About Gleason's Gymnastics
Gleason's Gymnastic School
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. As one of the most comprehensive athletic foundations a child can receive, gymnastics develops strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, body awareness, and problem-solving skills while supporting healthy physical and cognitive development. These are the building blocks for success—not only in gymnastics, but in virtually every sport and throughout life.
Whether a child dreams of becoming a champion gymnast, wants to excel in another sport, or simply build confidence through movement, the lessons learned in the gym extend far beyond the equipment. They foster resilience, discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence that carry into the classroom, onto the playing field, and into adulthood.
This is where kids get their start.
This is where athletes grow.
This is where adults rediscover movement.
This is the Gleason's way.
Although Gleason’s Competitive Team Programs have produced many national and international level competitors, Gleason’s Gymnastics is founded on the belief that gymnastics training has unique benefits for ALL children – not only the highly talented who may go on to become advanced competitors.
Leadership Staff
Sasha Svirsch - Preschool Director
Larry Gleason - Founder/Owner
Joni Selden - Business Manager
Dave Kennedy - Recreation Director
Our Teachers
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:
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Observe experienced instructors
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Assist in classes
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Teach under supervision
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Progress to leading their own classes
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This approach ensures consistency, quality, and a positive experience for every athlete.
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Our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there. Gleason’s coaches are:
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Registered USA Gymnastics coaches
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SafeSport trained and approved
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Certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED
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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.
Gleason's Gymnastic School
Founding Philosophy
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:
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Develop confidence and a strong self-image through positive, successful experiences for every student.
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Build body awareness, strength, and foundational skills that support all sports and physical activities.
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Encourage a lifelong appreciation for movement, health, and fitness through active participation.
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Engage both mind and body, teaching problem-solving, focus, and resilience.
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Create a fun, supportive environment where athletes can grow, connect, and enjoy the process.
Why Gymnastics?
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.
Research has shown that regular physical activity—especially activities requiring coordination, balance, and complex movement patterns like gymnastics—supports healthy brain development, improves focus, strengthens memory, and enhances problem-solving skills. At the same time, children are developing the physical literacy and body awareness that become the foundation for success in virtually every sport.
Through gymnastics, children learn to:
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Build confidence through achievement and progress
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Develop strength, coordination, flexibility, and body awareness
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Listen, focus, and follow directions
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Interact with peers and work within a group
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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.
Gymnastics is often called the foundation of all sports because it develops the balance, coordination, strength, agility, and body awareness that children carry into everything they do.
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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.
What makes Gleason's Gymnastics unique?
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:
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Confidence-first coaching. Every class is designed to create success, helping kids build self-esteem through progress—not pressure
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For every child, not just the top athletes while we offer competitive programs, our focus has always been on the everyday athlete
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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
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Skills that go beyond gymnastics Strength, coordination, focus, and discipline that carry into school, sports, and life
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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.
