This month, Sterling Gym celebrates their 30th anniversary! Throughout the years, Sterling Gym has grown, expanded their facility, and added new programs. All while keeping the feel of a warm, family-run business.
Sterling Gym History
On November 16, 1992, Sterling Academy of Gymnastics opened its doors with one set of bars, one beam, and 100 students enrolled. John and Nancy, business owners and managers of a small construction company for 25 years, began Sterling Academy with high hopes and dreams.
Nancy has been involved in gymnastics since 1978 when her children took up the sport. Her son Matthew competed at a local club and at Sterling Gymnastics and finally at Syracuse University until 1997. During this time, Nancy had been part of the parent’s organization for gymnastics.
John and Nancy’s role as owners is not the typical one. John, licensed in construction for 25 years, takes on any project handed to him. You will find him plowing the parking lot, working the counter, or building a 12,000 sq ft addition. John is the silent partner, the Jack of all Trades.
Nancy’s role as owner, bookkeeper, and business manager is a tough one to balance. But like John, Nancy also does the dirty work. She wouldn’t think twice about cleaning the bathroom, emptying the trash or cleaning up what other people have left behind. Nancy can still be found checking kids in at the front counter, selling freeze pops, and guiding the special needs class every Saturday morning.
Today, Sterling Academy has expanded to Dance, Martial Arts, Rock Climbing, Ninja Challenge, Summer Camp, and so much more. The gym has grown by 15,000 square feet including a new Jungle Gym and a Ninja Challenge Gym. Nancy and John put everything they have into Sterling Gym. You can usually find them at the gym in the morning, noon, and night, not to mention weekends and special events. They have made the gym, not only bigger and better, but because of their skills and perseverance, they have given thousands of children the opportunity to become stronger, more confident and hopefully fulfill their dreams too.
Sterling Gym Classes
Ninja Challenge
Sterling Gym is a proud member of the USA Ninja Challenge organization, which provides progressive obstacle training, certification programs and sanctioned competitions for kids which incorporates standard gymnastics apparatus including rings, bars, balance beams and tumbling surfaces and specialized ninja training equipment is also used such as cargo nets, traverse walls, slack lines, ropes and ladders. The desired result of this program is to improve children’s strength, flexibility and all-around athleticism.
Ninja Challenge classes for boys and girls are grouped in the following ages:
- 3-5 years old (with parent)
- 5-6 years old
- 7-9 years old
- 10+ years old
- See the schedule of classes!
Gymnastics
Bringing quality instruction to all programs that focuses on stimulating young minds and developing body awareness in a safe, fun, learning environment.
- Sterling Jungle Gym PreSchool Gymnastics (9 months +)
- Preschool Special Needs (Ages 4-6)
- Amazing Acrobats Program Recreational Gymnastics (Grade School Age)
Martial Arts
Being a martial artist is more than kicking and punching; it’s a governing way of life. Honesty, integrity, respect, discipline and honor are just a few values of a true martial artist. At SMA, they strive to bring out these values in our students.
Shihan Mike Sonia & Renshi Sue Sonia
- Kids 1: White, Yellow and Orange Belts. Ages 5 1/2-9
- Kids 2: Blue Belts ( 5 1/2 – 12) and White, Yellow, Orange. Ages 10-12
- Little Samurai (3 to 5 year olds)
- Teen, Family, Adult, and Advanced Classes also available.
Dance 
Sterling Academy of Dance is dedicated to providing superior dance education in an encouraging and fun environment. Through strong foundation in dance technique, they help each dancer reach their personal best. They are continuously focused on new and exciting ways to evolve the classes to be challenging, fun and exciting. See schedules!
- Dance Fitness
- Lyrical
- Theater Jazz
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Mom and Me Creative Movement – Ages 2.5 – 3 yrs.
- Ballet
- Jazz – Ages 6 and up
- Tap – Ages 6 and up
- Hip Hop – Ages 6 through Adult
- Beginner and Pre-School Combination Classes – Ages 4 and 5
Birthday Parties
Birthday parties in your choice of gymnastics, dance, ninja or martial arts for your child’s special day.
- Ninja Challenge Parties
- Karate Parties
- Gymnastic Parties and more!
- Learn more about party and booking details here!
Happy 30th Sterling Gym! We can’t wait to see what is in store for the next 30!
Schedule a tour today! 978-422-7655
Sterling Gym
15 Industrial Drive, Sterling MA 978-422-7655
