When 5-year-old Amanda Harvey joined the Coral Springs Gymnastics program three years ago, she was too shy to speak. But it seems tumbling, and performing forward rolls and cartwheels, have really brought her out of her shell.

"I like the bars, and the activities, and I can walk sideways on the beam," she volunteered breathlessly, "but I like the back somersault best!"

According to program director Adele Albahae, Harvey is typical of many of the students who become more social and articulate as their self-confidence increases.

"They gain a lot of self-esteem here," she said, "as well as poise, strength, flexibility and confidence."

Coral Springs Gymnastics, a city-sponsored program that Albahae calls "the best-kept secret in Coral Springs," offers professional gymnastic instruction to boys and girls from pre-school through late teens.

The on-going, six-week sessions are conducted in the gym at the city's aquatic complex, with students divided into pre-school (ages 3-5) and also beginner/intermediate and advanced, according to their level of proficiency. The program follows USA Gymnastics guidelines dictating safety, learning progressions and compulsories.

Like most gymnastic centers, Coral Springs has qualified instructors, top-of-the-line equipment and dedicated students.

But, according to Albahae, that is where the similarity ends between Coral Springs and the private gyms.

"Ours is an alternative to the high-stress environment," she said. "Our kids aren't pressured to compete, they aren't always on diets and they don't have a self-image problem."

The relaxed, congenial atmosphere during gymnastics sessions is testimony to Albahae's words. From youngest pre-schoolers to the most advanced teen gymnasts, everyone seems to have fun, even while practicing challenging new maneuvers.

Often, some of the advanced students arrive early to help the pre-schoolers practice their skills.

Today, Michelle Albahae, 12, of Coral Springs and Victoria Freerks, 9, and Shannon Gallagher, 11, of North Lauderdale are demonstrating a back hip circle for Amanda Harvey.

At the nearby bars, instructor Terry Girolmetti helps 4-year-olds Cathy Seage of Tamarac and Chad Kaplan of Coral Springs learn the back pullover.

"I break it down into three components," said Girolmetti, "so it's easier for them to grasp."

Clearly, competition is not the driving force at this gym. It is Albahae's philosophy that kids who work hours every day, striving for perfection, are left with an incomplete childhood and warped priorities.

Some of her students and their families have learned, from experience, that Albahae is right.

"We thought we should pursue gymnastics a little more," said Christy Gallagher, explaining why her daughter, Shannon, left Albahae's program to join a private gym.

She said Shannon tried the private gym for a few months, and realized it wasn't right for her.

"They just go gung-ho, five days a week, three or four hours at a time," said Gallagher. "She just jumped at the chance to go back to Adele, where she could go at her own pace, for her own enjoyment."

Shannon Gallagher said she didn't like the pressure and long hours of practice at the private gym where the emphasis was always on perfection and competition.

"Some days, we would have to practice the same routine for competition four days a week," she said. "Now, I have time for myself; I can go bowling with my friends again."

But don't conclude that this isn't a top-caliber gymnastics program.

In 1991, Albahae decided to let her students compete in a major American Athletic Union event, the South Florida Gold Coast League Championship.

With only two weeks to learn their compulsories, she said her team went head-to-head with the best private gyms around.

"Our students wore leotards they bought at Target," she recalled with a laugh, "while all the others had theirs handmade."

When her Coral Springs gymnasts took top honors, as well as the league championship, she said there were a lot of surprised faces.

"People didn't know who we were or where we were from," she said.

Satisfied that her no-stress, recreational program was on the right track, she has declined any further invitations for her students to compete.

Albahae said there is a place for the private gyms, however, because some youngsters thirst for competition and absolute perfection. But the majority do best when they can progress at their own speed while still enjoying a normal, well-rounded childhood.

And the Coral Springs gymnasts do have opportunities to perform before the public. Albahae fields an advanced show team which gives demonstrations at area schools, malls and at the annual Special Olympics in south Florida.

Registration is underway for the next six-week session, Feb. 6 March 14. The Coral Springs Aquatic Complex gym is located at 12441 Royal Palm Blvd. For information, call (954) 345-2121.

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