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History San Francisco Gymnastics (SFG) is owned and operated by Eric and Erinn VanderMeer, who together, plan and produce the many gymnastics programs that make up SFG. The business began in December of 2001, at which time, total enrollment was 17 students, and space was rented within another gymnastics facility in Emeryville. In June of 2002, SFG re-located to its current premises in Building 920 of the Presidio. Upon opening its doors in June, SFG expected to reach a goal enrollment of 450 students within the first two years. This goal was achieved within the first four months. Since that time, SFG has continued to enjoy tremendous success in reaching its customer base. A strong program, a great location, and a family friendly atmosphere, have appealed to its customers. San Francisco Gymnastics is an exciting and inviting place for people of all ages and abilities to experience artistic gymnastics. Classes are set up around the fundamental skills needed to perform gymnastics as well as most other sports. Students are exposed to a variety of experiences that develop physical fitness, risk taking skills and self-awareness. These experiences are building blocks for future athletic, academic and personal growth. We feel it is very important to allow children of all abilities to have a successful experience in gymnastics classes. Our recreational classes are set up with the goal of teaching perseverance through learning new tricks and having plenty of fun doing it. Our developmental/competitive classes are set up with the goal of allowing children who are driven to compete to be allowed to do so safely with support and encouragement. An essential key to our success is teaching the kids in a physically and emotionally safe environment. In doing this, we are able to create a success story in every class, for each child, regardless of level. Eric and Erinn Van der Meer, owners SFG 
Eric and Erinn Van der Meer are accomplished educators and gymnastics coaches. Together, they have over 40 years of experience in the teaching of gymnastics and the management of gymnastics facilities. Their combined background and skills in the business of gymnastics is extensive, and they enjoy bringing their experience to SFG. Eric Van der Meer holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Science (emphasis in coaching) and a Masters Degree in Sports Psychology. He has coached athletes in Holland and America at a national level. His particular style of working with children is a favorite at SFG, and his reputation as a caring and talented coach is widely acknowledged. Eric manages the competitive teams, site safety, daily staffing needs, customer relations and is our program director. 
Halloween 2007
Erinn VanderMeer holds a Bachelor of Arts, with Distinction, in Studio Arts (photography), is a business college graduate (accounting and computers), and has a California Teaching Credential (Single Subject – Art). Before establishing SFG, Erinn taught gymnastic classes at all levels, worked as a girl's program director, a public relations director, a head girls compulsory coach, as well as a bookkeeper at various gymnastics schools in the North Bay. Erinn manages overall business operations, the bookkeeping, staffing, planning, and designing of SFG. She also enjoys coaching classes and working with the girls team as much as possible. Erinn, who was born in Montreal , Canada , grew up in the Bay Area. Eric was born and raised in the Netherlands , and re-located to California in 2000 after the two were married in Leiden ( Holland ). They are parents to two wonderful boys, Benjamin (2001) and Harrison (2004), who spend plenty of time at the gym. The family lives in Petaluma and enjoys the city's bucolic setting and community. Both Eric and Erinn are seasoned educators with experience in multiple languages (English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Sweedish and German). Erinn has 14 years experience teaching junior high school in Petaluma , and Eric has 10 years experience teaching high school Physical Education in Holland . This experience has greatly shaped the philosophy and goals of SFG. As educators, they feel all children have exceptional potential and they enjoy helping children identify their own unique talents. 
Halloween 2006
PROGRAM GOALS & PHILOSOPHY Within all of our classes we have the following objective goals: To teach children how to discover the physical capabilities of their bodies through gymnastics. They will learn how to hop, jump, land, balance, swing and tumble. Through this experience children will discover the power of their bodies. To teach through experience. Gymnastics enhances a child's intellectual development through movement. Moving up, over and through while climbing, rolling and tumbling allows children to understand how their bodies fit in their environment. To teach social skills. Our developmental gymnastics program will, within the structure of gymnastics class, teach children how to be patient, respectful, considerate and an interactive member of a group. With our older children and adults we continue with the following objectives: To focus on the skills that are practiced at the basic level based on the sport of artistic gymnastics. These basic skills teach balance, swing, strength, flexibility and coordination. To enhance physical fitness through the practice of basic gymnastics skills. To build the student's level of concentration, discipline and responsibility. Within our developmental and team classes, we also have the following objective: To provide children who are found to be talented through our testing program, the opportunity to develop their talent and enjoy competition. Our competitive program emphasizes a philosophy of competition that will positively influence a child for the rest of his/her life. Key elements of this philosophy are : Competition is a reward for the effort of learning the skills. It is performing what you are capable of and being evaluated by a judge that is a challenge and that is fun. Our athletes compete with other gymnasts, not against. The path to healthy competition, is to be physically and mentally prepared so you may perform your routines to the best of your ability. Work hard and you will not be disappointed: Putting forth your best effort is the goal. The result of this effort is not necessarily the most important factor.
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