Gymnastics: Where to Go and Should I Start??

I did Little Gym with my oldest when he was about that age. He is also very active, and very athletic. We did 2 or 3 rounds of it I think. He had a lot of fun, but he did have issues with waiting his turn and standing in line (prior to doing an activity like the beam, bars, or somersaults or something).
They mostly just let him do what he wanted within reason of course. He isn't the type to intentionally hurt anyone, so if he cut in line, they would just gently tell him to move back, and he was usually okay with it - sometimes he's stomp his feet in frustration or something. He also would get under the parachute (those giant colorful parachute things), when he was supposed to be holding it or otherwise. They would constantly have to tell him to get out or whatever. He often didn't want to do the organized event that was happening at the time, and would instead run around and climb on the equipment elsewhere.

Come to find out (just a few weeks ago actually, and he's 7 now), he has a language/listening disorder... Explains a lot...

But anyhoo, you could certainly give it a try. Probably wouldn't hurt anything.

I've heard good things about the U of U gymnastics program that they have for kids, but haven't tried it. I've had my boys at Flips in Bountiful and it's okay but the coaches have them get drinks every 10 min it seems. As I'm sure you know, boys really just need to be kept in motion to get as much energy out as possible and to not lose their attention. I've tried the district programs and they're okay. They can be not as structured/organized as might be desired. But it really depends on who the teacher is. And you have to drive out to where ever the class is at. I've had my boys in a classes at the high school in Taylorsville and at Cottonwood. Because you can't do classes during the school day, the classes were all in the late afternoon and not as convenient as I would have liked. I know that Little Gym/Flips/Cheerz/etc will give you a free trial class. You don't have to do anything, but call and ask if you can bring your child in for a trial class. Then if you like it you can sign up but they don't pressure you in any way.

As far as the behavior goes. I've seen kids in my sons' gymnastics classes that don't do anything the teacher says somedays. Other days they really participate a lot. If there are older boys in the class then maybe your son will copy them. That sometimes' works with mine. Even when the kids are having a bad day, the coaches still try to include them and insure that they stay with the class. I've noticed that when my sons have too much energy built up they misbehave more and on the days that they have a physical outlet, like gymnastics, they are nicer and don't fight or whine as much.

I would recommend going with a community/school district class first, especially at his age. It usually costs around $25-$50 for a semester so its a low-risk way to try it out. Go to your local school district offices for times/costs/locations (we get a mailer from the district every few months, just before new courses start).

As far as boundaries and testing, it's normal at his age and the key is for YOU to be consistant with your rules/consequences/expectations. He will most likely behave much better for someone else. It's a sign of him feeling secure with you - that you love him no matter what - that he acts out. He knows you'll always be his mommy and he doesn't have to always please you. So try him in a class, just be there in the background (always at this age, whether its Little Gym, community, or any other program).

Have fun with it!!!

Look at your local pools and community centers. We've recently started taking classes at the Fairmont pool and it's fun for the kids. I tried Gymboree and it was great, but requires two parents. I did it by myself and I hurt myself every time trying to take care of her by myself.