Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
1. My daughter keeps attempting cartwheels on the hardwood floor at home — is a gymnastics club actually the right place to teach her how to do one properly?
Absolutely, and honestly, the sooner the better. When children teach themselves cartwheels from YouTube or a friend's backyard, they ingrain the wrong mechanics — crooked lines, collapsed wrists, no body tension — and those habits become very hard to undo. At Modbod, cartwheels are taught through a structured progression using air tracks, foam pits, and professional spotting, so the body learns the correct position from the very first repetition. Your daughter will be safer, learn faster, and come home with a cartwheel that actually looks like one.
2. What age does my child need to be before they can start learning real skills like handstands and cartwheels at Modbod?
Children as young as 22 months can begin at Modbod through our Kindy Gym program, which is a parent-assisted class focused on coordination and confidence. By age 4 or 5, children move into Junior Gym and then Beginner Gymnastics, where handstands and cartwheels become the core focus of every class. There is no minimum baseline of fitness or coordination required — our coaches are trained to meet each child exactly where they are and build the skill from the ground up, one safe step at a time.
3. My son is less coordinated than other kids his age — will he be left behind in a class, or is Modbod set up to meet kids where they are?
Modbod is genuinely designed for this. Our classes run with a low coach-to-child ratio, and our coaches use a method called Constraint-Led Pedagogy — meaning they use equipment, body positioning, and physical cues to guide each child into the correct movement, rather than just telling them what to do. Kids who are less coordinated often respond brilliantly to this approach because the learning happens through the body, not through instruction. Your son will be met where he is and progressed at a pace that builds real confidence, not just keeps up appearances.
4. My 4-year-old has never done any structured physical activity before — do you have programs that start from absolute scratch, or is there a minimum baseline of fitness or coordination needed?
There is no baseline required whatsoever — our Junior Gym class is designed for exactly this child. It is a structured 45-minute program for 4 to 5-year-olds that introduces children to listening to a coach, moving with purpose, and building the body awareness and coordination that underpins every skill they will ever learn. If your child has never been in a class setting before and you are concerned about how they will go independently, we also welcome parents to trial our Kindy Gym class together first to build that initial confidence before transitioning.
Programs & Skills
1. What actually happens in a class? I want to know my child is learning something real, not just running around for an hour
Every class at Modbod follows a deliberate structure. Children rotate through multiple stations and move through different zones of our five-warehouse facility — on the gymnastics side, that means dedicated areas for floor, vault, bars, beam, trampoline, and tumbling, plus strength work using bars and rings. Each zone targets a specific skill or muscle group, with coaches actively spotting, correcting, and progressing every child. Alongside the headline skill, your child also works through "side drills": micro-movements that isolate the exact muscles needed to perform that skill safely. Progress is tracked each term through baseline testing and Star Ratings in the Modbod App. Your child is always working toward something specific.
2. How long before my daughter can realistically do a cartwheel she could show off at her school dance concert?
Every child is different, but many children working through our Beginner Gymnastics or Beginner Tumbling program see a functional cartwheel emerge within one to two terms when attending weekly. The key is consistent attendance and the correct foundational progressions — which is exactly what our structured classes deliver. If your daughter has a specific deadline, such as a dance concert in Term 3, we'd encourage you to book a trial class as early as possible so our coaches can assess where she is starting from and place her in the right program to give her the best chance of hitting that goal.
3. My daughter's dance teacher has told her she needs to have a round-off and a back walkover by Term 3 — is the Tumbling Program specifically designed to teach those named skills, or is it more general fitness?
The Tumbling Program is exactly what your daughter needs. It is a floor-based program focused specifically on the biomechanics of power and agility — handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, and progressions towards flips and back walkovers. Beginner Tumbling builds the cartwheel and handstand foundations, while Intermediate Tumbling focuses on mastering round-offs and working toward the round-off back handspring. If your daughter has a Term 3 deadline, we would recommend booking a trial class as soon as possible so we can assess her current level and place her in the right program to hit that goal in time.
4. How does Modbod handle skill progression? Is there a visible pathway so I can see my child actually moving forward term by term, or does every class feel like the same warm-up and the same drills on repeat?
Skill progression at Modbod is structured, measurable, and transparent. Around Week 4 of each term, coaches conduct baseline testing across core skills, and the results are recorded as Star Ratings in the Modbod App under Evaluations — so you can literally see where your child started and how far they have come. Progression through our program pathways (from Beginner through Intermediate to Advanced) is based on competency and technical readiness, not simply age or time served. When your child is ready to move up, they move up.
5. We are exiting a competitive club after two years of lost weekends and a daughter in tears before training — can Modbod genuinely keep her skills and strength intact on just one session a week?
Yes — and this is something Modbod does extremely well. Our Advanced Tumbling and Intermediate programs are technically rigorous, and a child coming in with an existing gymnastics foundation will be placed in a class that genuinely challenges her from day one. Our "Upward Trajectory" philosophy means we always place students where they are stretched, not where they coast. One quality session per week — with the right coaching, the right progression, and the right environment — is enough to maintain and continue building real skills, while giving your daughter her weekends and her love of the sport back.
The Modbod Difference
1. Is Modbod a competitive gymnastics club, or is it something more relaxed where my kid can just learn and have fun without the pressure?
Modbod is 100% recreational — there are no competitions, no grading exams, no expensive costumes, and no escalating training schedules to navigate. We are affiliated with Recreational Gymnastics Australia (RGA) and built specifically around the idea that children learn best when they feel safe, challenged, and genuinely enjoy showing up each week. Your child will learn real, technical gymnastics skills in a structured environment, but the goal is always Physical Literacy and confidence — not trophies.
2. I've already wasted two terms and $900 on activities my kids quit by week three — what makes Modbod any different from the soccer and dance programs we've already tried?
The honest difference is that children walk out of every Modbod class having learned something they can name, show, and feel proud of. Our coaches use the Rule of Three — changing the challenge every three repetitions — which keeps children mentally engaged and prevents the boredom and disengagement that causes kids to quit. Progress is tracked through baseline testing and visible Star Ratings in our app, so your child can actually see themselves improving term by term. When a child can feel themselves getting better, they want to keep coming back.
3. I looked at the competitive gymnastics club nearby and felt immediate anxiety about the cost and the hours — how is Modbod structured so I'm not quietly sliding into a four-days-a-week commitment within six months?
Modbod is built on a recreational-only model, which means there is no competitive pathway to slide into — because it simply does not exist here. One session per week is the standard commitment, and that is entirely by design. Our annual membership fee is $65 per child (one of the lowest on the Northern Beaches), classes are billed monthly per session, and there are no escalating squad fees, weekend competitions, or uniform levies waiting around the corner. What you see is what you get — one great class a week, real skills, no surprises.
4. What qualifications do the coaches actually hold, and is Ben Wood still on the floor coaching or has the club grown to the point where he's more of a figurehead?
All Modbod coaches hold current RGA (Recreational Gymnastics Australia) accreditation and Working With Children Checks — these are non-negotiable requirements, not optional extras. Ben Wood, our founder and Head Coach, is a former elite gymnast and remains actively involved in coaching and on-floor operations at Modbod. The club's technical credibility comes directly from his hands-on presence and the culture he has built, not just from his name above the door. When you drop your child off, you are getting genuine gymnastics expertise — not a rotating roster of teenage supervisors.
5. What equipment does Modbod actually have on the floor — I've heard mention of air tracks and foam pits, but I want to know what the facility looks like before I commit to a term fee.
Modbod occupies over 1,000 square metres of purpose-built gymnastics space across a five-warehouse facility in Cromer, fitted with professional-grade equipment throughout. The gym includes trampolines, foam pits, air tracks, wall bars, Ninja obstacles, bars, and newly installed beams. This is a full gymnastics facility — not a repurposed dance studio or bounce park with a few mats rolled out. The equipment is specifically selected to allow safe skill progression at every level, from your first cartwheel attempt right through to advanced tumbling passes.
6. I'm looking at the price and I'm honestly wondering — is the lower cost a reflection of lower quality, or is there a real reason Modbod is more affordable than the other clubs I've seen on the Northern Beaches?
The lower price reflects a deliberate philosophy, not a compromise on quality. Modbod is a recreational club, which means we are not carrying the significant overhead of a competitive program — elite coach salaries, interstate competition logistics, squad uniforms, and the infrastructure that competitive gymnastics demands. What we reinvest instead is in quality coaching accreditation, professional equipment, and a low coach-to-child ratio. The $65 annual membership and per-session class fees are structured to make gymnastics genuinely accessible for Northern Beaches families — and the 123+ five-star Google reviews suggest the quality speaks for itself.
Practicalities
1. Where exactly is Modbod located, and is it close enough to Dee Why or Collaroy that the after-school run is actually manageable?
Modbod is located at Unit 4 / 21 Orlando Road, Cromer NSW 2099 — right in the heart of the Northern Beaches, making it a straightforward run from Dee Why, Collaroy, Narraweena, Curl Curl, and surrounding suburbs. Weekday afternoon classes start at 3:45pm, which works well with a standard school pickup. We have a staffed drop-off bay system to make the arrival smooth, and street parking is available for pick-up. If you'd like to check the exact drive time, search "Modbod Gymnastics Cromer" in Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions from your suburb.
2. Does Modbod offer classes on weekdays after school, or are we locked into a Saturday morning that eats our whole weekend?
Weekday afternoon classes are very much the backbone of our timetable. Most of our school-aged programs — including Beginner Gymnastics, Boys Gymnastics, Tumbling, Intermediate Gymnastics, and Senior Rec Gym — run Monday through Friday from 3:45pm onwards. Saturday classes are also available if that suits your family better, but you are absolutely not locked in. We have built our schedule specifically so that Northern Beaches families can fit gymnastics into a weekday without sacrificing their weekend.
3. What is the coach-to-child ratio in a typical class, and how do I know my child isn't just one of 20 kids waiting on a bench for their turn?
Our classes run at approximately an 8 to 10:1 child-to-coach ratio, and our class structure is designed specifically to eliminate the "waiting on the bench" problem. Rather than queuing at a single station, children rotate across multiple stations simultaneously, which means every child is active, every child is getting coached, and no one is standing around watching someone else have all the fun. More turns per session means faster skill development — and a child who actually looks forward to coming back next week.
4. How are trial classes structured, and what do I actually need to bring, pay, or commit to before I decide whether to enrol for a full term?
Trial classes are free during Week 1 and Week 10 of each term — no term commitment required. Outside of those weeks, a trial is charged at the standard casual class rate. Your child should wear comfortable, fitted activewear (leggings or shorts and a fitted t-shirt), no jewellery, and most classes are barefoot so no special footwear is needed. To book, simply download the Modbod App or visit our iClassPro portal at portal.iclasspro.com/modbod and you will receive an email confirmation once your trial is approved. There is no pressure to enrol on the day — come along, let your child have a go, and see how they feel.
5. How do I actually book a class — is there an app, a waiting list, or do I just show up?
Booking is done through the Modbod App or the iClassPro Customer Portal at portal.iclasspro.com/modbod — you cannot simply turn up without a booking, as classes fill quickly, particularly at peak afternoon times. Download the Modbod Gymnastics app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create your family profile, and you can browse the timetable, book a trial, and manage enrolments all in one place. If you run into any trouble or have questions about which class is the right fit, you can also reach the team at info@modbod.com.au or call 0425 317 981.
6. What happens if we miss a week because of sickness or a family commitment — do I lose that class, or is there a make-up policy?
Modbod has a Make-up Token system to handle exactly this. If you notify us through the app at least one hour before your child's class, you will receive a Make-up Token that can be redeemed in a future class. Tokens are valid for three months from the date of issue, and one token can be used per month. It is also worth knowing that Modbod only runs classes during the school term — so your monthly fees are automatically pro-rated for school holidays and public holidays, meaning you are never charged for a week the gym is not running classes. During school holidays, the gym operates Holiday Workshops only, which are booked separately.
7. What is the full cost of enrolling — I want to understand the membership fee, the term fee, any uniform or equipment requirements, and whether there are any concert or performance costs I'll be hit with later?
Here is the complete picture, with no hidden surprises. There is a one-off annual membership fee of $65 per child, which covers your RGA insurance for the full calendar year. Class fees are charged per session via monthly direct debit on the 23rd of each month — a 60-minute class is $29.50 per session, a 90-minute class is $39.50 per session. There are no term fees, no uniform requirements beyond comfortable activewear, and — because Modbod is 100% recreational — there are absolutely no concert costs, costume levies, or competition fees, ever.
8. Life gets busy — sport seasons change, travel comes up, and sometimes kids simply want to try something new. How do we cancel our child's enrolment if we need to?
We completely understand — schedules shift, other sports take over, families travel, and that is just life with kids. Cancelling your child's enrolment at Modbod is straightforward and pressure-free. Simply set a Drop Date in the Modbod App or portal via Account → Student → Enrollments → Drop, ensuring it is submitted before the 23rd of the month. Alternatively, email us at info@modbod.com.au and we will help you set the Drop Date. The key is acting before the 23rd so that your next month's fees are pro-rated accordingly. It is worth knowing that because our billing is monthly and rolls over automatically, enrolments continue from term to term — so if your child's circumstances change, just let us know before that date and we will take care of the rest.
After You Join
1. My son's OT mentioned gymnastics for core strength and coordination — has Modbod worked with kids on OT recommendations before, and do the coaches know how to adapt if a child has sensory or motor challenges?
Yes, Modbod regularly works with children referred by occupational therapists, paediatricians, and PE teachers, and it is something our coaches are experienced in navigating thoughtfully. For children with low muscle tone, hypermobility, or sensory sensitivities, our coaches use pre-conditioning techniques — exercises like wall sits and glute bridges to build deep stabiliser muscles — before progressing to more complex skills. For children who find busy environments overwhelming, our quieter weekday morning sessions can be a gentler starting point. We recommend reaching out to our team directly at info@modbod.com.au so we can discuss your son's specific needs before his first class.
2. My daughter already loves Modbod after her trial class — do you run school holiday programs so I have somewhere to send her in the January and April breaks without scrambling at the last minute?
Modbod runs structured holiday workshops across every major school break — Autumn/Easter, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Sessions are available as a Half Day ($50), Full Day 9:00am–3:00pm ($85), or Long Day 8:30am–3:30pm ($100). Morning sessions focus on high-energy gymnastics fun and obstacle courses, while afternoon sessions go deeper into skill-based work like handstands, cartwheels, and floor progressions. It is a brilliant option for a child who already loves the gym — she will walk in knowing the space, trusting the coaches, and ready to hit the ground running from day one.
3. Once we're enrolled and settled in, how do I stay across what my child is learning each week — is there any communication from coaches, or am I relying entirely on what my kid tells me in the car on the way home?
You have more visibility than the car conversation, we promise. Skill progress is formally assessed around Week 4 of each term and recorded as Star Ratings in the Modbod App under Evaluations, giving you a clear, term-by-term picture of your child's development. For any questions about your child's progress or placement, the coaching team is the right first port of call — though we do ask that these conversations happen outside of class time to keep the session focused and safe. For billing and admin questions, the team is always available at info@modbod.com.au or on 0425 317 981.