Long before giant training facilities and highly selective programs became common, Gleason’s Gymnastics was welcoming kids of all ages onto the mat.
Founded in 1966 by Larry Gleason, the Eagan-based gym proudly calls itself the “OG” of Minnesota gymnastics. Larry’s connection to the sport began early. Growing up near the University of Minnesota, he participated in free community gymnastics programs run by the university’s men’s team. His natural talent eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he became captain of the men’s gymnastics team and an all-around champion.
But while Larry certainly understood competition, his bigger passion centered on childhood growth and movement education.
“He was all about studying brain and childhood development and how this type of activity helps develop the brain,” says Joni Selden, business manager and co-owner. “He took an educational approach to gymnastics, but he wanted kids to have fun too.”
That philosophy still shapes the gym today.
More Than Just Competitive Gymnastics
While some gymnastics facilities focus heavily on elite athletes, Gleason’s has always welcomed a wider range of students.
“In comparison to other gyms in our area, we are family-oriented,” says Gym Manager Kristi Hansen. “We’re a smaller business focused on overall childhood development. We work with kids who simply want to have fun, as well as those pursuing competitive gymnastics.” She explains that gymnastics often becomes a launching point for success in many other sports and activities.
“We look at using gymnastics as a foundation for other sports,” she says. “Someone who wants to become a stronger hockey player or football player can benefit from gymnastics training too.”
Parents may not immediately associate gymnastics with sports like golf, diving, football, or running, but the body awareness and coordination developed in gymnastics can carry over to nearly anything a child pursues later in life. Research continues to support this connection, with studies showing that gymnasts often outperform non-gymnasts in visual-motor coordination and spatial awareness.
“Gymnastics is something only a small percentage of people try,” Kristi says. “But it’s such a great foundation for confidence and leadership skills, especially for girls.”
A Place Where Families Keep Returning
For Joni, Gleason’s quickly became more than a workplace. “When I started here, and still today, it feels like family,” she says. She originally enrolled her three sons in classes decades ago when Larry was still running much of the business himself.
“He answered the phones and did everything,” she recalls. “At one seminar, someone told him he needed a people-person answering the phones. He found out I liked to talk, asked if I had a job, and hired me part-time. I never left.”
Thirty-nine years later, her connection to the gym runs even deeper. Her oldest son eventually coached at Gleason’s before spending five years on the University of Minnesota gymnastics team himself.
Kristi shares a similar story of personal connection. A former gymnast throughout her childhood, she stepped into the role of office manager four years ago after raising her family and moving on from another career. Today, she serves as the gym manager. “I do it because gymnastics shaped who I am today,” she says. “I want to bring that experience to anyone else who can benefit from it.”
Her own son now works at Gleason’s too. “When he started, he was very shy,” Kristi says. “Now he’s an outgoing and thriving rec coach. It’s rewarding to watch kids build confidence and achieve their goals.”
Celebrating 60 Years and Looking Ahead
This year marks Gleason’s 60th anniversary, and the celebration will continue throughout 2026. An open house is planned for August 15th, giving families an opportunity to experience the gym and its community firsthand. That community may be one of the program’s greatest accomplishments.
“We’re now seeing the grandchildren of some of our first students,” Joni says. “People are proud to tell us they came through this school, whether it was for a short time or for many years.”
Today, Gleason’s welcomes everyone from preschoolers to adults in their 70s. Adult gymnastics participation has grown significantly in recent years, and the gym’s adult program continues drawing students from across the region.
Larry Gleason remains involved with the gym he founded six decades ago, and his original vision continues to guide the next generation.
For families interested in classes, camps, or upcoming anniversary events, visit https://www.gleasons.com/ for more information.
“Gymnastics helps kids build confidence, body awareness, and leadership skills that stay with them long after they leave the gym.”