By Chaney Ferguson
The Times of SWLA
Chuck and Monique McLallen are a young couple with a love for gymnastics and children. The McLallen’s moved to Lake Charles in 2001 when they bought Gymnastics Etc. from Keith and Tammy Miller.
“I think it was about twenty-eight years ago they started the business,” said Monique. “We became friends with the Millers through the gymnastics meets, and when it came time to sell the business they actually contacted us to see if we wanted to buy it.” Since 2001, the McLallens opened an additional gym in Lake Charles. Now with a Sulphur and Lake Charles location they are able to enroll about a 1,000 kids in the gymnastics program.
“We have anywhere from a 2 year old to a 25 year old,” said Chuck.
The younger kids start out in tumbling and gradually work their way up to gymnastics.
“The older kids will sometimes compete internationally,” said Chuck. “They start competing around 5 or 6 years old, and continue until their body won’t let them do it anymore which is around 30 or so.”
The international competitions usually last for a six month period. Starting in November and e
nding around May. Competitors go all over the world, but many important competitions are held here in the States.“This next year we are going to a big competition in Vegas, and the world championships will be in Dallas,” said Chuck.
Competitions take place locally for recreational participants and serious competitors.
“Each year we host the Gumbo Cup and the Contraband Classic,” said Chuck.
Last year the Gumbo Cup had around 600 gymnasts participating in the competition held at the Sulphur Recreation and Aquatic Center.
“The Contraband Classic is held in May. It is a local event for our kids and everyone goes home with a ribbon,” said Monique.
Safety is a priority for the McLallens. The gym follows the USA gymnastics level progression program—a junior Olympic program.
“We start out at level two with the girls and that goes all the way up to level ten. After level ten you would consider them an Olympic gymnast or an elite gymnast,” said Monique.
The boys start at level four and go up to a level ten. The gymnasts work their way up through the levels with skill and talent.
“We have two elites, the only two elites in Louisiana right now,” said Chuck.
The gym also has gymnasts competing at the collegiate level.
“Once they graduate from high school they have the option of competing for a college or going the elite route and trying to compete on the international level,” said Monique.
When asked about why the facility produces so many successful gymnasts the McLallens give credit to the parents.
“I think it is just the people. Families here seem dedicated to their children,” said Chuck.
Dedication has led to a new record for Gymnastics Etc. This year they boast 7 All-Around USA Gymnastics State Champions.
The McLallens are proud of the success of their “kids”, but the best part of the gymnastics business is the bond formed with the kids and their families.
One thing Monique was never aware of is how close knit the gymnastics family is.
“We get to know these parents on a very personal level. We spend time with their children,” said Monique.
The upper level gymnasts will spend five days a week at the gym in training. Since Chuck is not only the owner, but also a coach he spends a lot of time with the kids.
“We had one parent tell us Chuck spends more time with their child than they do,” said Monique.
The McLallens understand the dynamics of a busy family. Between the two gyms, Monique working as a pharmacist, and their two lovely daughters, they make their family business family friendly.
“Our sessions are an hour long and we encourage parents to stay and watch what their child is doing,” said Monique.
The Sulphur gym has a sizable waiting room with chairs for parents to sit and watch their children practice. Since the Lake Charles facility was planned by the McLallens, it offers another option for parents.
“We have a workout area for parents, so they can exercise while their child is practicing,” said Chuck.
Chuck and Monique offer an additional service to parents: birthdays with no clean-up. On the weekends the gym hosts birthday parties.
“We offer an hour of gymnastics with our coaches, and then an hour or so for the party,” said Monique. “All parents have to do is bring the cake.”
Birthday parties are a good way for parents and children to see if gymnastics is a good fit for their family.
Whether it is for sport, recreation, or a memorable birthday, Gymnastics Etc. provides families with a fun, safe environment because they care.
For more questions or information, you can visit the Sulphur facility at 3615 Maplewood Dr or call 625-3547. The Lake Charles gym is located at 605 Petro Point Dr or call 494-3547. Their website is www.gym-etc.com.
