Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Premier Gymnastics Training Center in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Gymnastics Academy has been a cornerstone of gymnastics training in Arizona since 1982. Founded by respected coaches Mike and Donna Payne, our academy combines decades of expertise with a commitment to fostering safe, engaging environments for children to develop physical and life skills. Our instructors, all certified through USA Gymnastics, deliver programs tailored to all ages and skill levels, from introductory classes to competitive teams participating in the USA Gymnastics Developmental Program. With a 12,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility featuring air conditioning, in-ground trampolines, and viewing areas, we prioritize accessibility and family involvement.Over 40 years, we have trained thousands of athletes, many of whom have earned state, regional, and national titles, while maintaining a family-owned ethos that values community and excellence. Our alumni frequently return as coaches, perpetuating a legacy of passion and mentorship. Recognized for our achievements by the Arizona Women's Gymnastics Community, we ensure every student receives personalized attention in a supportive atmosphere. From preschool programs to elite competition preparation, our mission remains to empower children through gymnastics while upholding the highest standards of safety and instruction.
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
School Age Classes
Competitive Teams
Hip Hop Dance
Summer Camps
Private Lessons
Parent Workshops
Tumble Bugs
Dance Instruction
Competition Training
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in gymnastics training and youth development.
- Our instructors are certified through USA Gymnastics with specialized safety training.
- We maintain a family-owned environment prioritizing personalized attention and community.
- Our state-of-the-art facility includes specialized equipment for all gymnastics disciplines.
- We have produced multiple national-level athletes and college scholarship recipients.
Associations and certifications
- USA Gymnastics
What people say
Staff is excellent
Safe environment
Love the coaches
Great place
Improved confidence
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
Our Tumble Bugs program introduces children aged 18 months to 5 years to foundational gymnastics skills through structured play. Certified instructors use age-appropriate equipment to develop motor skills, balance, and coordination while fostering social interaction in a fun, non-competitive setting. Classes emphasize safety, listening skills, and basic gymnastics terminology.
Competitive Teams
USA Gymnastics-sanctioned teams compete at local, regional, and national levels across compulsory, optional, and Xcel divisions. Athletes receive specialized coaching for vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercises. Our program focuses on technical precision, mental resilience, and progressive skill mastery while maintaining strict safety protocols.
Hip Hop Dance
Instructor-led hip hop classes combine dance fundamentals with self-expression for children aged 5+. Curriculum includes rhythm training, choreography basics, and performance techniques in a supportive environment. Classes enhance physical coordination, creativity, and confidence through contemporary music and movement.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer camps provide intensive gymnastics training combined with recreational activities. Participants engage in skill-building sessions across all apparatuses while developing teamwork and discipline. Camps include themed activities, games, and performance opportunities for ages 5-12 with varying experience levels.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction targets specific skill development goals for gymnasts at any level. Certified coaches create personalized training plans focusing on technique refinement, competition preparation, or overcoming skill plateaus. Sessions emphasize individual progress within a structured safety framework.
People
Mike Payne
Owner/Coach
Former collegiate gymnast with Midwest roots, inducted into the Indiana Gymnastics Hall of Fame (2022). Coached thousands of athletes over 40+ years, specializing in competitive team development and technical instruction.
Donna Payne
Owner/Judge
NAWGJ-certified judge with decades of experience evaluating elite gymnastics performances. Focuses on skill assessment and competition preparation while maintaining program quality standards across all training levels.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for gymnastics classes?
We offer programs for children as young as 18 months through advanced competitive teams for teenagers.
Are trial classes available for new students?
Yes, we provide one complimentary trial class for any age group or skill level to experience our programs.
What safety certifications do your instructors hold?
All staff maintain current USA Gymnastics certifications including Safety & Risk Management and Safe Sport training.
Do you offer competitive team opportunities?
Yes, we field USA Gymnastics Developmental Program teams from beginner to elite levels with specialized coaching.
What should students wear to class?
Athletic attire with no zippers or buckles. Leotards or t-shirts with leggings/shorts are recommended for optimal movement.
How can parents observe classes?
Our facility features viewing areas on both levels, including seating with TV monitors for observing class activities.
Reviews (4)
Pamela Everett
May 31, 2021
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Was really disappointed. Met by a rude, robotic clerk. There was no where to sit. I was told I would need to leave and watch on the zoom. My daughter is 6. It was our first day. That is unacceptable. I asked to get my daughter. The lady said, snippily, ok. Got her and we left. Not one person said hello, welcome, good bye, sorry.... nothing. You get the military feeling in there. Kids are still forced to wear masks. Not my kind of place. They don't seem to really care about anything but robotic protocols of all the ways you can't make up a class or get any money back. Instead they should focus on
Fallon Lewter
May 30, 2021
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Went today to see about A gymnastics summer camp for my daughter they didnt offer me a tour didnt tell me nothing about their gymnastic summer camp or care to answer any questions I might have all they did was just hand me a sheet of paper and just sat behind the desk not once did they offered to show me or my daughter around or give us a tour and on The brochure they are asking for a $50 deposit and at least $300 and something dollars a week!!! Youre asking and having these kind of prices and not once could anyone get up from behind the counter and show me and my daughter a tour and we
Scarlet
May 24, 2021
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I had a tough time during the parent tot class and when I told the instructor she laughed at me. At the end of the class I was crying and trying to leave and told the teacher I had had a hard time, she turned around and laughed and announced to everyone we all had to go through it!! such an embarrassing experience. I dont think laughing at anybody is an appropriate response at all. If it is so easy to laugh at a struggling parent, how do they treat their students when parents arent allowed to supervise or be near? I was going to do the trial class with them again with a different
Christina Klebba
Jan 15, 2020
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Parking can be a nightmare, there usually aren't any seats to watch your child, even if I do get a seat I can't see me daughter because her class is in the far bottom corner so I have to watch her on a TV monitor and stand up the whole time. They really need to expand the office and viewing areas. It's also usually pretty hot inside. Once class gets out its a madhouse of parents and children trying to get in and out, people bumping into each other, knocking clothing off racks, if you're at all claustrophobic it will be tough for you! Some coaches are better and more patient than others. I will
