Balance Gymnastics and Fitness: a place to learn and grow athletic abilities
Athletics can have a lifelong impact on a child, just as it has with Concord native Brandy Knabb. Her parents could have not guessed just how much gymnastics would impact her life when they took her to her first class at just five years old.
That first class was the starting fuel for Brandy’s lifelong passion, one that only gets stronger with time. Now, after over 30 years in the sport, Brandy is using that passion to change the lives of the next generation right here in Appomattox County.
In Brandy’s early years, she learned the foundations of gymnastics in a weekly class in Lynchburg. Later, she would join the competitive gymnastics team, where she began devoting more time each week to developing her skills. Eventually, she became quite successful at an elite level across the eastern region of the United States.
Brandy's training in gymnastics gave her a starting advantage when she picked up pole-vaulting at Appomattox County High School. There, she became a state champion under the direction of Coach Lance Carter, and later, she vaulted at Christopher Newport University.
While her competitive gymnastics career ended after high school, Brandy was just getting started on what would become the most rewarding part yet: being a coach and mentor for young athletes. Brandy coached gymnastics in Chesapeake, VA for 14 years while working full time in the Cardiac Cath Lab at Sentara Norfolk. Even though she had a full time job in nursing, the joy of working with young athletes was too rewarding for her to walk away from.
Brandy and her husband Matt decided to move back to Concord in 2014 after the birth of their twin children. Once back in Concord, she continued to work as a nurse and part time as a gymnastics coach. Opening her own gym had been something she and Matt had prayed and talked about for years.
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandy and Matt felt a consistent calling to open a gym in Concord. After much prayer and consideration, they took a leap of faith to open Balance Gymnastics and Fitness.
Doing so meant making large commitments in an extremely uncertain time, as the United States had many business restrictions due to the pandemic, and no one knew how long those restrictions might last. But, between Gods calling and Brandy’s passion, the timing was perfect for their dream to become reality. Balance opened its doors in June of 2020.
At a time when kids were home from school and parents were looking for ways to bring joy and a sense of normalcy back to their children’s lives, Balance Gymnastics was the answer! Even with mask requirements and occupancy restrictions, the business soared through the pandemic with fast-paced growth.
In 2022, the Knabb’s brand new 14,000 square foot gym was erected on Stage Road - a bright red welcoming building that can be seen by all passers-by on 460. Inside, you’ll find a kids’ gymnasium paradise. The space is filled wall to wall with foam pits, a spring floor, bars, beams, pole vaulting mats and classroom area for toddlers. The facility hosts a slew of classes and events for kids of all ages.
A variety of classes and coaching
Today, Balance Gymnastics and Fitness has over 20 coaches on staff who are ready to work with young athletes in a variety of activities from beginner to advanced. Brandy and Matt say that their staff is what makes Balance so special, as they bring incredible experience and energy to the facility, and share their passion for the sport with the young athletes. (Additionally, Balance is always looking to add energetic coaches to their staff in a variety of different positions. If you know someone who fits that description, send them over to Balance to speak with Matt or Brandy!)
For the youngest clients of the gym, ages 18 months old to 3 years old, the gym offers a Parent and Tot gymnastics class, where kids can learn gymnastics skills alongside a parent or guardian. Brandy says that classes such as this one taken at a young age can skyrocket a toddler’s development and body awareness.
Balance recently started the “Balance Beginnings” preschool class, which is a unique hybrid program designed by Balance staff. This class meets two days a week for three hours, where the students learn not only the basics of gymnastics in a dedicated gym room with preschool sized equipment, but they are also taught kindergarten preparedness skills, like learning their ABC’s and 123’s from a licensed educator. In this class, the children are also taught the important life lessons of working together as a team and sharing with others.
The large gym serves children ages six and up with beginner, intermediate, and advanced gymnastics classes and a competitive team program. They also offer instruction for cheer tumbling, boy’s ninja warrior class and pole-vaulting. Daytime classes for homeschool students are also available.
Because Brandy remembers traveling a good distance to practice gymnastics when she was growing up, her dream of opening a gym in Concord was truly so that local students could learn and practice their skills in a facility close to home. Interestingly, while the majority of Balance Gymnastics athletes live nearby, some travel as far as Charlottesville, Stuarts Draft or Blacksburg to practice pole vaulting at Balance Gymnastics because the gym is one of only two indoor pole vaulting facilities in Virginia!
Open to everyone (not just members!)
While you have to be member to participate in the classes or receive the one-on-one coaching that Balance Gymnastics offers, there are also several opportunities for the general public to enjoy the gym as well.
Once a month, there is an Open Gym where members and non-members can use the equipment under the supervision of the gym’s coaches. Also, every Tuesday the gym hosts a Preschool Open Gym in their Balance Beginnings gym room where kids (members and non-members) ages 18 months to 6 year olds can climb, tumble, and play with their parent or guardian.
Additionally, the gym hosts two Parents Night Out Events each month on Saturday nights. Children ages 4-12 can practice gymnastics, enjoy pizza, have fun on the obstacle course with the coaches, and end the night with a dance party - while parents enjoy three blissful hours to themselves. Parent’s Night Out is open to members and non-members.
Be sure to check their website for dates and pricing for these events. Attending an Open Gym or Parent’s Night Out is a great opportunity for your child to become familiar with the gym or discover if they might want to pursue gymnastics, tumbling, or ninja warrior activities.
The public is also welcome to host birthday parties at the gym. Pricing is dependent upon the number of party guests, and include a coach-led obstacle course and games for children.
Balance Gymnastics is located at 7764 Stage Road in Concord. They are open Monday through Friday, 3pm to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 8am until noon. Visit balance434.com to learn more, and be sure to find and follow Balance Gymnastics on Facebook and Instagram. Call 434-414-0884 or email info@balance434.com for more information.
This post is a paid advertisement. Some photos provided by Balance Gymnastics and Fitness. If you are interested in promoting your business on the Appomattox Happenings website, email, and social media, contact Teresa Davis through the contact form below or email appomattoxhappenings@gmail.com
