Get to know your coach: Dan Hammond

Here at Gymfinity Kids, we have a large team of coaches who are highly trained and have copious amounts of experience across various industries to bring the skills and expertise to their classes. Our coaching experts have around 400 years of experience between them, and they have all helped hone the training offered at our clubs that span from Cambridge down to Maidstone.  

An integral part of our team is the Squad and Events Coordinator, Dan Hammond, who helps the Head of Product, Lily Rees, create fun, inspiring events and competitions across all nine clubs. From masterclasses and crash courses to Squad events and gymnast/ninja competitions, Dan helps bring these to life and ensure that all children and parents involved have the best experience possible. He has also been coaching the Gymnastic Squads at our Cambridge club for the past 3.5 years. 

We caught Dan in his very busy schedule to ask some questions so you can get to know him a bit better and hear all about the journey that has got him to where he is today at Gymfinity Kids. 

Get to know your coach: Dan Hammond 

How did you get into the world of gymnastics? 

From a very young age, I was an active child and loved throwing myself around. My parents could see I had potential if I channelled this energy into skills, so they booked me into gymnastics, and I absolutely loved it! 

After about 5 years in training, the class I attended unfortunately stopped, so then I took up breakdance. This became my new passion and I competed and performed internationally. I began teaching breakdancing from the age of 12 years and this interest soon edged into Parkour.  

Outside of dancing, I’d often practice Parkour flips outside, climbing up walls and jumping in bushes. My gymnastics and breakdance experience helped me adapt to Parkour very quickly but dance and gymnastics always remained at the forefront of my life. 

My experience now spans from a full-time dancer and choreographer, musician, supporting artist for television and film, gymnastics coach with The Little Gym… and a science teacher! It’s quite a wide breadth of experience but they all feed into each other and have helped me get to where I am today. 

What is it about breakdancing, gymnastics and Parkour that you love? 

I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker and adrenaline junkie – these sports completely tick my boxes! I’ve always loved superheroes, and gymnastics and acrobatics truly make me feel like I can fly. The freedom of movement and discovering the capabilities of your body is truly amazing. 

What have these sports contributed to your life? 

I’ve met so many incredible and interesting people during my career. Especially at Gymfinity Kids – it’s inspiring to be surrounded by a team that cares so passionately about the children and their coaching. 

I find the teaching aspect so fulfilling as I know how these sports can contribute so much to general fitness and lifestyle. From coordination to just being physically able, staying active can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. It really helps keep your energy and stamina sky-high. 

What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome? 

My biggest hurdle has had to be injuries. I’m still keen to train, progress and learn new skills but I’m accepting that my body isn’t quite how it was when I was young!  

I had knee surgery in 2021 and was told it would never be the same again. I was devastated by the news, but I dedicated a lot of time to physio and strengthening. I’ve now got to the point where it doesn’t affect me too much, but that experience was a strong life lesson about perseverance and the importance of rest and recovery. 

How did you get into gymnastics and ninja coaching at Gymfinity Kids? 

I was looking for a part-time job between university terms a few years ago and discovered Gymfinity Kids. As it covers the two sports I absolutely love (Gymnastics and Ninja/Parkour) and have plentiful experience in, it was perfect for me! Especially as I have always done well teaching and working with children.  

How did you get to be Squad and Events Coordinator at Gymfinity Kids? 

I worked through my British Gymnastics Level 1 and Level 2 on my own time and then went on to do my IGA Level 3 with Gymfinity Kids. 

I started as a part-time beginner coach at the Cambridge club, and gradually progressed through intermediate and advanced levels, picking up hours along the way until I was coaching full-time. I then became a Lead Coach when the role was first created, and then onto Programme Manager of the Cambridge club.  

This year, I’ve taken on the role of Squad and Events Coordinator for Gymfinity Kids which I’m very excited about. All of this happened in less than four years – it’s been a wild ride! 

Do you have any advice for someone who’s child is interested in starting at Gymfinity Kids? 

Gymfinity Kids is a great place for children as it has a good balance of fun and opportunities for hard work and progression. We’ve seen children grow and progress extremely quickly, develop sky-high self-confidence, make new friends, compete and even become young Gymfinity workers and coaches themselves. It’s such a great environment for all.  

My best advice is to book a free taster session and come see a Gymfinity club for yourself! You never know where our classes could take your child.  

How do you support the children at the clubs during your coaching? 

I believe the coach-gymnasts relationship is such an important one. Especially when you spend 9 hours per week with them like I do with my Academy Team.  

Coaching is so much more than just teaching the children skills; it’s being aware of their physical and mental health and making the gym a happy place where they feel safe and supported. That’s when you really see the kids flourish and achieve great things! 

Thank you so much for your time, Dan! We can’t wait for the next events and competitions.