Both of my girls started weekly classes at Chow's in October, and seem to like it…read more Turnover seems to be a little high, as one of my girls is now on a third instructor. However, I will say that each instructor seemed to do a pretty good job leading the kids, assisting and encouraging. I've had my eye on the instructors that teach the classes of girls older than mine, and I look forward to them teaching my kids next year! The ladies at the front desk are super nice, helpful, and really go out of their way to not rush you through anything. Even when there is a line waiting and the phones are ringing, they take their time with every person and never act too busy or frustrated. I like that Chow's has an upstairs and downstairs viewing area for parents, so that we can watch our kids during instruction without being too visible or in the way. Parking is ample, and I have never had to worry about not getting a convenient spot. I've noticed that all of the kids (and parents!) who come here are all very friendly, polite and courteous. When you have to be somewhere every week, surrounded by the same kids and parents, it helps when it's a pleasant experience every time. What I'm not super jazzed about is the odor of dirty feet that hits you as soon as you walk in. It is a gym, and I know there's not a ton that they can do about it, but I have been in many other gyms that don't seem to have this issue as much. Maybe a charcoal air filter would help? The facility is also just a little bit run down and could use a good deep cleaning or a fresh coat of paint. However, all of their gym equipment looks to be in very good shape! It is also a very large gym with tons of space and variety in equipment. Side note: they have a bouncy house that they sometimes blow up for the kids to play in at the end of class, and that is a major plus. My kids still think bouncy houses are the shit.

Dear Chow's, one big ask. Can you please, PLEASE renovate and deep clean? The entire place is old,…read morerun down, dirty and just plain disgusting. Benches, carpets, gym mats, and even the foam in the foam pit is beat up and needs replacing. Where are all our fees going? Every week my 3 year old daughter leaves the gym we go home, we put her straight in the bath...afraid what cooties are hiding in those filthy mats. I'm not sure we're coming back for another session. Either clean up the act or start loosing actors. 3 stars for the coaching. Most are good, a few could benefit from additional training.

Triad is now under new owners and management and directors are amazing! They have so much to…read moreoffer...gymnastics, preschool, open gyms, lunch bunch, parent and baby time, and birthday parties. Ankeny is lucky to have such a place to reach a wide range of children and needs!

Triad coaches are wonderful. The business side is run by an amatuer. Billing fluctuates every month…read morebecause they add surcharges and random fees so you cannot figure out what your bill is going to be in advance. No statement is sent out. You get an email the day of the draft when the charges have already posted to your account. Operations Manager and owners are not available for questions and ignore all feedback. Front Desk staff is helpful but poorly equipped to answer any questions. For meets hosted by Triad you will volunteer a minimum of 20 hours for setup, tear down, and random shifts during the meet. If you cannot commit that much time you will be charged $200 to makeup for not volunteering. Expect tuition charges, team surcharges, uniform surcharges, associatoin fees, etc but won't be told in advance when you will be billed for it. You find out after the money is drafted out of your account electronically (electronic draft is a requirement). None of this is malicious, they just don't know what they are doing and since they are the only game in town they ignore any and all feedback. If there was another gymnastics option convenient to where I live I would definitely look into. It's too bad that such a great coaching staff works for a business that is managed so poorly.

Our daughter loves Gymnastics now. She simply loves her instructor and can't wait to go back to…read moregymnastics class. It is a refreshing change from the other place in Ames we were taking her to. We are so glad we heard about Cardinal, everyone always seems so happy.

Want to learn to flip or have children that do? Prairie Fire Gymnastics is the place for you!…read more I discovered this place somewhat by accident a few years ago and immediately signed my daughter up for a beginner class. I had been a gymnast myself and suddenly felt transported back to my more agile years just by walking in to this gym. When I found out they offered an adult class, I was in heaven! Ok, so returning to gymnastics (or learning to tumble) at the age of 40 isn't for everyone, but I must say the class was a blast! The instructor had me tumbling like a 20 year old in no time and I had a renewed interest in and committment to achieving a higher level of fitness. It was the shot in the arm I needed to get back in shape and to have fun while doing so. The facility is spacious, full of the equipment needed to train champion gymnasts. There is also a Christian Tae Kwon Do gym towards the back as well as a fitness area that parents can use for FREE while their children take a class. The equipment faces the class area so you can watch your child in class while you work out. What an awesome perk! The most impressive aspect of this gym is the positive attitude of the instructors and the heart they have for safely training athletes of all ages and abilities. The atmosphere is fun, but with an emphasis on advancing skills safely and accurately - no over-the-top coaches who are inappropriately tough or harsh. I've experienced hard-core coaches in the past and other gyms and find the atmosphere quite refreshing at Prairie Fire. My daughter is now on the competitive team at Prairie Fire and is very dedicated to the sport of gymnastics. I credit the excellent coaching staff that encourages a healthy balance of practice and activities outside the gym to her continued interest in the sport. I am looking forward to to see the great things this team and gym can accomplish!

From the owner: We are a gymnastics studio offering recreational gymnastics, competitive gymnastics programs,…read moretumbling, youth fitness, private lessons, open gym, birthday parties and other special events.