Team GB gymnast turns acrobatics coach to boost children’s confidence

She launched Kim Lyon Acrobats Academy at the beginning of 2024 coaching children in acrobatics, strength work and flexibility.

Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Kim tells us how the sessions help boost children’s confidence and mental health and how important it is for children to have a smile on their face.

If you would like your business to feature as Business or Trader of the Week, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Kim Lyon is a former member of Team GB gynastics

What’s the name of business?

Kim Lyon Acrobats Academy

What’s the address?

4 Longton Lane Rainhill L35 4LQ

Are you the owner

Yes, I am the owner.

When did you open the business?

I rebranded this year in January 2024.

Has it always been in the same location?

Yes, but I also rent the 4F Centre in Rainhill of a weekend now as numbers are increasing by the week. The 4F centre is outstanding and it is literally over the road from my own studio.

READ MORE:

Meet the chef turned PT going from healthy meals to healthy bodies

Tell me a bit about the business. What do you do?

I coach children acrobatics, strength work, flexibility and confidence building. With my strong background as an ex-GB gymnast, I go above and beyond to help these children as much as I can. I run acro camps all over the school holidays. Not only is this keeping your children active but they’re having a good time while doing it. Learning new tricks and skills and just seeing the children’s confidence grow is a big thing for me. I wasn’t the most confident of kids growing up so I know how it feels but give me two minutes with your children and they will feel like they have always been here with me. I also offer private sessions for children wanting to focus on certain routines when big competitions are coming up or if they are wanting to improve on their flexibility or certain tricks. I do think there is a lot of pressure on the younger generation and if I can give them any kind of advice it would to just be your own unique self and your talent will shine through.

Were you open before/during/ after the Covid-19 pandemic? How did it affect your business?

I was open before the pandemic for a few years then sadly had to shut. Of course, I was worried but I couldn’t just sit around and wait so I started working in the background, knowing that minute we all got the go ahead to re-open I would come back with a bang!

READ MORE:

Newton-le-Willows dance classes boost confidence, creativity and mental health

What sets you apart from other businesses in the same field?

I think I stand out from anyone in the same field as me because not only do I have the knowledge but I also have experienced what most of these young children want to do. A lot of the children look up to me and say I would love to do what you have done. I will always answer back in the same way - show me your dedication and your passion and you will be halfway there.

Kim's classes help boost strength and flexibility as well as confidence

Why do loyal customers keep returning to your business?

Loyal customers return because I truly believe that I offer an outstanding service for their children. You need to remember that each child comes to me for different things. If I can make that one child leave with a big smile on their face then I know I have done my job properly.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

I have a big vision and that is that this time next year I will have a bigger premises filled with unbelievably talented athletes in the making. Let’s help the kids grow!