On Balance, a Quirky Gym

Agile as a cat, a man in his 60s quickly climbs a 20-foot rope. Nearby, another older man dizzyingly swings on a high bar. On the spacious, gray floor, three muscular young men practice martial arts. Near the door, a youngster does a half-flip onto a dusty, red mat, much to the delight of his friends.

Welcome to the Valley College gymnastics center on Ethel Avenue near Burbank Boulevard. Though nothing fancy, the gymnasium is an inexpensive oasis for athletes who wish to practice gymnastics or practically any other type of acrobatic activity.

The cost: $2.

The gym, which is on the Valley College campus, is believed to be the only facility of its kind in the region.

There are no age limits, costly coaches, or youngsters struggling to become Olympians. This facility is more for the light-hearted athlete or beginners who simply have their heart set on giving something a try.

Much of the apparatus--including mats, balance beams, high bars and rings--are well-worn. The gym does not have air conditioning, but it’s high ceilings are desirable for jugglers and rhythmic gymnasts.

So too are the gym’s hours.

On Tuesdays and Fridays it is open to gymnasts and martial art practitioners from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. it is reserved for jugglers who pay a $1 fee.

“It’s very entertaining because we have people on unicycles, people juggling machetes and all kinds of balls,” said Mike Washlake, who runs the gym’s open workouts. “A lot of times people just come to watch them.”

A former Cal State Northridge gymnast, Washlake works as a Hollywood stuntman and also teaches gymnastics classes at the gym twice a week. His students include Hollywood stuntmen, dancers and actors from the television show “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”

Washlake estimates about 200 people use the gym each week. An average of 30 use the facility each Tuesday and Thursday. The facility is extremely popular with gymnasts because it is the only venue in the area so affordable and accessible.

“It seems if you’re not a young gymnast being trained for the Olympics there’s nowhere to work out,” said Sanford Werner, a 64-year-old geologist from Canoga Park who competed in gymnastics at Los Angeles City College and UCLA. “It’s good to have a place to go, to keep gymnastics alive.”

Werner appreciates the camaraderie among gymnasts as much as he does the access to the equipment.

“I really love coming here because we inspire each other, criticize each other and encourage each other,” he said. “It keeps me going.”

A 67-year-old former dancer, a couple of lawyers, a private eye, a landscaper and a pilot are among those who participate in the gymnastics program. The programs also are popular with children.

“It offers kids alternatives to being out on the street, and for adults it’s a great way to exercise,” said Gregg Carpenter, an instructor. “We even get cheerleaders in here practicing.”

The gym has been open to the public for more than 10 years. Valley annually holds a Senior Olympics gymnastics meet for those who want to test their skills in a competitive setting. It is open to men and women ages 20 to 65.

Washlake says the event provides incentive for many of the gymnasts to continue practicing.

“I’ve been associated with gymnastics at this school for more than 20 years and it’s very popular,” he said.

Washlake has done stunt work in the movies “Blade Runner” and “American Anthem.” He recently completed work in an upcoming film starring Leslie Nielsen.

Occasionally, Washlake gets on the rings or bars while running a workout at Valley. Lately, however, he says his body has felt worn out from doing stunts. He says Valley is an ideal place for someone like him to have a good time flipping and swinging.

“This place is great and it isn’t even advertised,” he said. “It’s all word-of-mouth, but if it were advertised I’m sure we’d be packed every night.”

Many of the regulars agree. They can’t imagine where else they’d go for their workouts.

“I guess I would be lost without this place,” Werner said.