Summer Fun!

Its that time again for summer camps, schedules and cutting back. But what can you do to keep your gym hopping this summer? I've spoken with several different people who have some great ideas about how to keep their gym full during summer. Here's a couple ideas for you to take into consideration.

1. Adventure Day Camps - Parents still have to work during the summer so just because school is out doesn't mean that parents are off too. Create a fun filled day with games and activities in the park, maybe a 3$ movie on a rainy day, Hide and Seek in the gym or just time for the kids to hang out at the local pool. If you have the kids pack their own lunches and provide a healthy snack this camp will be a great alternative to putting the kids in daycare. You might even offer a package deal with some gymnastics or dance lessons.

2. Friday Night Lights - Offer parents a break from being a parent with a night out, use themes with movies, dance parties, and talent shows to make the night fun for the kids.  You'll be amazed how this can pick up some extra cash for the gym and maybe one or two more patrons as well.

3. Summer Slumber - Ok, so this one is a lot of work, but the returns can be great! And if you plan out the night it will fly by and be morning before you know it. Us challenging games for the kids such as team work games, play tag in the "dark", and sleep in the gym what more could your gymnasts ask for. You can even have your team kids help and put on a show. They'll get a kick out of it and the recreational kids will love their cool tricks.

4. Special Needs Days - As the special olympics approach encourage your team to do something special for them and support their efforts. Have a special open gym celebration for the Athletes and have your team show of their skills as well. If you can get the town  talking your gym will get noticed.

5. Shows Shows Shows - It's summer take your teams and recreational kids to show off in the local parks. All you need is a mini tramp and an 8" mat. You'll attract attention and if you can get in your local fairs and celebrations even better. The kids will have a blast and your gym will get the marketing benefits.

I'm sure everyone has done at least some of these and if you have any more ideas please don't hesitate to share. Its a jungle out there...let's help everyone out!

Poly Foam & China

With all the commotion about products coming from china one has to wonder about the gymnastics mats, foams, and vinyl comming from china as well. Is it truly safe? I started doing some asking with my local foam rep to find out more. What I was told that the chinese government does not hold the same standards for the foam manufacturing process as the US does. While there is no proof that it is toxic, (or at least none that I could find) there is some questions as to the effects this process is having on the environment.

After getting in touch with the director or the PFA (Polyurethane Foam Association), Bill Leudka, he informed me that he was not aware of a specific study of Chinese foam products, however, that there has been a lot of interest expressed by various environmental groups to conduct such studies and to also conduct biomonitoring among Chinese foam industry workers. The main concerns expressed by environmentalists are focused on Chinese use of ozone depleting chemicals and fire retardants that are banned in the US. Additional concern is focused on worker safety in "bucket pouring" operations.

I was also informed of the certiPUR-US project that they are starting. This voluntary testing, analysis and certification program was developed by members of the global foam industry in response to an increase in substandard imported foams. CertiPUR-USCM tests for durability, content and indoor emissions. You can read more about this program at http://www.certipur.us/.

One way to avoid any of these potential problems is to make sure that what you are purchasing is comming from the USA. While the price tag might be slightly higher there are some great advantages to products made in the USA and the standards that are upheld here.

Who Makes This Stuff??

I guess I've never really realized how "snowed" people are about who makes equipment. It seems that a lot of people are under the impression that there are only a couple manufactures of equipment and that they are limited to what is pictured in the catalogues. That's just not the case.

There are several manufactures out there who have made a name with equipment. The obvious one in the US is AAI, but there are more options available including Spieth Anderson, Janssen Fritsen, (Supplier of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing), Gym Nova, and several other smaller suppliers. Now if your talking trampolines, there's Tumble Trak, Tramp Master, Euro Tramp, and Ross are the major players. And onto matting that is an entirely different animal, there's USA Gym Supply, Artistic Coverings, Carolina Gym Supply, Norberts, Mancino, and several more.

So your options may not be as limited as you once thought. If your looking for a specialty item ask your dealer or supplier you've been working with chances are that they can get you exactly what you need. If your looking for equipment that adjusts easily I would suggest looking at Janssen Fritsen for Vault Tables and Balance Beams. If you want an innovative Level 4 Vault system that is useful in more the one way or have a need for multiple wedges that can work together I would recommend CGS's Transformer systems that they have come up with. Want graphics printed on your mat?? Ask your dealer about Artistic Coverings. There is even a manufacture that makes "spider web" cargo nets. There is lots that can be done just remember your imagination is the limit!

Every company has products out there that are going to be just what you are looking for so keep looking and don't be afraid to ask about new and innovative ideas. Who knows maybe you have an idea that will start the next big trend like Gym Trix Space Savers or Ultra Domes. It all starts with an idea.