Gymnastics and Coach Mike

I think we started Holden in gymnastics when he was 2 1/2, but then we took a couple years off.  This summer we decided to start back up again with MJ.  I really didn't know how long we would continue, but after the summer session we realized they would be split into a girls class and a boy's class.  I didn't think he would want to continue if he couldn't be with MJ.  BUT he said he did, so I thought we would try it.  I am SO glad we did!

We already knew we liked Coach Mike, SO I made sure the class he was in was one of his.  BUT, I can't tell you how amazing it has been since he has started in the boy's class!  Coach Mike can get Holden to do things I NEVER could, and some things I would never try to get him to do!  He expects the kids to do what he says, but he is SO positive with them, even when he is getting on them about not straightening their legs, or not getting their head off the ground in a back bend, as above, it is always funny and positive!  Here he is tickling Holden because his head is on the ground not where it should be!

Daniel and I watch from the sidelines, sometimes Daniel asks over and over again to go on the OTHER side of the fence.  He tried gymnastics this summer and it was kind of a bust.  He never wanted to stay with the mommy and me class, and would throw a tantrum if Coach tried to "help" him do something, SO we are taking break:-)

Here Holden is working on the parallel bars.

Now if you have known Holden you know this, before this summer, he didn't want you to lift him over your head, he wouldn't climb on high play structures, AND he definitely didn't want to jump into the pool or have you throw him in!  This has ALL changed!  When Coach first had him on these bars, he couldn't get on them himself, he's kind of short:-)  BUT he tried and he did what the coach asked him to.  I was SO proud!  Now he gets up on his own and swings like he is supposed to...AND he is proud of himself and gaining such confidence I love it!

He does get lost in his dreamer state sometimes, and watches the other kids, so sometimes he does not stay on task, but that's OK:-)

Here there is much celebrating as Holden swung his legs up AND kept them straight with toes pointed:-)

concentrating...

 See coach I can do it!

It's amazing when you watch your kids grow, and you see them gain confidence, I am so thankful I kept him in this gymnastics!  He is getting stronger, more flexible, more agile, and more comfortable in his own skin!  I LOVE it!  He still can't do a cartwheel to save his life though:-)

This, now this was the piece de le resistance!  FOREVER Holden has been afraid of heights, he doesn't like to swing high, and like I said never over your head, etc.  SO when I saw Coach Mike get out this harness I thought for sure Holden would be done.

On this particular day, Holden had the honor of being line leader, SO he always was the first one to do the things they did, always the first one to work with coach and in this case the first one in the harness.

I watched as he let Coach harness him in, I was shocked he didn't ask any questions.

Then coach told him to walk backwards, AND then he said tell me when you are ready and jump forward (I think that is what he said, I can't remember exactly), AND this is when Holden said, "I don't want to do this", and he started looking a little scared.  I don't exactly know what happened next, but the next thing I knew Holden was...

...up in the air!  At first he looked scared and like he might cry OR demand to get DOWN.  But soon...

...He was ALL smiles!  AND he was laughing and smiling and having a GREAT time!  Afterward I asked him how he liked it.  He said it was fun he felt like he was flying, but then he did say, "It was a little freaky mom, I thought he was going to make me go all the way to the ceiling", BUT now he has been telling everyone he sees about swinging at gymnastics!

What fun!  THANK YOU Coach Mike, and thank you Extreme Gymnastics!  You have given my son confidence and strength!:-)  If you are local you should check it out!  A new session starts soon!