How far would you say that it is too far to drive to gymnastics practice - 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour? There aren't that many gymnastics clubs to choose from in an area, especially ones that have good equpment - that is actually state-of-the-art not like tkatch's post on that lol (read at http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?t=1280 ). Even if you're 'just' doing recreational or compulsory competition levels, you can still feel the difference - and so will your muscles and bones and ligaments! So how far would you consider it worth it to drive to a gymnastics club. The problem is that extra time could go to more practice, and also doing other things. Being close to your gym obviously has its advantages. Shawn Johnson lives close to her gym - if she had to travel like an hour or even 30 minutes each way, that could cut into her football games she gets to hang out at with her friends, her homework time, her other fun time, etc. I say 30 minutes is ok if it's a really good gym compared to the local ones near you and you enjoy it more. More than that to 40/45 minutes it's sketchy. An hour drive each way - that is too much - it can really cut into your other things. But, poeple do it. Lots of gyms brag about how they have kids driving an hour - even 1.5 hours away to come to their gym. It must be working for them at that time.

I do gym at the local YMCA and we still have girls driving 45 minutes to get there. The Ymca they were at closed the gymnastics program, so a lot came here.

It depends also on how long the class is also - like for a one hour class more than 30 minutes drive each way would mean you're driving longer than you're in the class. For a 3 or 4 hour class, then it might not be as bad - plus if your class is for that long it prob. means you're at a higher level and it does make esp. a bigger difference that you're comfortable with the gym equipment and the coaches and their experience, etc.

it depends on how long the practices are, cause i drive for 15 minutes to 2 1/2 hour practices..thats not really bad but if ur driving a long distance it might be eaiser if the class was at least 3 hours

15 minutes drive to your gymnastics class is really good - considering that really there usually aren't that many gymnastics clubs in one area that is for rec./competitive - like that aren't just for the toddlers like the Little Gym, etc. 20 minutes is ok too, 25 minutes is ok also if you really like your club. More than that it would be easier probably if your class is for 3 hours or more, like you say gotchalk35 :D .

Alicia Sacramone drives 1 hour each way to her gymnastics practice and she attending Brown University too, but she quit the college gymnastics this year to get ready for the Olympics. http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?p=3100#3100 She's getting ready for the Olympics, so she's more likely to sacrifice 2 hours driving - it's important to be at a good gym and one that you like and are comfortable with especially at that level. It's actually important at any level if you ask me, but when you're getting ready for the Olympics, you are more likely to go for the 2 hour drive per day.