FlipSpot Owner Is Creating a Legacy in Teaching Gymnastics

FlipSpot Gymnastics recently celebrated its first anniversary and it's safe to say it's ahead of the curve.

"We met our second-year enrollment predictions in the first year," owner Shawn Clement said. The gymnastics center has over 700 students.

Clement credits the location, in Orion Township on the border of Rochester Hills, for the success.

"Our success is due to this family-oriented community. It's awesome, very close-knit. We're so happy to be here."

But with 21 years of experience, it's hard not to believe that Clement isn't being modest about his own role in that success.

'What's a meet?'

Clement started his career at in Rochester Hills.

"I was in the middle of a career change, working two jobs and going to school. My sister asked if I could go to GTC and help start a boy's program."

Although he did not have gymnastics experience, Clement was a natural athlete.

"It was all self-taught. I remember in the beginning one of the moms asking me if I was ready for the meet and I was like, 'What's a meet?' Thank god the kids knew what was going on!"

He started with three students and in less than a year the program had 150 students.

"The good thing about being self-taught is you have no preconceived notions of what is right or wrong; you just find what works, what gets results."

Clement stayed at GTC for 20 years. At one point the boys' program had 400 enrollees, one of the largest in the nation.

When his parents fell ill, Clement took time off to care for them and it was during this time a plan started to formulate.

"After 20 years at GTC it felt like it was time to start something on my own," Clement said.

Making the vision a reality

Clement's biggest goal in opening FlipSpot with his two partners was to offer a comfortable family environment — from the big lobby to the pricing. 

"I wanted to make it affordable for families, offer small class sizes and limit the number of students in the gym at one time," Clement said. "The observation room (a window room where family members can watch classes in progress) was not originally in our budget but as the time got closer I knew we had to have it."

Customer service was also an important part of Clement's vision: offering free trial classes to new students, offering classes on a month-by-month basis and allowing make-up classes.

And last but certainly not least, Clement focused on getting the right coaches on staff.

"The coach has to be good with kids and have fun with the kids. If the kids want to be around them, then that's the kind of nurturing environment where the students do well."

And really, for Clement, it's all about the kids.

"Hearing a kid shout, 'I did it!' I love that, it's my favorite part," Clement said. "Gymnastics transcends to any sport, to anything you want to do, because it builds self-esteem. We set goals for the students and when they achieve it they feel good about themselves."

A class for everyone

As part of the family environment goal, FlipSpot offers classes for everyone, starting at 18-months-old with a Tot class and ending with Boot Camps for adults.

"Boot Camp is for the moms sitting in the observation room," Clement said. In addition to the three hour-long Boot Camps, there's a 40-minute Express Camp that's very popular.

Flipspot also offers an Adult Gymnastics class.

"Gymnastics uses every muscle in the body, moving us in different ways. Just bouncing on the trampoline is good exercise."

For kids of all ages there are gymnastic classes, tumbling and trampoline along with cheernastics. The Free Running class, also known as Parkour (think opening chase scene of Casino Royale) has been a huge hit with the 11 and older crowd. Flipspot also offers open gym time for students including Friday Flipout for teens.

"Most of the classes we offer are geared to beginners. You're never too old to start," Clement said.

For Clement, 21 years of teaching gymnastics has been more than a job. 

"It's a legacy. Students learn things from you that they'll carry with them all through life," Clement said.  "I'll see former students and they'll repeat some little thing I had said and I'll be amazed, 'Wow! You remembered that?' It's so rewarding."

Flipspot is located at 233 Kay Industiral Dr. in Orion Township. They can be reached at 248-340-0910 or visit their website at www.flipspotgym.com. Summer camps are now open for registration. Open call for FSC Sparks cheer team will be held on April 22.