Tier 5 – Performance Team
Age 8yrs+ · Up to 18hrs/week. FIG and national championship routines. Top-level individual, pair, and group competition.
Elite Squad
Aerobic Gymnastics
Strength, rhythm, and precision in every routine. Welcome to Aerobic Gymnastics at BGC; your guide to the pathway, the training, the competitions, and what life in an Aerobics squad looks like.
New to BGC? Start with the general pack
This pack covers everything Aerobics-specific. For how the club works as a whole (communication, car park, events, codes & policies, fees admin) read the BGC General Welcome Pack. Both packs are designed to be read together.
Discipline Head Coach
Welcome to Aerobic Gymnastics
Aerobic Gymnastics combines high-intensity aerobic movement with complex gymnastic skills performed to music. BGC gymnasts compete across individual, mixed pair, trio, group, and Aerodance categories, developing explosive fitness, musicality, coordination, and competitive confidence.
Our squads cater for gymnasts from their first introduction all the way through to FIG international level, with a programme that challenges and rewards every gymnast who commits to it.
ZW
Head of Aerobic Gymnastics · view in staff directory →
Zanna Woods
Zanna leads the full Aerobic Gymnastics programme; squad placement, competition planning, training questions, and all programme matters. Email zanna.woods@basingstokegym.co.uk.
Levels & progression
Performance Pathway
Aerobics at BGC follows a clear five-level pathway. Progression is a coaching decision based on skill, fitness, and readiness, not age alone.
Tier 4 – FIG Squad & Potentials
Age 8yrs+ · Up to 15hrs/week. FIG Potentials and Senior pathway. Individual, pair, trio, and Aerodance routines.
Tier 3 – NAC
Age 8yrs+ · Up to 12hrs/week. National Age Category. Individual & partnership routines. Regional and National competition.
Tier 2 – RAC
Age 7yrs+ · 4–7hrs/week. Regional Age Category. Introduction to aerobic competition. First regional events.
Tier 1 – Foundation
Age 7–9yrs · Up to 7hrs/week. Introduction to aerobic gymnastics skills, musicality, and fitness.
How placement works
Pathway placement is a coaching decision. Gymnasts are reviewed each term. Families receive a minimum of two weeks' notice of any pathway change. A minimum three-month probationary period applies when a gymnast moves from RAC to NAC; full NAC status is confirmed after this period.
Progression is based on skill readiness, fitness, attitude, and commitment, not age alone.
How routines & places are allocated
Selection Policy
Routine and competition entry allocation is made by Zanna. These decisions are based on skill level, attendance, fitness, and attitude, not seniority or preference.
Individual routine allocation
RAC
Regional Age Category
Individual routine at RAC level. Focus on clean aerobic movement, correct technique, and performance quality within the RAC syllabus.
NAC
National Age Category
Individual routine at AG1 or AG2 level. Partnership routine eligibility assessed once individual performance is consistent. NAC gymnasts may be considered for Aerodance.
FIG / Performance
FIG & Senior
Individual routine at FIG or Senior level. Trio and group routines allocated at FIG squad level. All FIG gymnasts eligible for Aerodance subject to programme constraints.
Mixed pair & trio allocation
Mixed pair and trio places are allocated by Zanna based on compatible skill level, reliability, and competition readiness. Gymnasts are paired or grouped to optimise routine quality. Pairing decisions are reviewed each competitive season.
Selection note
Selection for partnership routines is not guaranteed and may change between seasons. Gymnasts who miss sessions or have attendance concerns will not be allocated partnership places. All selection decisions are final; disputes should be raised by email with Zanna.
Aerodance eligibility
Aerodance is available to NAC and FIG gymnasts. Gymnasts may compete in a maximum of three routines in total across individual, partnership, and Aerodance. Taking part in Aerodance requires a commitment to additional training sessions for choreography and group rehearsal. Gymnasts must demonstrate that extra sessions will not compromise their individual routine quality.
RAC → NAC: three-month probation
Gymnasts moving from RAC to NAC enter a minimum three-month probationary period. During this time they train at NAC level, but full NAC squad status and competition entry are only confirmed on successful completion. The purpose is to ensure gymnasts can sustain the increased training load before a long-term commitment is made.
What coaches assess
• Aerobic fitness and endurance at NAC intensity
• Skill quality across all three required difficulty elements
• Attendance consistency at the increased hours
• Attitude, coachability, and performance under pressure
The competitive year
Events & Competitions
The Aerobics calendar follows British Gymnastics scheduling. Events range from first RAC regional competitions through to FIG international championships. Exact dates confirmed by BG each season.
Throughout the year
Regional Age Category
RAC gymnasts – first competition experience.
Spring / Autumn
National Age Category
NAC gymnasts – AG1 & AG2 individual and partnership.
End of season
National Championships
FIG & Performance Team – national finals.
Throughout the year
Aerodance Events
NAC & FIG eligible gymnasts – group performances.
By invitation
FIG International Championships
Performance Team – FIG invitation only.
Pre-competition attendance requirements
Full attendance in the weeks immediately prior to competition is required. Gymnasts who miss sessions in this window will not be entered, regardless of reason.
RAC
3 weeks full attendance required before competition. No planned absences in this period.
NAC
4 weeks full attendance required before competition. Partnership gymnasts must both attend all sessions.
FIG & Performance
6 weeks full attendance required. No exceptions except unavoidable family events (wedding, funeral). Speak to Zanna before booking anything.
Competition etiquette
Parents are not permitted in the warm-up or competition area. Do not attempt to communicate with gymnasts during warm-up or competition. Photography and video may only be taken where competition organisers explicitly permit it.
Gymnasts must arrive in competition attire; BGC competition leotard, aerobic tights, plain white socks, club tracksuit, hair styled and secured, water bottle, and healthy snacks ready.
What to bring, what to wear
Attire & Equipment
Aerobic Gymnastics has specific kit requirements. Everything below is required, not optional; please have all items in place before your first session.
Training sessions
BGC Podium or Training Leotard with Aerobic Tights. Hair fully secured off the face. Aerobic Trainers (specialist shoes) are required for all sessions; standard trainers are not suitable. Gymnasts aged 9+ use 0.5kg ankle weights as part of conditioning work.
Competition day
RAC / NAC AG1: BGC Club Competition Leotard. FIG / NAC AG2 / Senior: leotard of gymnast's choice (approved by Zanna). All gymnasts: Aerobic Tights (carry a spare), plain white socks, BGC Performance Tracksuit for medal ceremonies, hair accessories, water bottle, healthy snacks.
Training kit – every session
• Aerobic Trainers (specialist aerobic shoes)
• BGC Podium or Training Leotard with Aerobic Tights
• Ankle Weights 0.5kg (gymnasts aged 9+)
• Skipping Rope (personal rope for conditioning)
• Yoga Blocks × 2 (flexibility & conditioning)
• Elastic Dynoband × 1 (resistance work)
• Fabric Dynoband × 1 (flexibility & warm-up)
• Knee Pads (floor conditioning)
• Wrist Supports (if needed for conditioning)
• Water Bottle (no glass)
Always apply
• Hair fully secured, off the face, grips in kit bag
• No jewellery; including earrings and rings
• Nails kept short, apparatus safety
• No baggy clothing, leotard and tights only
• No phones in the gym, even during breaks
• No filming other gymnasts, no taking or sharing
All personal equipment should be labelled. Items in poor condition (torn dynobands, worn knee pads) should be replaced promptly. Worn equipment creates unnecessary injury risk.
How we train together
Rules & Expectations
Aerobics demands energy, focus, and total commitment in every session. These expectations protect the gymnast, the team, and the training environment.
Arrive on time, prepared
Be in the gym and ready to start at the session start time, not arriving at it. Equipment in your bag, hair secured, shoes on. Arriving late disrupts warm-up, increases injury risk, and wastes shared training time.
Training focus & effort
Give full effort throughout every session; warm-up, conditioning, flexibility, and routine work. Never stop early during conditioning because it feels hard. Coaches will push you. That is the point.
Routine quality & performance
Know your routine. Practise at home where appropriate. Every run-through should be treated as competition; full performance quality, full intensity, full expression. Slowing down or stopping during a run-through must be flagged to your coach immediately.
Attendance & communication
Training times are fixed. Absences kept to a minimum and communicated to Zanna as early as possible. Pre-competition attendance windows are non-negotiable. If a holiday may clash with competition windows, speak to Zanna before booking.
Nutrition, rest & recovery
Aerobic Gymnastics is high-intensity. Eat well, sleep enough to support training loads. Eat at least one hour before a session. Avoid high-sugar foods before training. Hydration during sessions is essential, water only. Recovery days are part of the programme.
Parent & guardian expectations
Support your gymnast's commitment positively. Negative comments about coaches, other gymnasts, or selection decisions in reception, on social media, or in group chats are not acceptable. Fundraising is shared; gymnasts and families participate in club events and fundraising where possible.
Who to contact & how
Communication Channels
Use the right channel for each type of query. Coaches check messages between sessions; please do not expect instant replies during training hours, evenings, or weekends.
Head Coach – Zanna Woods
Training and pathway questions, competition queries, squad matters, selection, absences, and all programme matters. Zanna is your primary point of contact for everything Aerobics-related.
zanna.woods@basingstokegym.co.ukWelfare & concerns
Safeguarding, welfare, or any concern you wish to raise confidentially. The welfare team is independent from the coaching staff and all communications are treated with full discretion.
welfare@basingstokegym.co.ukUrgent – same day
Late arrivals, early collections, or time-sensitive matters during opening hours only. For concerns or issues, always use email, not social media or late-night messages.
01256 352858 (front desk)Social – Aerobics community
Club social pages for Aerobics updates, event photos, and community news. For official queries or concerns, always use email, not social media comments or direct messages.
Facebook & Instagram: Basingstoke AerobicsBe prompt
Communicate absences early; it is difficult for coaches to access messages during training. Early notice allows session plans to be adjusted.
Reasonable hours
Please do not send messages after 9pm. Coaches have lives outside the gym and need to rest. Overnight messages will be seen the following morning.
Use email for concerns
All concerns and issues must be raised via email, not Facebook, Instagram, or any social media. This ensures they can be properly addressed and documented.
WhatsApp community groups
For time-sensitive logistics; late arrivals, absences, and short-notice changes. Not for concerns or complaints; those go to Zanna by email. Joining is not compulsory. If you are unsure which group your gymnast belongs to, email Zanna.
Parents' meetings
Zanna holds periodic meetings to discuss the season, selection, pathway expectations, and any concerns. Nutrition, wellbeing, and competition preparation sessions are also held during the year. Dates are communicated by email and posted to the WhatsApp community.
Costs & how to pay
Fees & Invoicing
Aerobics involves costs beyond training fees. Here is a clear breakdown of what to expect across the year so there are no surprises.
Training fees
Based on weekly sessions, invoiced through Xero at the start of each term. Create a free Xero Me account to view, track, and pay online, preferred method.
Financial assistance available in confidence: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk.
Fee queries
For invoicing questions or to discuss a payment plan, contact our Finance Manager: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk
Please get in touch before the payment due date; we would much rather resolve it early than deal with an overdue balance.
Kit & additional costs
BGC Club Competition Leotard (RAC / NAC AG1)~£85
Aerobic Trainers (specialist aerobic shoes)~£70
Personal training equipment (skipping rope, blocks, dynobands, knee pads)Varies
British Gymnastics annual membershipPaid direct to BG
Regional competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry~£20–100
National / FIG competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry~£40–100
Travel & accommodation (if applicable)At cost
Competition entries and kit are invoiced separately via Xero. Only gymnasts selected for a competition are charged entry fees. Changes after an organiser's deadline may not be refundable; see our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
You've already agreed; this pack is just here to help
By booking your child into the Aerobics squad through our online portal, you've agreed to the Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.
The squad commitments described in this pack (pre-competition attendance windows, selection policy, attire requirements, three-month RAC→NAC probation) are the standards you've signed up to by joining Aerobics. There's nothing to sign or return.
One month's written notice is required to leave the squad; fees continue during the notice period.