Gymnastics class works on kids' focus, attention

Little kids are flexible.

They like to jump, tumble and run.

But what do you do with kids who are bouncing off the walls?

Take them to the Bonita Springs Recreational Center and sign them up for a unique class that's more than just flips and bouncing.

It’s gymnastics and most kids agree it’s fun even if it tests their skill, focus and ability to control their bodies.

“I like to see kids active, the more they are active the happier I am,” said Alecia Bell, 37.

She teachers the one-hour class where kids can let it all hang out — sometimes literally — with a little help from Bell, of course.

“A lot of it is a foundation for sports, and how to work in groups and be patient,” said Bell, of Bonita Springs.

And despite working with children ages five through 10, Bell seems to keep her patience with ease. Even the parents, who can sit in on every class, are awed by Bell's ability to teach kids and keep them entertained at the same time.

“She likes the kids and Alecia is good with the details,” said Edina Hepokoski, 36, of Naples.

She signed up her two children, Heidi, 7, and Luke, 3, to keep them busy but hopes Heidi will compete professionally one day.

“(Alecia) also pays attention to safety and is really good with the kids,” Hepokoski said.

Bell has been coaching since she was 17 after deciding that the Illinois State Championship Title was the end of the line for her and her Gymnastics career.

“I knew I wasn't going to do it in college and I didn't want to compete (anymore). I told my coach that same day (that I won) that I was done,” Bell said. “He told me to come back the next day and coach. I've been coaching ever since.”

Bell decided to teach gymnastics at the Rec Center with the hope of getting keeps active.

She teaches the six-week session throughout the year. But her first big break came when her doctor took her off the Gymnastics floor because of an unrelated broken ankle.

Mark Krafjack, 28, is glad Bell is back. He signed up his seven-year-old son Tyler so that he could work on his flexibility and strength.

“He is in Tae Kwon Do so it's good if he can get more tumbling. It will help him in competition,” said Krafjack, of Bonita Springs.

During the class, kids start out with stretching different body parts and Bell isn't ashamed to get right in there and do it with them.

“Let's go guys. You can do it,” she says making sure to look at all the kids as they squirm from the discomfort of stretching. “Shake it out. Shake it out.”

The kids also learn to focus and work on something new every class.

Silvia Hernandez, 30, signed her daughter Elizabeth, 7, to the class because it would be a good way to get her out of the house and active.

“I wanted her to learn something and she likes to do it,” said Hernandez, of Bonita Springs. “She wanted to do it because she loves jumping around.”