Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Gymnastics Center — Local services in Carlsbad

If you are an adult looking for a facility where you can go practice basic gymnastics such as roles, handstands, and basic tumbling, this Gymnastics YMCA (near Palomar Airport) is not the place to go. My impression is that the Gymnastics Coordinator is highly biased towards age. My impression is that the Gymnastics Coordinator does not know or understand her own Corporate’s policy on “Open Gym.”. For example, The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA website states: “Open Gym is a time for gymnasts of all ages to jump, tumble, explore and practice their training outside of class.” The key words are “Gymnastics for ALL AGES.”However, through conversation the Gymnastics Coordinator has a different opinion about the policy.

Prior to arguing with the Gymnastics Coordinator about using a few gym mats in a corner away from everyone, I informed her that I had previously spoken to the Corporate office of Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA.

I told the coordinator that I had already spoken to corporate. When I had spoke to the Corporate office, I specifically informed the representative that I was an adult. I asked if open gym was offered to adults. I specifically informed the corporate representative that I simply wanted to use some of the mats to do basic roles, handstands, and tumbling. Corporate office explained that their gymnastic facility did offer “open gym to adults on Saturdays.” I was told I was welcomed.

When I attempted to explain this to the Gymnastics Coordinator, she kept talking over me, and was also very condescending. She told me that the information I received from corporate about “open gym” for adults was wrong. She told me that I misunderstood what corporate explained. She told me that I was misinformed. So I guess she felt that I am not intelligent and don’t understand basic English. Also, apparently Corporate office is publishing incorrect information about “open gym.”

My overall impression is that the Gymnastics Coordinator thinks she knows better then everyone else (even corporate) and is just doing her own thing - totally disregarding Corporate’s policy regarding open gym. Last time I checked, corporate executives make policy and managers are supposed to follow the policies, not make their own. In this instance, the Gymnastics Coordinator and the Corporate office are definitely not on the same program. The Gymnastic Coordinator specifically stated, “We don’t offer open gym to adults.” If that’s the case, then change your website so it doesn’t read, “Open Gym is a time for gymnasts of all ages to jump, tumble, explore and practice their training outside of class.”. Your website should be specific and clear that adults cannot use the gymnastics facility. So much time has been wasted here.

My recommendations are: be consistent with your message; don’t sound biased or discriminative to potential customers; don’t insult; and don’t sound condescending when speaking. Be professional...

My 3 year old daughter showed up to her gymnastics class today, of which this is her 3rd time ever going and was told she had to be moved to the older kid class with a new teacher because her class was overbooked with people who just showed up and did not register. Why would we be moved to a new class if we registered and paid and have been regularly going?! She was just getting comfortable even going to an activity like this and had started to trust Ms. Heather; plus her friend was in her class. When we approached Ms. Heather to say we were not pleased about this, she nonchalantly said email me and I will refund you. My daughter was crushed and left crying because she could not participate in her class, with her teacher and friend. Now my daughter doesn't even want to do gymnastics anymore. Beyond disappointed...

My daughter absolutely loves this program! It has helped her so much; not only with physical strength,but also her concentration and confidence. Michelle is outstanding! We are going to miss all of you so much when we move out of state next month. I highly recommend this class ! My daughter is a Special Education student with focus on behavioral issues, but at the YMCA, you would never know that she has any challenges by watching her with her class. Thank you for treating all kids equally by focusing their energy on something positive and teaching them that with hard work and commitment, any obstacle can...