What a year 2024 has been!
We love a recap moment, so as per tradition around here… we’re rounding up the top 12 posts from our social media accounts — aka the stuff that resonated with rec gym pros like you around the world!
Before we get to the list…
Here’s a big shout out full of gratitude from me to you for all of your support in 2024! Whether you tagged us in a video, took a course, joined The Collective or attended a live event — it all is the best encouragement to keep going on this path.
There are so many amazing things I love about running Rec Gym Pros, but here’s a special shout out for the the 4 things that have held a particularly special place in my heart in 2024:
Our 4th annual conference for rec-minded leaders was a smashing success! We welcomed folks from across the US & Canada to have a blast while learning from expert speakers and swapping best practices to help us all make a bigger impact back in the gym.
Save the date for Refresh 2025! It’s happening June 6-8, 2025 in Ontario Canada. Registration will open in late January — hop on the email list to be notified.
Two new Rec Director 101 cohorts!
We LOVE running our “Intro to Rec Directing” online course! This year we worked with two incredible groups of passionate, curious and dedicated rec managers who really put in the work to level up their skills to run their programs & staff teams with confidence! Congrats to all our “graduates”!
We plan on running two cohorts again in 2025 (start dates in March and October) — so hop on this list to get the best deal when registration starts!
Launching The Collective!
At the start of 2024, we soft launched our online community made by and for rec gymnastics professionals!
Inside The Collective we’ve got a group of the most helpful, supportive and enthusiastic humans in the industry. This year we’ve been sharing ideas, swapping solutions, brainstorming at round tables and learning from brilliant experts every month.
It’s been the best cure to feeling “alone on your island”!
If you’re curious, check it out here with a 2 week free trial.
Workshops, Conferences & Trainings Galore!
I love this part of my job!
Thank you to every gym, organization & governing body all across North America who invited me to speak with your people this year 🙂
Gymnastics Ontario, Gymnastics BC, Alberta Gymnastics Federation, USAG National Congress, DIG/Ability Training Co (ON), USAG Nebraska, Splitz Gymnastics (BC), Altadore Gymnastics (AB), Mini Hops (MN), Spectrum Gymnastics (ON), Metro Stars Gymnastics (NE), America’s Best Kids (OR), Desert Gym Cats (NV), Burlington T&T (ON), Orangeville Twisters (ON), Toronto Gym International (ON), Timiskaming Shores Gymnastics (ON)!
Curious to book me in 2025? Fill out the inquiry form here.
✨ The Top 12 Posts of 2024! ✨
Major high fives to all the gyms, coaches and content creators who made this year’s list! Woohoo! Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us all 🙂
The rankings below are based on the overall engagement rate from our social media accounts (Instagram with 33K followers and Facebook with 65K). Engagement rates take all interactions with content into consideration – so things like comments, reactions, saves, shares, reposts, etc.
Here we go with the countdown!
# 12… Back Roll Over a Noodle
I love when we can spice up a classic station with a simple twist — and that’s why this post from @coach_karen_smiles was so darn popular! It’s a fantastic way to make things a little more fun and improving the skill at the same time 🙂
# 11… Innovative Handstand Drills
If you’re looking for handstand drills — look no further! This post by @Gymkidzaustralia hooks you up with multiple innovative stations from one of their handstand skills clinics! I’m sure at least one idea in this video will inspire you!
# 10… Fun-Ditioning!
We’re a sucker for making conditioning fun around here — and folks loooooved this front support activity by @thelittlegymbrentwood with hoops and balls!
# 9… Round Offs + Back Handsprings
Lots of eyes were on this post shared from @coach.maryanna that highlights drills to teach key shapes and technique for strong round offs and backhandsprings!
# 8… Partner Conditioning
Everything is more fun with friends! This post shared from @fitwith_anushka gives us a few ideas to swap out traditional sit ups for something a little more interesting done in pairs!
# 7… Front Rolling with a Hoop!
So many of you were inspired by this post from @nationalkidsgym that spices up a front roll station using a hula hoop to nail the “stand up” part especially! Again — a simple twist that keeps learning fresh and effective!
# 6… Preschool Handstand Prep Circuit
This post from @fyrishgymnasticsclub was a hit for sharing several handstand stations to help teach the basics to our beginner preschoolers!
# 5… Partner Sit Up Challenge!
More ways to make conditioning fun?! YES PLEASE! This is a fun one from @thunderelite that even I played in a few of coach training workshops this year to help show that building core strength don’t have to be boring!
# 4… Circle Hoop Game
This one created a bit of stir on Facebook in particular — with over 1.6 million views! This game from @elite_gymnastics_ega is one that I would add to my repertoire for summer camps, specifically!
# 3… Log Roll Ball Pass
Getting to our top 3 now — this one from @minikkalpleranaokulumugla is coming in hot with a deceptively simple log roll activity! Perfect for the little ones and easy to modify using the equipment you have on hand!
# 2… Yoga Ball Assisted Back Hip Circle
No doubt you saw this video making the rounds — it’s SO brilliant! Huge shoutout to @cldoerfel for sharing this one with the world and showing us to give our tired spotter arms a little break 😉
#1 – Fine Motor Front Supports!
WOOHOO! WAY TO GO #1 — this video from @sana_ortalygy_tdk reached over 3.1 million people on Facebook alone! That’s WILD. Part of what made this post so popular was how it had applications far beyond the gymnastics world. It was very cool to see phys ed teachers and occupational therapists jumping into the comments raving about the benefits of this activity! What a great reminder why gymnastics is such a great sport to support child development!
And there we have it!
Congrats again to everyone who made this year’s list!
Don’t forget — if you post a cool station or activity on social media, be sure to tag us (@recgympros) to help make sure we see it (we can’t share it if we don’t see it!).
Who knows… maybe we’ll see you on next year’s list! 😉
Wishing all of you a happy & healthy 2025!
SAVE THE DATE FOR REFRESH 2025!
A weekend of learning, sharing, fun & coming together.
Exclusively for the recreational gymnastics coaches & managers!
(aka “the most fun you’ll ever have at a conference”)
Registration opens in late January!
