TNT Gymnastics enjoys successful beginning at Waukon location established last fall
by Brianne Eilers
Last fall, TNT Gymnastics opened up its first Iowa facility in Waukon. Owner Tracy Troxel explained that the gymnastics company has been in business for 17 years, and also has facilities in several Wisconsin locations: Richland Center, Mauston, Spring Green and Prairie du Chien.
"We had people commuting from all over to our classes in Prairie du Chien," Troxel said. One of the parents of a student suggested that Troxel look at opening up a facility in Waukon.
Troxel explained that TNT Gymnastics offers classes for all skill levels in fully-equipped gyms. She noted that there aren't a lot of additional things that parents need to purchase in order for their kids to participate in gymnastics.
"The only requirements are that long hair is pulled back, the kids are wearing comfortable clothes and they can bring a water bottle," Troxel noted.
Aspiring gymnasts as young as two-and-a-half years of age can participate in the Tots class. Classes are also available for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels, as well as a pre-team level. TNT also has a competitive gymnastics team for those who have a grasp on the higher level skills.
Troxel, herself, was a competitive gymnast for years, and during her time competing she became a Wisconsin State Champion and a qualifier to the Junior Olympic Nationals. She and coach Danielle Mueller are both members of USA Gymnastics and Safety Certified. "We love what we do," said Troxel.
The TNT team competes at events by invitation only, but there are also recreational tumbling events in which anyone can compete. Troxel is looking at this fall for what she is calling the Allamakee Disco, an event in which all students can participate.
As noted, the Waukon gym is fully equipped and students can train on the same equipment they see gymnasts using at the Olympics. Troxel noted that they have a balance beam, vault, uneven parallel bars, and a 30-foot trampoline, among other items. Students are taught how to properly use the equipment, as well as having conditioning and stretching incorporated into the classes.
"A lot of the time, the kids are having fun and don't even realize they are working," Troxel noted.
Once each season, parents are invited to watch their children practice. During the other weeks of practice, the instructors practice with students without an audience. Class ratios are around eight students to one instructor. Troxel noted that during summer sessions, the number is a little closer to a 6:1 ratio and the Tots class always has a 6:1 ratio. "We never have more than eight students to one instructor," she shared.
TNT offers more than just gymnastics classes for kids. They also offer a class for adults called Adult Finastics class, though it is not available in all locations as of yet. They also offer a Cheer/Tumbling class geared towards cheerleaders. In the fall of 2017, they will also be offering a boys tumbling class for boys five years old and up. For those who don't want to commit to monthly classes, there is an open gym schedule, and the cost is $7 for non-members and $5 for members. An instructor is at the gym during that time to supervise and make the kids stretch properly.
Troxel noted that a special program they have offered in the past, and gotten very positive response from, is the TNT Ninja obstacle training course, which is similar to the courses on popular television shows like American Ninja.
Membership to the gym runs monthly and Tracy noted that there are no hidden fees. The TNT Gymnastics website, https://tntgymnasticswi.com, has class schedules and some descriptions, as well as information on costs and an options for payment and registration. TNT Gymnastics is located a 710 Rossville Road in Waukon, the bright red shed heading up the hill toward the Waukon City Park in south Waukon.
