How My Schooling Experience Shaped Gymnastrix

School is often thought of as a one-size-fits-all system, but for many students—like myself—it can be a challenging place to thrive. My personal journey through school was far from traditional, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the philosophy behind Gymnastrix. Today, I want to share that story with you.

​The Struggles of a Different Learner

As a child, I was always active, full of energy, and deeply involved in sports. But when it came to reading and writing, I struggled. By the time I hit Year 3, I had already labeled myself as “Dumb Ryan.” The school system wasn’t designed for kids like me, who learn best through movement and hands-on experiences.
Fortunately, Year 3 brought a teacher who would change everything: Sue O’Keefe. She saw beyond my struggles and recognized that I was a kinesthetic learner. Her approach—using physical activities to teach—opened up a new world for me. For the first time, I felt understood, and learning became fun.

​The Invisible Years

Sadly, that one golden year didn’t last. As I moved up in school, the individualized approach I had thrived on disappeared. I became “the invisible kid,” quietly sitting at the back of the classroom, doing my best to stay out of the spotlight. By the time I reached high school, I was placed in a special class designed for students who needed extra help. This placement, though intended to support me, only reinforced my feelings of inadequacy.

Finding My Strengths in the Real World

It wasn’t until I left school and entered the workforce that I began to discover my strengths. As a primary school sports coach, I saw firsthand how physical activity could unlock learning potential in children—especially those who struggled with traditional methods. I had an incredible mentor, Jillian Parnaby McLean, who taught me that kinesthetic learning wasn’t just my personal strength but also a powerful tool to engage and inspire others.

The Birth of Gymnastrix

This realization led to the creation of Gymnastrix. I wanted to build a program that celebrated all types of learners and showed that education doesn’t have to be confined to a desk. At Gymnastrix, we aim to create programs that empower children to learn in ways that make sense to them—whether they’re visual, auditory, verbal, physical, logical, social, or solitary learners.

Why This Matters

Reflecting on my schooling experience, I’ve come to realize that no child should feel left behind simply because they don’t fit the mold. Every child deserves the opportunity to shine in their own unique way. That’s why Gymnastrix exists—to provide programs that not only teach physical skills but also boost confidence, build connections, and celebrate individual learning styles.

A Call for Change

My journey from a struggling student to a business owner has taught me a valuable lesson: Education needs to adapt to the diverse needs of students. By embracing different learning styles, schools and programs can create environments where all children feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things.
If my story resonates with you, or if you’re looking for programs that inspire students to thrive, Gymnastrix is here to help. Let’s work together to create a future where every child has the chance to succeed, no matter how they learn.