By Laura Colvin
Review editor
It’s got to be fun.
That’s the philosophy of Shawn Clement, who was busy this week with final details at fLipSpot Gymnastics and Cheer, a new state-of-the-art facility scheduled to open Jan. 31 in Orion Township.
‘We’re a fun, family-oriented business,? said Clement, fLipSpot owner and director, noting he’ll put out the welcome mat for a grand opening celebration this weekend and next. ‘It will be a good experience for students and a good experience for parents.?
With 12,000 square feet of gym space, fLipSpot will feature group gymnastics and cheerleading classes for beginners – like the Parent and Tot class for toddlers 18 months to 3 years, as well as competitive and adult levels and everything in between.
‘Gymnastics is all-around conditioning for the body and mind,? said Clement, who’s been coaching the sport for two decades and serves as state chairman of the USA Gymnastics Michigan men’s program, a position he was elected to in 2005. ‘In 20 years of coaching, I’ve found 95 percent of my students maintain a B average in school; when you’re constantly challenging your psyche and your physical ability, it tends to make other things in life easier, too.?
Offerings a host of classes, even those like Fit and Play, a class designed for parents that just want to keep their kids fit.
The class will consist of obstacle courses and games designed to challenge a child’s physical ability, Clement said.
On Friday nights, fLipSpot will host the Friday Flip-out, an open gym, complete with lights, music, and pizza for enrolled students and their friends.
‘I wanted to create a place for younger teens to hang out,? Clement said. ‘There’s not too much for that age group to do – we’re offering good clean fun.?
In addition to a fully-equipped gym, Clement said fLipSpot patrons can also expect to find professional, friendly teachers who are USA Gymnastic safety certified, an observation room, a room for birthday parties and special events, and a spacious lobby with plenty of stylish, comfortable furniture to relax on while the kids attend a class.
‘Parents are constantly running around,? he said, noting wireless Internet will be available. ‘I’d like them to think of this as a ‘chill spot,? where they can just relax, catch up on their Facebook or whatever,? he said.
Clement also pointed out that while fLipSpot’s fees are ‘extremely competitive,? students can expect one-on-one time in the gym.
‘We don’t want an over crowded gym or an over crowded parking lot,? he said. ‘We’re keep the class sizes small so kids get as much individual attention as possible.?
fLipSpot will host an open house January 22-23 and Jan. 29-30. Doors are open noon-5 p.m.
Food and refreshments will be served, and Hooper, the Detroit Pistons mascot, will be on hand Jan. 22 from 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
fLipSpot Gymnastics and Cheer is located at 233 Kay Industrial Drive, off M-24 between Dutton and Silverbell roads, in Orion Township. Call 248-340-0910, email info@flipspotgym.com or visit www.flipspotgym.com.