Nice Landing  

Wright’s 360° Movement Academy Puts a Fun Spin on Athletics

Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Sarah Browning

Wright’s 360° Movement Academy in Westfield is one of six Wright’s Gymnastics studios located on the north and south sides of Indianapolis. The Westfield site is unique not only because of its large size, but also because it provides so many options for the community. At the core of each type of activity the studio offers is the commitment to building confidence for every child, no matter what skill level, in a fun and safe atmosphere.

At the beginning of June, the studio moved five miles to East 186th Street at Grand Park. The brand-new, 37,000-square-foot space allows the company to expand into new endeavors. In addition to its gymnastics and NinjaZone programs, it is initiating a preschool for children aged 3 to 5 called 360° Early Movement Academy. Studio360° Dance classes are also being added.

“The building is also large enough to house the headquarters of NinjaZone,” says Lauren Lofgren, marketing director. “It’s a program developed by Casey Wright. It allows boys to continue in gymnastics. Gyms worldwide can purchase a curriculum license that includes everything needed in one package such as marketing materials.” 

NinjaZone uses gymnastics as a jumping off point, as several physical activities are combined. Obstacle-course training is mixed with martial arts and freestyle movements. As a result, participants gain confidence and body awareness. The program is used worldwide including Australia and South Africa. 

“NinjaZone is a complement to other sports,” Lofgren says. “It teaches kids how not to get hurt. If they fall, they know to go into a ninja roll and tuck their shoulder, instead of experiencing broken bones when they put their arms out. This larger building lets us have a separate area for the preschool ninja classes.”

The facility offers several different levels of birthday parties with add-on choices. They include two hours of open play in the gym supervised by an instructor. All parents need to do is stand back and watch the kids learn a new skill or two while having fun. 

Camps run during the entire vacation season and enrollment is open all summer. There are both full-day and half-day camps, running either in the a.m. or p.m. Snacks, arts and crafts, plus plenty of movement all guarantee a tired yet happy child at the end of the day. Each week features a different theme, such as “Wild West” or “Fear Factor.” 

FUNTimes is a helpful resource for parents. These one-hour open play periods are perfect for a child whose sibling is busy participating in another sport at Grand Park. A student enrolled at the studio gets one session per week, or sessions can be purchased for $10 each time. 

Students can begin participating in gymnastics classes as preschoolers. Not only is it fun for the toddlers, but research shows that movement and sensory activities strengthen intellectual ability. The benefits will last for a lifetime.

“The wonderful thing about our gymnastics classes is that students are grouped by age and school grades rather than ability,” Lofgren says. “This allows friends to stay together. Instructors know who needs to work on what skills by the color of the wristband the kids wear. This is different from a whole class moving up a level and leaving a couple kids behind. That usually causes kids to fall out of the sport.” 

The gym does have two competitive teams for serious students. The Junior Olympic competitive team is the program that leads to a high level of gymnastics. The Xcel gymnastics program is also for athletes who are progressing rapidly and developing advanced skills, but the time commitment is minimal. Both of these competitive options are sanctioned by United States of America Gymnastics.

Students enrolled in the regular classes participate in competitions that are akin to exhibitions. This gives them the opportunity to gain mastery. As they go through their routines, they are encouraged to use the butterflies in their stomachs to spur them on to do their best. This is a long-term skill they can use throughout their lives.

“Gymnastics is an amazing sport,” Lofgren says. “Skills are taught that are used in everyday life. What we love about recreational gymnastics is how kids gain confidence to move their bodies, and confidence for life. Learning how to flip around unlocks body awareness and it is fun stuff. At Wright’s we are all about instilling the core values of achievement and confidence.” 

Wright’s 360° Movement Academy is located at 360 East 186th Street in Westfield. For more info, call 317-888-4805 or visit wrightsgymnastics.com.