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Audubon Park offers successful gymnastics program
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Cassandra Guzmán/ photo-Robin. Sauerwein
When you have a teacher that is as enthusiastic about the subject she teaches, as her students then you are almost guaranteed a successful program. That’s what makes Audubon Park’s gymnastic program so popular. It’s because gymnastics instructor and coach, Cassandra Guzmán is passionate about her work.
What started as just a part time job has become a successful career for Guzmán who also is the head coach for Edison High School.
“I’m obsessed,” Guzmán admits about the job she loves.
It’s true since you will find her at some place coaching or teaching her passion almost every day of the week.
“The little things make it worth it. They can touch their toes,” she admits.
“I am so organized and disciplined. Parents thrive on that,” she says.
For little kids gymnastics is good preparation for kindergarten and in Guzmán’s classes you learn to form lines, be respectful, take turns. She explains that there are not that many organized programs out there for younger kids. Gymnastics is even a good fit for boys. It develops confidence, body awareness, agility and strength.
Guzmán started learning gymnastics in 7th grade and competed throughout high school. The instinct to teach was already in place as she helped some of the younger kids in her program. In college she needed a job and heard about a tumbling class that needed a teacher and she took the job. That was seven years ago and she’s hooked.
The classes offered at Audubon range from a toddler tumbling class, all the way up to advanced classes for up to 14 years old, to a competition team.
Because of her popularity, the gymnastic classes at Audubon Park have expanded and grown, merging with Waite Park’s program. Through word of mouth, Guzmán has become a teacher in demand at Audubon and other places as well. All of her classes fill up quickly with waiting lists.
“Every kid needs to boost their self confidence,” she says. The beauty of gymnastics is not only in the discipline and teamwork but also the strength, balance and coordination.. No other sport can do that.
Guzmán encourages more people to take a chance in her classes. Classes are accessible to everyone including kids with disabilities, or those with weight or balance issues.
“I don’t care what you look like. I’ll work with anyone who wants to work with me,” she says.
This summer Guzmán is teaching Team Gymnastics, Introduction to Gymnastics and Advanced Gymnastics at the Audubon Park Recreation Center, 1320 29th Ave. NE in Minneapolis. For more information on her classes call 612-370-4910.
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