7 year old class instructor did not demonstrate even one skill. Allowed the 5 girls in her class to stand around, talk, play rock, paper, scissors. No instruction or organization. Waste of time and money. read more

We were at Black Hills for about a year. I have a 7 year old who has been doing gymnastics for four years and a 5 year old who started and stopped gymnastics at Black Hills. On the good side, Maddie at the front desk is overworked but a wonderful and hardworking person. Also, it seems clear to me they are fostering incredible talent with young people. The level of skill for the kids who get attention is impressive. My 7 year old was accepted into Xcel prep team. She made a close friend and really found a passion for bars. Over summer, Coach Conner said she was lacking in focus. Most of the kids were out for the summer. My daughter was camping and attending art, math and sailing camps. Her world view was broadening. Also, I was kind of transient at the time and waiting for my apartment to come through. Our routine was disrupted. While she was happy, she maybe fell out of love with gymnastics for the summer. I thought about my run with soccer as a little girl and I fell in and out of love with it, but was still committed for over a decade. I think that alone is a valuable lesson. Coach C and I set up a system where I knew if she gave 100% during practice and would get her a treat if she did. She refocused but I think Black Hills gave up on her before the fall session. She was separated from her close friend and spent four hours a week doing stretches and beams. She didn't learn new skills and never returned to the bars she loved so much. Coach Conner stayed with a group of more focused children and a wonderful and kind young woman took over with my daughter's new group. My daughter became bored and restless. Her love of gymnastics dipped further than before. First, my youngest asked to take a break from gymnastics (I just don't think it's her thing). Then my oldest asked to take a break. I was terrified her love for gymnastics was forever altered. I asked her to talk to her coach. While young people make great coaches, they don't always know how to inspire the way perhaps an older coach might. The coach kinda shrugged her shoulders and told me my daughter wanted to try other sports. I was hoping maybe my daughter would get more encouragement. Anyway, eventually she asked to try another gym. I think that is the right choice. We had such a positive experience at the gym in Kirkland, I am sorry to see her love and enthusiasm dip. It is a life lesson though! The guest wifi doesn't work most of the time which can result in the commiseration of bored parents in the parking lot. My personal hell is the little room with the cubbies when classes transition. There are so many people and no personal space. I think if your child is ordained by the coaches, it could be an intense but enriching experience. My child, however, doesn't deserve to be left on the sidelines. And not for the same cost in tuition. read more

My kids absolutely love this place. I signed them up for full day Ninja class for one week. Their instructor keeps them busy all day with all sorts of activities including crafts, going on a "hike" , climbing ropes, foam block pit, ninja activities, climbing, they do warm ups and some floor activities as well. I'm impressed trying to figure out how I can afford to keep them on here all summer. read more

Love this gym they do cheer gymnastics, and tumbling, it's a pretty clean gym but the bathrooms sometimes have toilet paper messes but it's never that bad they also have nice music playing sometimes. read more

The best possible way to lose customers/gymnasts... Step 1. The billing system is a mess Step 2. The office manager is rude and unhelpful Step 3. The website constantly down, no paper forms as backup. Step 4. The building is so full of daycare kids/gymnasts, they don't allow the parents to enter the building or watch their children. Step 5. They hire unqualified teenagers as coaches. Step 6. Coaches too busy on their phones, a kid got bit by another kid, right in the office because no one was watching him. DO NOT GO HERE!! read more

My daughter has been coming here for approx 18 months. After reading the reviews, I wanted to give it at least a year so I could give a fair evaluation. Here is my honest opinion of the experiences my daughter and I have personally experienced. Instructors are hit or miss on the rec side. We have had some really great instructors (Ally, Abbi, Lisa) but a lot of the others we have experienced in the past don't engage with the kids, stand around and visit with other instructors, don't show but instead just tell, fail to spot or give pointed instructions to struggling kiddos. They have also cut classes short and start late. As of the last few months, it seems like they have hired better instructors who are more engaged but my daughter just moved up a level and now we are having to change instructors again. There doesn't seem to be a lot of retention of good instructors on the rec side. The classes can become crowded. There have been times when my daughter is in a class with 7 or 8 girls with one instructor. When the girls are still learning basics, it concerns me that they are not being shown how to do things properly. It is impossible for an instructor to keep an eye on 8 kids at once. A few months ago, my daughter hurt her neck when she was trying to do a skill and didnt know how and the teacher was busy with someone else and she wasn't spotted. Its gymnastics, and like any sport, occasionally you are going to get a bump or bruise but I would much prefer smaller classes or more attention to kids when they are trying something or learning something new for the first time. I am and have been frustrated by the lack of communication at times. My daughter really wants to be on jr team prep and the instructor told her she thought she was ready. I went to the front desk to get her signed up to find out that they only have 4 pm classes. I am a working parent and don't get off until 5. It is frustrating that more times aren't offered for working parents. My daughter was crushed that she can't do pre team because I have to work and don't have anyone to bring her. She is still bummed and I feel bad that the idea was introduced to her and I can't follow through because of work and the early time the class is offered. The facility is very nice and they have great equipment. I wish they would invest in a bigger or better wifi system. At 6 pm there are a lot of parents there and you cant use wifi. It would be great to be able to do some work while at the gym for an hour and a half. At 7, it is easier to get on but it is still VERY slow. Tammy at the front desk is SUPER NICE and always willing to help with anything you need. I appreciate the choices of evening classes for the levels my daughter has made it through. I just wish there were more options for kiddos who want to get ready for team. I love the billing system - very easy automatic billing. They have a reasonable make up class policy if your kid has to miss a practice. They are great about sending out closure info and offering classes and camps. I also love the winter showcase they have each year. My daughter has loved being able to show off her skills like she is in a real meet. Overall this is a pretty decent place but they have room for improvements on the rec side. It does seem like things are improving a bit and we hope they will continue to make rec even better so we can transition to team. read more

UPDATE: Still having a great experience!! In fact, my kiddo is THRIVING!! They definitely know what they're doing! :) We started our son after he had a blast at an open gym event. So far we have had nothing but great experiences. His coach (Coach Clay) is attentive to his kids, he seems to explain and demonstrate well, and he is hands on. From what I can see, he's very encouraging and always giving out high-fMy son is always so happy to go to class and comes out even happier! It's fun to watch him improve each week. The facility is nice. It's large and there is a lot going on, but they have it organized so well that everything runs pretty smoothly! read more

My three year old boy has been taking gymnastics classes here for a few months and we both love it! He's not the most athletic little boy, but his coaches have helped him become much more confident and adventurous. The coaches, Megan and Rochelle, are amazing at keeping the little kids' attention and teaching them the skills they need. We used to go to Alley Oop in Tumwater, but changed to Black Hills after moving to Lacey, and the difference is huge. The kids use the large gymnastic floor and learn so much. I can't praise this gym and it's coaches enough! read more

Black Hills Gymnastics - No pokestops - Gymnastics Near Me - Lacey, Washington

Question is, do the equipment and mats get wiped down for a good cleaning? It smells extremely bad. The young teen coaches had little ones running outside in 98 degree temps. No one had water on hand. Are they trained on signs of heat exhaustion? Very concerning issues I hope are addressed. read more

A lot has changed since the previous reviews. Our 2 kids have attended BHG for the past 6 months and we couldn't be happier. Our daughter loves her teacher Andrea. She had a lot of fun in her class and is excited to go. She is really encouraging and positive. Our son started in todfit and moved to kindernast. Coach Mike is amazing with him. He has some special needs and gymnastics has made a huge improvement. Even his therapist have noticed. It has really helped gain some strength and control over his body and movements. He is able to keep him engaged and focused. We are really happy with BHG, but most importantly our kids are too! read more

Preschool & Pre-K programs are great! Reports from my child's Kinder & 1st grade teachers say the kids coming out of these programs seem to be the most prepared entering school compared to other local Preschool/PreK programs. My kids have also loved the Ninja and tumbling classes! read more

This is a great facility for gymnastics. My daughter (2 1/2 yr old), has a class here for 30 minutes a week. The coach (Amanda) is awesome and great with the kids. My daughter was engaged the whole time. This is no small feat for little kids of this age. My daughter will be returning again and again! read more

Black Hills Gymnastics - Front entrance - Gymnastics Near Me - Lacey, Washington

My daughter has been going to BHG for about a year now. She loves it! I have to say, I'm so happy with the new management!!!! Highly recommended this place. Now they have friendly staffs. I have heard many negatives about this place but it was just other businesses badmouthing each other. Like I said if you have any questions just ask the front desk :) read more

Black Hills Gymnastics - Gymnastics Near Me - Lacey, Washington

This review is just for the KINDERNAST course and the gym itself. The gym is easy to find, easy parking (can get busy but plenty of street parking), the interior is a bit outdated. The carpet, bathrooms, doors, trimming etc needs some updating. From what I can see the gym equipment seemed fine. No major stains, holes, rips in the mat and the gym itself smelled fine. Not the usually stink you get. Yay! Miranda who works at the front desk is nice and knowledgeable. She can get swamped with calls, parents needing something, and gymnasts. She handles it all very well though. She never seems flustered even when she gets busy. The kindernast course is extremely fun for my child depending on the coach/instructor. If my child has coach Mike he wants to do the class again right after it's finished. If my child has the other coach they just want to go home afterwards. I'll explain why. Coach Mike is 100% present start to finish. His happiness and energy level is exactly the same even when he's finished. He doesn't seem preoccupied with checking his phone, conversing with coworkers, or even what's going on with the rest of the gym. He's fun to watch and my time flies when I'm watching him with my child. So my child must be having a blast. Mike is energetic, attentive, and never in a hurry to get rid of his kids. Children can be annoying. I know, I have some. They don't listen, pay attention, or follow directions perfectly. However, I think that's okay. These kids are under 5 and the gym has A LOT going on. Mike expects all of this and guides the kids to follow his directions. He has a good mixture of being stern and gentle at the same time (90% gentle 10% stern). I've seen him tell children to do something numerous times and shockingly he never seemed annoyed. His voice also never raises at the kids unless it's giving them praise for doing something right. He's a very patient man and you need A LOT of patience working with kids. Now my child had a different female coach a few times. I never got her name! I assumed all kindernast courses were taught by Mike. I should've been more thorough. Now she's not necessarily bad but compared to Mike there's a big contrast. The class always starts off great. The instructor has a great smile and energy. Once the children started to goof off or not follow her directions perfectly she gets irritated. She never yells at the kids but her smile disappears, she stiffens up, water breaks become more frequent, there is more pointing at the kids, she stares at the rest of the gym frequently and her face says it all... she's done. This all usually happens within 20 minutes! There's 30 more minutes to go! It's boring for me to watch the class too, 50 mins seems so long when she's the coach. Not as much energy as Mike. She does more floor stuff like stretching and sitting. Mike is more on the obstacle course area. Everyone has bad days and I understand! Kids are a handful and hats off to those who teach children!! As soon as the class is over though she has tons of energy to talk to her coworkers up front. It's disappointing because my child loves Kindernast with Mike. I already paid for the course and I'm always hoping each class will get better with her. I'll definitely update this review, you never know she could have frequent bad days! If you're signing your child up for Kindernast definitely take it with Mike. You know your child will have fun with an attentive instructor. read more

I created this account specifically to write this review, which is out of character for me. My experience with Alisa, the owner, was terrible and bordered on harassment. We brought my daughter here to participate in one of their gymnastics program, paid the absurd $200 equipment fee, paid for the classes themselves, and then purchased her gear through Black Hills Gymnastics (after a lot of upselling). This whole process made me slightly uncomfortable because of how pushy it was, but my wife and I are fortunate enough in our professional lives that the total cost wasn't especially burdensome, so we did it anyway. Things seemed to be going okay for the first few sessions, but I noticed that the "coaches" spent almost the entire time chatting with each other and messing around, doing very little actual training or coaching. I dislike complaining so I waited and thought maybe the situation would improve or that there was a method to their process. After the 10th session of watching the same lack of attention or effort, I asked Alisa if I could speak to her in private, so as not to make a scene or cause any discomfort. When we went into the back to talk she immediately turned around and said something along the lines of "what is your problem?" before I even had a chance to speak. My career is in crisis management so I'm not easily thrown off and composed myself, politely asking about the coaching sessions and expressing mild concern that very little actual training seemed to be happening; it seemed like the students were just messing around on equipment largely unsupervised. Her reaction was staggering! It went from a quiet, polite interaction to her screaming at me in seconds. She berated me for being a cheapskate and a loser, and told me my child had zero talent and that they didn't need my bull*expletive*. I tried calming the situation down, to no avail, and ended up having to leave the building with her trailing after shouting at me, telling my daughter that she was being banned from the facility because "your father is a loser." My daughter was obviously in tears and terribly embarassed by the whole situation. I sent Alisa a professional email the following day requesting a refund for our remaining classes, and her expletive-filled reply was obscene...obviously no refund. Honestly, I'm just glad my daughter isn't in the same vicinity as the owner, and she's now happily taking equestrian classes instead. 0/10 stars for this horrible experience. Avoid at all costs. read more

We started with Tod-Fit and now our 4 year old son is in Kindernast with Coach Mike. Mike is a total blast to watch. He is full of energy and keeps the kids interested. At this age, it's a challenge to keep them all focused but he does a great job. It's out of the way for us to go here, but definitely worth it. My son has tried other activities but is really only interested in gymnastics. I have watched the older boys train while my son is in class. They really seem focused and serious. I hope my son gets to that level if he stays interested. read more

The owner Alisa Muller is a really nasty person. She charges every kid on team $200 a year in equipment fees and has done so for years yet they gym doesn't purchase any equipment. With around 200 gymnasts there they are brining in $40,000 a year. It makes you wonder where the money went for the equipment. Black Hills is an LLC and can do what they want just know that the fees you pay for equipment will be utilized elsewhere. Some equipment is a danger to the athletes to include a very worn floor. What the owner has done may not be illegal but it is immoral. When I inquired about the equipment fee and the lack of equipment Ms Muller kicked my 9 year old off of the boys team. She even tossed my 4 year old from pre-school. Ms. Muller is not a nice person, who does this to children over a parent's inquiry? If you have a girl check out Yelm or NASA. If you have a boy hope that Yelm gets their Boys team going or look at Metro. It all makes one wonder if Black Hills is corrupt. The front desk staff is also very rude and notably unhelpful. I must say that the boys' coaches are fantastic! If there is a reason to stay at this gym it is for the boy's team coaches who in my mind are of the best in Washington, perhaps even the country. read more

Black Hills Gymnastics - Gymnastics Near Me - Lacey, Washington

If you want your child to actually LEARN gymnastics, then don't bring them here. If you want somewhere to take them where they can run around for an hour and learn nothing, then this is the place for you! My 7 year old went here for a year with hopes of learning some kind of tumbling...I think she went through 6 or 7 different teachers...all young and all disinterested. The parents are told nothing, and are in fact told up front NOT to talk to the teachers! The front office staff is RUDE and appears annoyed when you ask questions. I witnessed one employee yelling on the phone at someone else about how awful it was to work there and this happened while sitting in the bleachers that were full of parents and students on a Saturday. The conclusion I came to was that unless your child is a gymnastic savant and they scout them for their competitive team, they could care less about you! I was both sad and happy when my daughter told me she didn't want to go any longer. We have her in ballet now and it SOOOOO much more worth the money. She is actually learning something and she get to show off her talents in a recital. read more

A great place for kids to learn gymnastics. The coaching staff is great and my daughter loves it here. The rates are very reasonable and it has a lot to offer. read more

I have a toddler who does the tod-fit class and we love it! She has a great time and is always learning something new! The coaches all seem very nice and great with the kids. Even though we only go there once a week, a lot of people know us by name and it's a nice feeling to be greeted everytime we walk in. read more

I have taken both of my children to the tod fit (parent/tot) classes. It was a great way for them to burn off energy and get used to the gym. Preschool open gym and the preschool camps are great. My daughter attended tumbling tots preschool last year, and it was fantastic! We planned to have her there this year as well, but we gave her a choice, and she wants to join the Tiny Team at BHG instead. My son will hopefully attend the preschool next year. We have been very happy at BHG. It feels like family which is surprising because my kids are still very small. I can call and they know who I am and are always willing to help. I'm very happy we have this gym right down the street from our house. It has become practically a home away from home for our kiddos. read more

I usually don't take the time to write reviews when Im happy with a service, but BHG deserves a solid review. My daughter has been training here for the last year and we are very happy with the support she is receiving. The coaches really take the time to focus on each child as an individual while cultivating a positive team environment. The gym has a healthy culture and I have seen my child grow in patience, focus, and confidence. The equipment is adequate for now and I am hopeful that as they grow their program they will continue to improve their equipment. One small request would be a nicer parent viewing area with lounge seating and a glass railing so we can see better. If they continue on their current path I am excited to see where this gym will go. As far as cost, their recreational programs are appropriately priced and the staff are excellent. Team is expensive, no denying that, but you get what you pay for. Seeing my child learn to apply herself in a healthy supportive environment is worth the cost. read more

I've been a gymnast at Black Hills Gymnastics since 2006 and I absolutely LOVED it. I did the instructional gymnastics and moved through preteam and girls team. When I chose to stop competing in gymnastics and do all star cheer, I NEVER left the gym. I continued through tumbling classes with amazing coaches! The owners Alisa and David Muller are very caring and inspirational people, they helped my mother and I financially with my cheer. Now in 2016 as in employee, I couldn't love this place anymore than I do, I LOVE coming into work everyday. The management and leaders of the gym are fantastic, the coaches are awesome people to work with, the front desk staff has changed a lot and are great, energetic people, but MOST OF ALL Alisa Muller is someone that cares 110% about her buisness, not only that, but the happiness and loyalty of her employees. STRONGLY recommend coming to our family #TeamBHG read more

See all

Took my 7 yr old son here for his friends birthday party and was very disappointed with the lack of supervision for the kids. I did competitive gymnastics for over 12 years and also coached so I'm pretty confident in how a gym should be ran. The "coaches" would simply line the kids up, walk them over to a section of the gym and say ground rules...like kids in the back could hear them or even remember...then let the kids play on the equipment while they talked with each other. Seemed as though the "coaches" were using this as a time to socialize with each other instead of watching the kids especially after a couple got hurt. I would've preferred to see a coach at each station for safety and to show the kids how to properly use the equipment instead of setting them loose like a it's a regular playground. On the positive, I thought it was a nice facility, kids did have fun running around and brought back happy memories however I wouldn't recommend having a birthday party here until the supervision issue is fixed. read more

Due to a change of work schedule I was recently assigned drop off and pick up duty for my granddaughters one week gymnastic camp. I have performed similar tasks for my grandkids for years. Ballet, sailing, football, martial arts---- you name it, they do it. Never, ever have I encountered such rude, unhelpful, disinterested front counter employees as I witnessed at Black Hills Gymnastics. When I entered it was pretty obvious I didn't know the exact procedure to follow at drop off. I had been told of the sign in sheet, but didn't know where it was, and didn't know where my granddaughter was to report upon her arrival. The staff barely acknowledged my presence, and were clearly put off and annoyed by my questions. Thankfully other parents and grandparents were very helpful and explained the procedure. Afternoon pick up resulted in the same blank stares and disinterest from the staff. And as far as I could determine, the "gymnastics camp" mainly consisted of "free time", i.e. NO gymnastic instruction, unimaginative crafts and a nature walk on a 98 degree afternoon. Fun times. I laughed when I realized the pizza lunch on the last day of camp consisted of a HALF sized Costco "slice". Ah, Costco price, $2.00 ( for whole slice, with drink). $10.00 for an entire pizza! Price paid for slice schlepped from Costco to Black Hills, $3.00 each kid. A nice tidy profit there. I am reminded of the old saying "a fish stinks from the head down" and seriously suspect the owner/manager must be a nightmare to work for and the negative, rude attitude flows directly from the head of that fish. Here's some advice: If working there is really that miserable, find another job. OR suck it up, put on your big girl/boy panties/boxers and pretend you give a damn. read more

Please someone open new gymnastic place in Lacey/ olympia!!!!! I can guarantee so many people would switch in a heart beat! Like all the other reviews. Rude front desk woman. Disorganized... To say the least! And when they make mistakes because of this they blame it on you. Teachers are constantly changing. If you are there for recreation once a week gymnastics they could care less. And then they close down for a week at times just because yet you are still charged. Or like today. There power was out ( in the morning) so they cancelled classes for the whole day! But we still get charged... And somehow we are suppose to rearrange our schedule to do a makeup. And they don't tell you it's canceled ... You find out when you get there!!! Yet we all suck it up because our kids want to do gymnastics and there is not a close option. Instant success is waiting for anyone who opens a new gym in this city!!! Update: okay I'll give 2 stars now. Still problems with constantly changing teachers and showing up and they are closed. But the revamped office staff is really nice and cares now. They are trying to make things better so that is something. read more

We have been apart of Blackhills gymnastics for about 6 years now! My daughter is part of their team program and she absolutely loves it here! It is definitely her home away from home! She loves her coaches and the positive atmosphere that they provide at Blackhills. This is a happy,clean, safe, and exciting place to be for children and their families. read more

My niece attends classes here and just loves it. Keeps her active and not flipping off the couch at home. Staff seems well educated, but more importantly, they care for their class kids by how they interact with them. Highly recommend this business if you have children! read more

As an adult, i'd love to take lessons. This academy only offers lessions to people 18 and under.

We love this gym. My daughter has learned so many skills in the last 2 years it's incredible. The coaches are professional, encouraging, and keep safety in mind. The owners have stepped up in a big way in the last few months and are on a mission to improve so many aspects of the gym, from equipment, to adding coaching education for growth, to updating the facility. We truly are happy at our gymnastics home. read more

This place doesn't let parents know anything a head of time and then each parent gets different information. How exactly do you move up and what set of skills is required because it is different for everyone. We have gotten pushed up through the classes and now are being told that we have to go to team or back to rec even though most of the girls have only been on preteam for a few months. Most don't seem like they are ready but this gym is all about the MONEY! Not what the girls need or even want. They don't return calls and I feel stupid for sticking up for them when several of our friends left the gym. Everything they said and more is true. This gym charges more for team and the expenses then any other gym we have been to or called. They will nickel and dime you into bankruptcy. Now I am only talking about the girls side. The boys side is fantastic and run like a different place. Great coaches and policies. The boys side is cheaper too which makes no sense since they travel and the girls stay at the gym for meets for the first couple years. The owners are Greedy! read more