Jeremy Fortune kicks partner Robert Leong during a Thursday night karate session.

Kayleigh Stevenson, 8, and her classmates go through their warmup routine before their gymnastics practice.

Gymnastics coach Craig Tetreault helps Lauren Dauberman, 12, work the bars at Paragon Gymnastics in Central Park.

Paragon Gymnastics hosts several classes, including a karate class for kids.

Paragon Gym explodes with growth

DARRAGH COPLEY

Date published: 2/19/2006

DARRAGH COPLEY

Marking its first anniversary in its new facility in Central Park, Paragon Gym is exploding with participation from people of all ages. From 18-month-olds to 80-year-olds, families are coming to exercise, tumble, cheer, climb, play, punch, kick and dance. From north, south, east, and west, boys and girls, men and women are experiencing the gym's motto of being a "healthy lifestyle learning center."

Supervisor Terry Jackson said Paragon Gym is the place to go for active families. "While the daughter is taking gymnastics, the son can be taking karate while mom is in the Pilates class and dad is climbing the rock wall. That's our goal, we want to get the whole family involved, at any age and at any ability."

On any given day, Jackson said, nearly 200 people walk through Paragon's doors. This is not your average gym. The 21,000-square-foot facility is home to a competitive gymnastics team that is one of the top 10 in the nation; a competitive cheerleading squad that has placed in the top three at competitions so far this year; a sword-fighting class for a play production company; a P.E. class for thousands of home-schooled students; and much, much more.

Elton Reifert of Stafford County said Paragon's activities are worth every penny. His two children--9-year-old Colton takes karate and 11-year-old Stevie takes gymnastics--are both usually there three to four nights a week.

"With both of us working, it cuts down on travel time. Our kids are getting great instruction and learning more than just their sport. My son has much more confidence and work ethic. You can see an impact in their school and home life," Reifert said.

Jackson said all of the classes offered have some type of competition or demonstration.

"We have all different levels. For example, with gymnastics, we have recreational, competitive, developmental and individual lessons," said Jackson, a former competitive gymnast.

A father of two kids under the age of 5, Joseph Conigliaro enjoys Paragon's location and setup.

"If you want to sit and watch your kids, you can. If you need to do some shopping, you can go and do that, too. You have that choice to either have some free time or partake and interact with your kids."

Like the parents, the employees think their workplace is the best in town.

"This is a dream place to work, with the equipment and the support staff. It's all-inclusive," said gymnastics coach Craig Tetreault. Paragon has a total of 75 people on staff; 50 of them are instructors and coaches.

"Some of the staff are brand-new, and others have coached for more than 20 years. We have ongoing training for all of our staff," Jackson said.

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Date published: 2/19/2006