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Expectations
INSPIRING
Confidence
REDEFINING
Futures
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Discover the
Xcel Gymnastics Program
Flexible Competitive Opportunities for Aspiring Gymnasts
The Xcel Gymnastics Program is a national competitive program designed to provide a flexible, rewarding, and inclusive experience for gymnasts of all levels. It offers customized routines, reduced training hours, and opportunities for competition, making it an excellent alternative to the Development Program.
A Brief History of the
Xcel Program
A Competitive Pathway with More Flexibility
The Xcel Gymnastics Program was introduced by USA Gymnastics (USAG) in 2013 to expand competitive opportunities for gymnasts outside the traditional Junior Olympic (JO)—now called the Development Program. It was created to:
1) Allow more gymnasts to compete without the time demands of high-level gymnastics.
2) Offer cost-effective training options for families.
3) Give gymnasts the freedom to design their own routines rather than follow strict compulsory skills
Today, Xcel has thousands of participants nationwide, with competitions held at local, state, and regional levels.
How the
Xcel
Program Works
A Competitive Alternative to the Development Program
Unlike the Development Program, where gymnasts must master compulsory skills before advancing, Xcel allows for customized routines while still meeting minimum skill requirements. Gymnasts can progress based on ability rather than a fixed level system.
Xcel
Levels and Progression
A Tiered System That Adapts to Each Gymnast's Strengths
The Xcel Program has six divisions,
each requiring specific skills:
Bronze: Entry-level, emphasizing basic skills like cartwheels, handstands, and introductory beam work.
Silver: Introduces round-offs, handsprings, and more complex bar transitions.
Gold: Higher difficulty, focusing on connected tumbling passes and flight elements.
Platinum: Advanced elements, including back tucks, twisting vaults, and enhanced bar routines.
Diamond: The most advanced division, similar to JO Levels 6-7, requiring difficult skills and multiple flight elements.
Sapphire: Introduced in 2022 for gymnasts ready for elite-level routines but prefer the Xcel format.
Pros and Cons of the
Xcel Program
Is Xcel Right for Your Child?
Pros
✅ Flexible Time Commitment – Gymnasts train 4-6 hours per week, allowing for school and other activities.
✅ Personalized Routines – Gymnasts can choose skills that showcase their strengths.
✅ Lower Cost – More affordable due to reduced training hours.
✅ Less Pressure – A fun and encouraging competitive environment.
✅ Opportunities for Late Starters – Ideal for older beginners who want to compete.
✅ College Pathway – Some higher-level Xcel gymnasts transition to NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling teams.
Cons
❌ Limited College & Elite Opportunities – Not a direct pathway to NCAA or Elite gymnastics.
❌ Inconsistent Standards – Different gyms may have varying expectations.
❌ Fewer Meets Available – Some states have less frequent high-level Xcel meets.
❌ Lower Skill Progression Ceiling – Xcel focuses on fun and flexibility, but gymnasts may progress slower compared to JO/DP levels.
❌ Less Intensive Coaching – With fewer hours in the gym, gymnasts may not receive the same level of technical corrections and conditioning.
How to Know if
Xcel
is Right for Your Child
Key Factors to Consider
1) What are your child's gymnastics goals?
If she wants to compete in NCAA or elite gymnastics, the Development Program is better suited. If she wants competitive yet flexible gymnastics, Xcel is ideal.
2) How much time does she want to commit?
Xcel requires fewer training hours, while the Development Program often demands 16-20+ hours per week.
3) Does she enjoy creating her own routines?
Xcel allows for customized choreography and skills.
4) Is cost a factor?
Xcel is more affordable than elite gymnastics.
5) Does she want to compete but also pursue other activities?
Xcel allows for a well-rounded childhood with room for other sports and hobbies.
How to Join the
Xcel Program
Steps to Get Started
1) Find a Gym That Offers Xcel
Not all gyms have an Xcel team. Look for USAG-affiliated clubs.
2) Schedule a Gym Evaluation
Most gyms assess skills to determine starting division.
3) Understand the Competition Schedule
Learn about meet dates, costs, and travel requirements.
4) Commit to Training
Xcel may require fewer hours, but consistent training is key.
INSIGHTS AND Inspiration FOR GYMNASTIC FAMILIES
Our Forever Guarantee
Gymnastics is just the vehicle we use to get there. She’ll build life-changing confidence shaping her future.
It’s not just gymnastics
We partner with you in intentionally building life skills. She’ll learn goal setting, time management, public speaking, etc.
Delightful, Top-Notch Service
From cleanliness to personal attention, we constantly push the needle to delight your family. 4.9 star rating.
No Snooze, More Joy
If your daughter is constantly complaining or bored, consider us the better option. She’ll want to attend daily, but we meet just 2 days a week.
We truly want to help you
We hate the pushy salesman vibe. We genuinely want to help your daughter build success in sports, school, and life.
READY TO
Redefine
YOUR DAUGHTER'S FUTURE?
Limited Time Only: $99 Consultation is FREE
Gymnastics Redefined™ © 2025
Flipping Expectations. Inspiring Confidence. Redefining Futures.™
135 S Main St, Irving, TX 75060
469-242-1752
Programs | Testimonials | StrongGirls.com
Privacy Policy | Term & Conditions
FLIPPING
Expectations
INSPIRING
Confidence
REDEFINING
Futures
Discover the Xcel Gymnastics Program
A Brief History of the
Xcel Program
A Competitive Pathway with More Flexibility
Xcel Gymnastics Program
The Xcel Gymnastics Program was introduced by USA Gymnastics (USAG) in 2013 to expand competitive opportunities for gymnasts outside the traditional Junior Olympic (JO)—now called the Development Program.
Why was it created?
1) Allow more gymnasts to compete without the time demands of high-level gymnastics.
2) Offer cost-effective training options for families.
3) Give gymnasts the freedom to design their own routines rather than follow strict compulsory skills.
Xcel Program Growth
Today, Xcel has thousands of participants nationwide, with competitions held at local, state, and regional levels.
How the
Xcel Program Works
A Competitive Alternative to the Development Program
Unlike the Development Program, where gymnasts must master compulsory skills before advancing, Xcel allows for customized routines while still meeting minimum skill requirements. Gymnasts can progress based on ability rather than a fixed level system.
A Brief History of the
Xcel Program
A Tiered System That Adapts to Each Gymnast's Strengths
The Xcel Program has six divisions, each requiring specific skills:
Bronze
Entry-level, emphasizing basic skills like cartwheels, handstands, and introductory beam work.
Silver
Introduces round-offs, handsprings, and more complex bar transitions.
Gold
Higher difficulty, focusing on connected tumbling passes and flight elements.
Platinum
Advanced elements, including back tucks, twisting vaults, and enhanced bar routines.
Diamond
The most advanced division, similar to JO Levels 6-7, requiring difficult skills and multiple flight elements.
Sapphire
Introduced in 2022 for gymnasts ready for elite-level routines but prefer the Xcel format.
Pros and Cons of the
Xcel Program
Is Xcel Right for Your Child?
Pros
✅ Flexible Time Commitment: Gymnasts train 4-6 hours per week, allowing for school and other activities.
✅ Personalized Routines: Gymnasts can choose skills that showcase their strengths.
✅ Lower Cost: More affordable due to reduced training hours.
Pros
✅ Less Pressure: A fun and encouraging competitive environment.
✅ Opportunities for Late Starters: Ideal for older beginners who want to compete.
✅ College Pathway: Some higher-level Xcel gymnasts transition to NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling teams.
Cons
❌ Limited College & Elite Opportunities: Not a direct pathway to NCAA or Elite gymnastics.
❌ Inconsistent Standards: Different gyms may have varying expectations.
❌ Fewer Meets Available: Some states have less frequent high-level Xcel meets.
Cons
❌ Less Advanced Training: Not suitable for gymnasts looking for a high-level competitive environment.
❌ Training Duration: May not be enough to progress quickly for those who want to compete at elite levels.
❌ Focus on Basic Skills: May not be challenging enough for experienced athletes.
How to Know if
Xcel is Right for Your Child
Key Factors to Consider
What are your child's gymnastics goals?
If she wants to compete in NCAA or elite gymnastics, the Development Program is better suited. If she wants competitive yet flexible gymnastics, Xcel is ideal.
How much time does she want to commit?
Xcel requires fewer training hours, while the Development Program often demands 16-20+ hours per week.
Does she enjoy creating her own routines?
Xcel allows for customized choreography and skills.
Is cost a factor?
Xcel is more affordable than elite gymnastics.
Does she want to compete but also pursue other activities?
Xcel allows for a well-rounded childhood with room for other sports and hobbies.
How to Join the
Xcel Program
Steps to Get Started
Find a Gym That Offers Xcel
Not all gyms have an Xcel team. Look for USAG-affiliated clubs.
Schedule a Gym Evaluation
Most gyms assess skills to determine starting division.
Understand the Competition Schedule
Learn about meet dates, costs, and travel requirements.
Commit to Training
Xcel may require fewer hours, but consistent training is key.
INSIGHTS AND
Inspiration
FOR GYMNASTIC FAMILIES
1) Our Forever Guarantee
Your Daughter Will Win
Gymnastics is just the vehicle we use to get there. She will build life-changing confidence that will positively shape her future.
2) It’s not just gymnastics
Life Skills Built in Each Class
We partner with you in intentionally building life skills that help her become unstoppable. She’ll learn goal setting, time management, public speaking, etc.
3) Delightful, Top-Notch Service
We stand out from the crowd
From cleanliness to personal attention, we constantly push the needle to delight your family. That’s why we have a 4.9 star rating.
4) No Snooze, More Joy
Better Than Disneyland
If your daughter is constantly complaining or bored, consider us the better option. She’ll want to attend every day, but we only meet 2 days a week.
5) We truly want to help you
You’re invited to see for yourself
We hate the pushy salesman vibe. We genuinely want to help you and your daughter build success in sports, school, and life. So come see for yourself!
Gymnastics Redefined™ © 2025
135 S Main St, Irving, TX 75060
469-242-1752
Programs | Testimonials | StrongGirls.com
Privacy Policy | Term & Conditions
Flipping Expectations. Inspiring Confidence. Redefining Futures.™
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