The next time you run into a 4.0 student, he/she could just be a gymnast. Lisa Fairchild, founder and instructor for the Kaua‘i Gymnastics Academy for 10 years, admits that gymnastics improve grades because it requires so much focus. “When
The next time you run into a 4.0 student, he/she could just be a gymnast. Lisa Fairchild, founder and instructor for the Kaua‘i Gymnastics Academy for 10 years, admits that gymnastics improve grades because it requires so much focus.
“When you’re four feet off the ground doing flips on a balance beam, you really have to focus,” Fairchild said. “That focus is so strong, that our kids carry it with them in school, helping them to concentrate better on their academics.”
With over 130 students, the Kaua‘i Gymnastics Academy teaches artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, along with routines on the uneven bars, balance beam, and trampoline, sending kids to maneuver flips and turns while in the air. Recently, the academy has been instructing Pilates, attracting more of an older crowd.
Students as young as a year old take classes, learning how to do rolls and tumbles with their parents. Kaysa and Kayren Ishikawa are two sisters who have been doing gymnastics with the academy since the age of two, and now have grown up to become amazing young gymnasts.
“We call Kaysa ‘The Rubberband’ because she’s so flexible,” 9 year old student Kamala Lizama said.
Kaysa, now 6 years old, shares about practicing at home with 9 year old sister, Kayren. “I like to do back handsprings and walkovers,” Kaysa said. “Sometimes I get scared so Kayren helps me at home.”
Cheerleaders around the island are also hitting the mats, learning their flips and airwalks from the academy. More and more squads are finding the facilities and instruction helpful to prepare their stunts and routines for upcoming sports seasons.
In addition, just because you’re a gymnast, doesn’t mean you can’t hit the field in other sports. Due to the balance that students acquire, Fairchild finds gymnastics a good foundation for kids in any sport.
“Coaches are looking for more gymnasts to play for their teams because they have the strength, flexibility, and balance in their body,” Fairchild said.
With classes being offered six days a week to different age groups, the students build self-esteem, perseverance, and determination that is all part of being a good athlete.
For more information about the Kaua‘i Gymnastics Academy, visit their website at www.kauaigymnastics.com or phone them at 245-8863.
