwriting

For children to have good handwriting skills, they must have strong muscles that work together – mighty abs, back muscles, shoulders, forearms, wrists and fingers. When they have poor core muscles, they have trouble sitting upright in a desk, holding a pencil, and writing legibly. Bar work strengthens all muscle groups related to writing.

Perfect Patterns

Gymnastics starts with children learning to follow a pattern of movements. Sequencing and understanding where to go next is a Kindergarten readiness skill. Understanding the order of things and making your body go through the order allows for a physical and cognitive activity to help build brain cells for better learners!

During the summer at TAGS, some kids register for weekly classes, some register for periodic camps & some do both! We hold a Summer Progressive Meet for interested gymnasts in the Progressive and Trampoline & Tumblers Programs at the end of the summer session.

Making time for gymnastics during the summer in either a class or camp is beneficial in so many ways. Consistent participation in the sport of gymnastics is a win-win where learning & fun go hand in hand. Don’t miss out on the FUN!

Shaping Healthy Minds

TAGS Gymnastics offers classes for walkers all the way through age 17. This allows us an opportunity to help develop the minds of children and teens who participate in our program, and that is a responsibility we take seriously! TAGS is dedicated to being the home of fun, fitness, and friends. Here are some ways we strive to be a positive influence on our gymnasts at TAGS:

We promote good behavior!

Our goal is to have FUN while learning, so we teach listening, safety, and social skills that prepare children to be considerate participants in gymnastics and other activities
Students learn that following along helps lessons to run smoothly and maximizes their fun and fitness experience
We care about our students and focus on maintaining a respectful environment

We help children reach goals!

Whether we have a Beginner who masters their cartwheel or an Ultra Advanced student who perfects their round off back handspring, we love to celebrate success
We understand that children progress at different rates and our coaches are here to help students recognize their individual strengths and guide them to new achievements
Setting goals helps athletes develop a strong work ethic and creates opportunities to learn from both setbacks and successes

We know what kids need!

Fun! TAGS provides a warm and positive atmosphere that keeps our gymnasts excited to learn and grow
Fitness! Exercise is the key to shaping healthy minds and bodies for all ages and gymnastics builds a great foundation for all sports
Friends! Kids, families, and staff at TAGS Gymnastics cultivate friendships that strengthen children’s confidence and self-image

TAGS has the tools to help children flourish. From our safe and fun facilities to our passionate and knowledgeable coaches, we are here to make a difference. Join us today to experience the TAGS way!

Spotlight On: Tots & Minis (Ages 3 & 4)

The Tot and Mini classes at TAGS Gymnastics are designed with the 3 and 4 year old brain and body in mind! At TAGS we know that 3 and 4 year old children are filled with boundless energy and learning potential, so we provide classes that coordinate specifically with age and ability to maximize the physical and mental benefits of gymnastics. Tot and Mini classes give children an opportunity to learn fun new skills while they interact with other children in a safe and structured environment.

What do they do in class?

In Tot and Mini classes at TAGS, children learn basic tumbling progressions and explore other apparatus and activities based on individual readiness. Apparatus include bars, balance beam, trampoline, rings and more. Students are challenged through a series of obstacle courses which help build strength, coordination, and flexibility. Themes and music are often incorporated into lessons to promote a fun atmosphere for learning. Lesson plans are varied from week to week and session to session in order to challenge each gymnast in fun, new ways!

Why gymnastics?

Gymnastics provides a great foundation for boys and girls physically, mentally, and emotionally. Along with helping to develop fine and gross motor skills, gymnastics can teach children behaviors that will help them become successful in school and other sports and activities. Gymnastics creates a basis for strong, healthy bodies and minds.

Is my child ready?

We strive to create a fun, postive learning environment for all children. Gymnastics classes at TAGS are a great way to introduce children to new situations and new people! It is not uncommon for children to be shy or experience challenging moments at first, so we work through obstacles with fun activities while learning good behaviors like following directions and taking turns.

Why TAGS?

At TAGS we have many years of experience on our side! Our Tots and Minis follow lesson plans that are designed by qualified instructors to optimize the fun and fitness experience of 3 and 4 year old gymnasts while promoting good habits that help build strong students and athletes.

I Got the Medal, but He got the First Hug.

TAGS South Head Team Coach Kevin Brown coached and trained gymnasts in the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympic Games. We are loving this heartwarming story from Wendy Bruce that exemplifies the amazing coach he was and still is today!

Get Psyched!

When I competed in the 1992 Olympics we had a team of six members. There was me, Shannon Miller, Kim Zmeskal, Betty Okino, Dominique Dawes, and Kerri Strug. Kim, Kerri, and Betty were coached by Bela Karoyli. Dom was coached by Kelli Hill. Shannon was coached by Steve Nunno and I was coached by the great Kevin Brown.

Back in 1992 we had to compete 8 routines. The entire team had to compete compulsories on all four events and optionals on all four events. Luckily during compulsories we were allowed to have our own coaches on the floor, but for optionals USA Gymnastics had to pick one head coach and one assistant coach for our team. They picked Bela and Steve. I knew Mr. Brown wasn’t going to be picked as a head or assistant coach for the team competition because it was customary to have the number one and two gymnasts…

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TAGS Spring Progressive Meets are Around the Corner!

Spring is an exciting time at TAGS as our staff and students begin preparations for the Progressive Meet! All students who participate in the Progressive Program or Trampoline & Tumbling Program and are registered for the Spring Session are eligible to register for and compete in the annual TAGS Spring Progressive Meet.

Students learn a routine on select events during the Spring Session and get to showcase their skills at the meet, which will be held May. All gymnasts receive a ribbon for each event and a trophy for the all-around award. Our goal at TAGS is to introduce competition in a positive atmosphere. Register for the meet to join the fun!

Competition is beneficial to children in many ways as it can help them develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. Participating in competitive activities at an early age helps children understand the different aspects of winning and losing. Most importantly, they can learn to utilize their successes and failures for personal growth. At TAGS we strive to provide a positive environment so our athletes will gain valuable life skills and have tons of fun along the way!

Not signed up for the Spring Session? Don’t worry! Registration is open for our Summer Session and includes UNLIMITED MAKEUPS for missed classes! Our Summer Session also concludes with a Progressive Meet on the evening of the last Friday of the session.

We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Progressive Meet!

TAGS Boy’s and Girl’s Teams Find Success at Regionals!

The TAGS boys and girls competitive teams had an awesome showing at their respective regional championships last weekend! The TAGS South and TAGS Eden Prairie girl’s teams competed in Green Bay, WI, while the boy’s team from TAGS South traveled to Milwaukee, WI.

There were some great finishes for the TAGS South girls with Natalie Meyer taking 4th on Uneven Bars at Level 9. For Level 8, Lindsey Neumann took 4th on Beam, Alex Barcus tied for 9th place on Floor Exercise and Grace Keller placed 3rd on Balance Beam, tied for 3rd on Uneven Bars, and took 5th place All-Around.

The weekend was also a success for the TAGS Eden Prairie girls with Sabrina Essma, Audrey Kaufman, and Kelsey Neff (all Level 9) advancing to the Western National Championships in Spokane, WA, May 8th-10th! Kelsey Neff took 4th on Vault, 7th on Bars, 4th on Beam, 2nd on Floor, and 3rd All-Around. Kate Grotenhuis placed 3rd on Beam, and Halle Bretz finished 3rd on Floor and took 4th place on the Uneven Bars. Kenzi Kluge placed 4th on Floor, Audrey Nolen took 4th on Beam, and Sabrina Essma placed 5th on the Uneven Bars. The Level 9 MN Region Team in which Neff was a part of placed 1st out of 7 states.

TAGS boys Austin Thomas, Blake Wright, and PJ Lenz wrapped up the weekend by taking 2nd place as a team! Blake Wright took 1st place on both the Parallel Bars and High Bar and finished at 1st place All-Around, while PJ Lenz took 5th place All-Around. Blake and PJ were named to the Regional Team, earning them an invitation to the Region 4 Training Camp in Lincoln, NE this summer. Both boys also qualified for Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL, May 5th-10th! The Level 5 boys from TAGS achieved many personal bests over the weekend, and Brady Hines took 8th place All-Around.

A member of USA Gymnastics, TAGS has over 3,500 students between the Apple Valley and Eden Prairie locations with approximately 250 children participating in the competitive team programs.

Congratulations to all of our athletes on a great year and good luck at Nationals!

TAGS Gymnastics: Making a difference, one cartwheel at a time…

Welcome to the TAGS Gymnastics Blog! To kick off our first post, we thought we’d share a little bit about the history of TAGS.

Thompson Academy of Gymnastics, now “TAGS”, was started in 1977 by Julia Thompson and Greg Aretz. They started with just 50 students and a handful of coaches eager to make a difference in the lives of their little gymnasts. Through hard work, long hours, and dedication to the sport, they grew the program into what it is today – a household name with over 100,000 people who can proudly proclaim, “I went to TAGS!”

We currently have two locations in Minnesota – Apple Valley & Eden Prairie – with over 3,500 students ages 1 to 17 who attend classes each week. In 2013, Julia & Greg’s children, Tony Aretz & Alex Pesavento, were brought into ownership. Those two have a combined total of over 45 years of experience at TAGS. Together, the owners, managers, coaches and office staff are committed to providing quality gymnastics in a safe, fun, positive atmosphere as we have for over 40 years!

Gymnastics is beneficial for each child’s physical and mental development. TAGS helps children develop coordination, strength and flexibility while learning fun, new skills. Most students at TAGS enjoy gymnastics lessons 1 to 2 times per week. Students are evaluated each session to determine appropriate placement within the program. Each child progresses at their own rate, so we monitor their progress and challenge each child with appropriate progressions.

We also have accomplished USAG girls and boys teams that rank in the top in many levels at the State, Regional and National level. Over 100 TAGS gymnasts have even gone on to compete at the collegiate level with tremendous success!

We strive to make the experience enjoyable for all students, parents and waiting siblings. Complimentary magazines and Wi-Fi are available in the lobby. We also have windows throughout the lobby so you can watch your child in action!

Our staff consists of 80 part-time instructors and 15 fulltime staff members. Over 25 of our current employees have worked at TAGS for 10+ years, and over half of those have been here more than 20 years!

TAGS Staff has been nationally recognized for being superior educators. Our experienced, professional staff members stay involved in ongoing education & certification with the TAGS education program and USA Gymnastics, the governing body for gymnastics in the United States. When it comes to our coaches, the learning never stops!

So that’s a bit about TAGS. Where we started and where we are today. We will continue to make a difference in the lives of all children who embark on their gymnastics journey at TAGS… One cartwheel at a time.