New Place for Tumbling Fun: fLipSpot Gymnastics & Cheer Attracts Area Residents

Complete with rings, trampolines, balance beams, an observation room for the parents and a giant pit, fLipSpot Gymnastics & Cheer in Orion Township has been meeting the needs of area gymnasts and cheerleaders and is growing by the day.

Since it opened Jan. 31, the center has been the cheering and flipping hub for area residents.

Mom Heather Gingras said she was thrilled when she found out that a gym was opening so close to her Oakland Township home. She was so excited, she sent an e-mail to all of her neighbors to let them in on the news.

“I let them know here’s a little opportunity for us to stick close to home,” said Gingras, who previously drove her 5-year-old daughter, Madison, to Gymnastics Training Center on the south side of Rochester Hills.

“I think it’s wonderful they opened up so close by.”

About the fLipSpot

The gym has three owners: Shawn Clement of Shelby Township, Ryan Hall of Rochester Hills and the Krystek family of Orion Township.

Their paths had crossed in different ways throughout the years. Now that they all co-own the property, each focuses on a different niche area of the business. Dawn Krystek handles the marketing, and her husband, Chris Krystek, manages the business portion. Clement excels in the gymnast area and Hall in the instructional cheerleading portion.

“We all have different areas of expertise, and it’s working out great,” Dawn Krystek said.

Clement noted that within a month of opening, fLipSpot had 270 people in the system and that the phones are still ringing off the hook. Prices are affordable, Clement said, and students pay month-to-month. A 45-minute class for 3- to 4-year-olds, for example, costs $52.50 a month.

Instructors teach children 18 months old and older and have classes for adults, too.

In addition to the regular class schedule, private lessons are available, and fLipSpot plans to start an all-star cheer team soon. Tryouts begin April 10.

Special events and sessions focus on safe fun

Orion Township was the chosen location because the building was a great size and price, and the township didn’t already have a gym, the owners said. Clement said the city and community have been cooperative, and fLipSpot has received a great response from both.

“I opened up this place because I wanted a fun, safe learning environment where kids can get fit and get some exercise, with an emphasis on the fun,” Clement said.

In an effort to appeal to the older age group, the gym hosts Friday Night fLipOuts from 7:45-9:30 p.m. The cost is $15 at the door, and registered members are allowed to bring friends. Pizza and drinks are available, and staff members are on site to aid in anything the teenagers need help with.

“It’s structured free rein,” Clement said. “Safety and fun are our two biggest concerns here; we want them to have fun but be safe while doing so.”

Saturdays from 3:30-5 p.m. is an all-age open gym. Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by their parents. 

“It’s very clean and new, if they keep it that way, I think they’ll do a great business,” Gingras said.

To check out the gym’s class schedule, visit flipspotgym.com or call 248-340-0910.