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Leadership Staff (pictured below)
Sasha Svirsch - Preschool Director
Larry Gleason - Founder/Owner
Joni Selden - Business Manager
Dave Kennedy - Recreation Director

Gleason's Gymnastic School

ABOUT GLEASON'S GYMNASTICS

Gleason’s Gymnastic School isn’t just part of Minnesota gymnastics history—it helped build it.

Founded in 1966 by Larry Gleason, Gleason’s is proud to be the longest-running gymnastics program in Minnesota. Larry’s lifelong dedication to the sport began as captain of the University of Minnesota men’s gymnastics team, where he was an all-around champion before going on to compete nationally in both gymnastics and trampoline. His vision was simple: create a place where athletes of all ages could grow stronger—physically and mentally—through gymnastics.

More than 60 years later, that vision still drives everything we do.

Gleason’s has become a cornerstone of the gymnastics community, known for developing confident athletes in a supportive, high-energy environment. From first-time preschoolers to competitive team athletes—and even adults returning to the sport or trying it for the first time—everyone who walks through our doors is part of that legacy.

While our team programs have produced state, national, and international-level competitors, Gleason’s has never been just about the top athletes. We believe gymnastics is for everyone. The strength, coordination, discipline, and confidence built here carry into every sport—and every stage of life.

This is where kids get their start.

This is where athletes grow.

This is where adults rediscover movement.

This is the Gleason’s way.

Gleason's Gymnastic School

General10

At Gleason’s Gymnastic School, our mission has always been to build more than athletes—we build confident, capable individuals through gymnastics.

Our program is designed to:

Develop confidence and a strong self-image through positive, successful experiences for every student.
Build body awareness, strength, and foundational skills that support all sports and physical activities.
Encourage a lifelong appreciation for movement, health, and fitness through active participation.
Engage both mind and body, teaching problem-solving, focus, and resilience.
Create a fun, supportive environment where athletes can grow, connect, and enjoy the process.

Will your child become an Olympian?

Maybe—but that’s not the goal.

At Gleason’s, gymnastics is about building a foundation for life. While only a small percentage of children go on to compete at high levels, every child benefits from the confidence, strength, and life skills developed through gymnastics.

Gymnastics is one of the most complete activities a child can experience. It combines movement, problem-solving, discipline, and fun in a way that naturally engages both the body and the mind.

Through gymnastics, children learn to:

Build confidence through achievement and progress
Develop strength, coordination, and body awareness
Listen, focus, and follow directions
Interact with peers and work within a group
Overcome challenges and face fears in a safe environment

Because gymnastics is active, engaging, and enjoyable, children are motivated to participate—and that’s where real growth happens.

Beyond physical skills, gymnastics helps shape how children see themselves. When kids experience success, they begin to believe in their ability to try, improve, and succeed again. That confidence carries into school, sports, and everyday life.

At Gleason’s, we focus on creating the right balance of challenge and success for every age and level. Not every child will master every skill—but every child can leave feeling proud of what they’ve accomplished.

That’s why gymnastics matters.

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This philosophy has guided Gleason’s since 1966, rooted in the vision of founder Larry Gleason and carried forward through every athlete who walks through our doors.

We’re not just another gym—and we don’t try to be.

For over 60 years, families have chosen Gleason’s Gymnastic School because we focus on something bigger than skills—we build confidence that lasts far beyond the gym.

As Minnesota’s longest-running gymnastics program, Gleason’s was founded on the belief that every child deserves to feel capable, successful, and proud of what they can do. That belief still drives everything we do today.

What sets us apart:

Confidence-first coaching Every class is designed to create success, helping kids build self-esteem through progress—not pressure
For every child, not just the top athletes While we offer competitive programs, our focus has always been on the everyday athlete
Coaches who connect Our staff are trained not just in technique, but in how to lead, support, and bring out the best in every child
Skills that go beyond gymnastics Strength, coordination, focus, and discipline that carry into school, sports, and life
A legacy you can trust Serving Minnesota families since 1966 with a consistent commitment to quality and care

At Gleason’s, we strengthen children in mind and body through successful gymnastics experiences.

This is the Gleason’s way.

At Gleason’s, great coaching goes beyond gymnastics experience—it’s about how we teach, lead, and connect with athletes.

While many programs hire based on skill alone, we invest in developing coaches who know how to work with kids, create structure, and build confidence in every class.

Every coach at Gleason’s completes our structured training process before leading their own class:

Observe experienced instructors
Assist in classes
Teach under supervision
Progress to leading their own classes

This approach ensures consistency, quality, and a positive experience for every athlete.

Our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there. Gleason’s coaches are:

Registered USA Gymnastics coaches
SafeSport trained and approved
Certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED
Ongoing participants in staff training, development, and national-level clinics

We don’t just train athletes—we train coaches to lead, support, and bring out the best in every individual who walks through our doors.

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