Viewfinder: Students Flip over High Flyers Gym

Gymnastics lovers of all ages find family and fun at High Flyers gym in Brighton. 

Nancy Hanes, co-owner of High Flyers, said the club has been in business for over 23 years. They pride themselves on being a family and having flexible options for people who attend their gym.

“Students who used to compete here before and have moved on to college, when they do come back home they use the gym to work out,” Hanes said.

Katie Watson, a former student since age 5 and now a coach, said, “I would be on my way home from college and stop here before going home.  My mom would ask if I was still coming home or if I was going to stay in the gym all night.”

The gym runs 7-week sessions throughout the school year and a “flex” schedule in the summer so families can balance gymnastics with their vacations.

“We try to be flexible with families during the summer so the children don’t miss out on either opportunity,” Hanes said.

The Parent/Tot program includes children from about 18 months to 3-years-old, as classes are geared more to physical ability than age. Novice 1 beginners, usually ages 6-9, start using the different events equipment.

Coaches Nathan Dorer and Tyler Partridge help run the boys program at High Flyers gym. 

“We are very proud of our boys program. It is one of the best around,” Watson said. “Not many gyms have the program we do.”

Erika Griffin, a coach at High Flyers, was Watson’s coach and helped her put together her very first floor routine to music. Watson is now teaching Griffin’s son Trevor in the Novice 1 class. 

“It is amazing how many students I now have that are coach’s kids.  I have even been to a couple weddings of the girls I have coached,” Watson said.

Hanes said she is proud of the atmosphere they have created at their gym and they love to give back to the community by doing demonstrations.

“Not only do we teach gymnastics but also good values and self-discipline,” Hanes said.