Hi, I'm Christy Gardner!
How do I know a child can truly enjoy athletic activity when they're just learning to master basic skills like walking and jumping?
Because I was just three years old when I fell in love with gymnastics.
Those early experiences on the mats were exactly what physical activity should be for a kid - fun! And while I was having fun, I was learning to love fitness.
As I got older, I learned that while I was gleefully flipping and jumping across the mats, I was also improving my agility and building strength - not just the physical kind.
My instructors and teammates taught me invaluable lessons in commitment, hard work and sportsmanship. Those lessons carried me through gymnastics competitions and even helped me earn a college degree in exercise physiology.
I've been coaching gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading for more than 25 years.
Though I previously owned a gymnastics studio and operated a tumble bus, I never quite felt like I had found right way to instill a love of gymnastics, fitness and movement in young children.
Because I was just three years old when I fell in love with gymnastics.
Those early experiences on the mats were exactly what physical activity should be for a kid - fun! And while I was having fun, I was learning to love fitness.
As I got older, I learned that while I was gleefully flipping and jumping across the mats, I was also improving my agility and building strength - not just the physical kind.
My instructors and teammates taught me invaluable lessons in commitment, hard work and sportsmanship. Those lessons carried me through gymnastics competitions and even helped me earn a college degree in exercise physiology.
I've been coaching gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading for more than 25 years.
Though I previously owned a gymnastics studio and operated a tumble bus, I never quite felt like I had found right way to instill a love of gymnastics, fitness and movement in young children.
Then the idea for Balance Beans came to me.
As a mom, I know how busy life can be for parents. I thought, "how great would it be if someone came right to my child's daycare or preschool and taught them fun, active gymnastics lessons every week?"
And Balance Beans was born!
We have been blessed to have the support of some wonderful daycares and preschools in our communities. We also have fantastic instructors and parents!
I can't forget to thank my husband, Jason, maker of some of our equipment, and dad to our kids, Tripp, Case and Demi.
Stay tuned as Balance Beans continues to grow! I can't wait to see what adventures await!
As a mom, I know how busy life can be for parents. I thought, "how great would it be if someone came right to my child's daycare or preschool and taught them fun, active gymnastics lessons every week?"
And Balance Beans was born!
We have been blessed to have the support of some wonderful daycares and preschools in our communities. We also have fantastic instructors and parents!
I can't forget to thank my husband, Jason, maker of some of our equipment, and dad to our kids, Tripp, Case and Demi.
Stay tuned as Balance Beans continues to grow! I can't wait to see what adventures await!
Meet The Balance Bean Instructors!
Christy
I am the founder and owner of Balance Beans, but I'm also the head instructor! I teach classes in Valmeyer, Waterloo and Red Bud - and wherever else I'm needed. I'm fortunate to have a team of fantastic, talented coaches to help me teach. I know your children will love them as much as I do! I'm always available if you have questions or concerns. Email me anytime at christygardner@outlook.com. 
Jennifer
Jennifer Hemmer is one of our instructors for our Waterloo, Valmeyer, and Red Bud-area schools. Jennifer enjoys working with children because they’re “fun, energetic and hilarious.” She loves that there’s never a dull moment. "I feel that we need to teach fitness and the importance of staying healthy to children at a young age," Terra says. "I think if they see the importance of staying fit and healthy at a young age, then they will carry that with them as they grow." A Red Bud native, Jennifer currently lives in Valmeyer with her husband Dan, and their their two kids; Haley (13), and Brady (6). When she’s not tumbling with Balance Beans, she loves reading, hiking with her family and enjoys being an aunt to 8 little ones! 
Lyndsay
Lyndsay teaches in our Waterloo, Red Bud, and Smithton schools. "When I found out about Balance Beans I was extremely excited for a new opportunity," Lyndsay says. "I like the fact that I get to move around to different schools and work with children. Since joining the Balance Beans team, Lyndsay has discovered she loves the flexibility of teaching and truly enjoys working with the toddlers and preschool age children. "I like to work with kids because you never know what you are going to learn," Lyndsay says. "Each day is a new adventure and I always feel like I also learn from the kids I teach. That light bulb moment is also what gets me, whether it be with academics or with gymnastics, I love watching kiddos learn new things and become excited about what they are learning." |