★ 5

Amazing gym, and even better staff. They truly care about the girls in the gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place has been a game changer for my 2 girls. The team is dedicated to working with each kiddo on their skills. The staff are ALL AMAZING, from the time you walk in the door. All the parents are welcoming and just happy to be sharing the experience with you. I love this Gym and so do my girls!! So, thankful everyday we came here.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

My daughter formerly went to a different gymnastics place and as soon as she switched here her improvements were immediate and incredible. The coaches work hard to make sure they are reaching their full potential, and it has really been a confidence boost for her.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We started out with Mountain West in 2021. Our daughter was in their Flip Stars Rec program. This program developed her shapes and skills tremendously over a short period and was the perfect way for her to get the feel of gymnastics life! She just completed her first year of the developmental program, competing at a level 3. The amount of growth - drive - strength - (the list goes on) that she is finishing the season with is staggering. All the coaches bring discipline, heart, and endless about of love to each and every athlete. Best Gym around if you want your daughter to not only become an athlete but also a well rounded human with confidence, respect, and drive! We Love our Mtn. West Gymnastics Family!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son loves his Gymnastics classes. It's very friendly and he is learning so much.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

My daughter has been coming to this gym for a little over a year now. She has tried out a few different classes with different coaches & I can honestly say I have been so happy and pleased with all of them. She has been able to continue training in the sport she loves the most, with amazing coaches who push her to succeed. She's always excited to go to her classes and be with her gym sisters and coaches. I am so thankful we found this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m so thankful for the experience my daughter is having at Mountain West Gymnastics! The coaches support and push her to reach her goals in a fun, loving, and encouraging way. Her confidence is growing and with hard work she is achieving her goals! The coaches and new owners are top notch. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love this place very kind and welcoming

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★ 5

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★ 1

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★ 5

We love Mountain West! The front desk staff are amazing and very welcoming. They get just as excited about my daughter doing something new as I do. Then the couches are awesome and very encouraging!

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

I love this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

We have been apart of Mountain West for almost a year now and I have to tell you that we found our HOME! My daughter loves gymnastics and has been doing it for almost 4 years now. When we moved to Boise, ID we were nervous about finding a gym that was right for us. We did a lot of shopping around and as soon as we walked into Mountain West, my daughter and I knew we found the place to call HOME! As soon as we walked in we were greeted with happy smiles! All the coaches and owners make my daughter feel like she is a part of the family. The Staff and Owners are all friendly and willing to help all the kids with whatever they need! Rick and Heidi are amazing gym owners and put the girls needs first. They are always giving tips to the kids to help them get better and improve. This is such a great place for kids who love gymnastics.

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been apart of the Mountain West family for almost 2 years now. We have 2 competitive gymnasts at the gym and spend a lot of hours there! The owners do a beautiful job of keeping the gym clean and family friendly. Rick and Heidi both are so sweet to take the time to explain things to us as parents.
The coaching staff there goes above and beyond every practice!! You can see their love for the sport and their dedication to the girls. One of the main reasons we chose MW was their long term vision for gymnasts. Their attention to safety, detail and form surpass the other gyms we have looked into for the Boise area.
We are so grateful for such an incredible gym opportunity in this area. Both of our girls love gymnastics and love their gym. There is never any fight from them to go to gym, they count down the days until the next practice!

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches are really nice, well set out leotard racks, easy registration, great quality equipment. It’s just a really good place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am editing my original post since it has been a little over a year from original post and some things have changed. My daughter had trained and competed with Mountain West for 6 years now, with 2 serious breaks from unrelated health issues. We have loved and trusted the coaching staff and their care throughout the years with navigating and training through serious health challenges. After retiring from the sport 2 times my daughter had decided to come back, twice. I offered for her to look around at other gyms both times if she had desired, she said, “NO way!” She is back at Mountain West for her 3rd time and happier than ever! But this time she’s coaching and giving back. My son who also was a level 10 gymnast trained elsewhere has worked at Mountain West for 2 years since retiring. And so far no one has been able to pull him from his job a Mountain West. He loves it too! My kids are two different people and personalities and trained at 2 different gyms for years. Hmm, imagine that both working at the same gym in town. I think that speaks volumes. All I have to say about any negative reviews is that every person has a different experience based upon their personal life, emotion and who they click with as far as work ethic. Coming from a mom who has been a gym mom for 15 years, 4 gyms, 3 kids in gymnastics, countless injuries and crying days, I’ve got 2 healthy kids who love working at Mountain West, I’d say take it from me, they are worth a shot! 😀

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter is happily returning to Mountain West gymnastics after some unrelated health issues. She can't wait to be back in the gym and train with Rick again. It is here where she knows she will learn to be strengthened where she is weak, make goals and succeed.

Source: Google

★ 1

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★ 5

Hands down, the best gym in the treasure valley! If you are looking for an "Elite Level" Gym, then Mountain West is where it's at. Great coaches and facilities. My daughter loves the gym, trains hard, never complains and loves being on the podium. Thank you Mountain West!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

I believe that everyone should remember there are 2 sides to every story when reading these reviews.

Source: Google

★ 1

I find now more than ever it is the time to stand up against bullies. I don’t feel afraid anymore because I can stand in solidarity with others, knowing I am not alone. I know others who are still afraid to say anything about Mountain West due to fear of retaliation. I hope we can all say how we feel without fear.

Having said that I would caution anyone wanting to attend this gym. It is a toxic environment. The head coach is all about ego. If your child does not perform, at practice or at meets they will be treated poorly. They will be made to feel less than strictly based off their performance. It is not only their gymnastics that is criticized, it is the athlete personally. I would like to remind parents that Gymnastics will end, however the mental abuse will have lasting consequences.

I have seen the gymnasts be ranked from best to worst, in front of everyone. I have watched them get kicked off events and told to do excessive amounts of rope climbs and pull ups. I have witnessed the light and love for Gymnastics be chased out of these little girls. This has lead to several hard working and talented gymnasts quitting the sport.

I have coached for 15 years. I have traveled around the country to many top gyms. I have coached successfully, tops athletes, though to level 10 and pre elite. This gym does not treat the athletes like any of those gyms. It led to me quitting, and no longer wanting to coach in Boise. I could not be a part of a gym that treated athletes that way. In a society where little girl are constantly scrutinized and belittled. Find somewhere else to go, find somewhere that not only creates good gymnasts, but empowers them as people.

Please consider other gyms. Mountain West is not the place to go.

Source: Google

★ 1

My two daughters were on Mountain West’s competitive team for four years competing levels 5 through 9. This experience for my daughters and my entire family was extremely negative. Competitive sport, particularly for young ladies, should build confidence, teamwork and pride. Our experience with Mountain West and with head coach and owner Rick Bonnell created the antithesis of this. My daughters are now training level 10 at Bronco Elite Gymnastics under head coach and owner Brandon Paine. Thanks to the coaches and teammates at Bronco Elite, my daughters have found their voices, confidence and strength – all of which were lost in the negative, degrading environment of Mountain West Gymnastics. It is so sad that young ladies in our community are subjected to the negative ideals of this gym. Thank you Brandon and your Bronco Elite team for building my daughters back up and showing them what teamwork and competitive sport are truly about.

After leaving Mountain West June 2016, we wanted nothing more than to move on to a more positive supportive environment. Gymnastics is such an extremely short time in the lives of these young ladies and we are more than aware that far more important priorities and life experiences await our daughters.

Unfortunately, Rick Bonnell’s intimidation, bullying and harassment continued well after our departure from his gym. The remarks he has made to his parents, coaches and athletes about our daughters and family are atrocious. He bullies by letting families, coaches and athletes know that if you leave his gym, horrendous gossip and disparaging remarks will follow. Since my daughters left his gym, Rick Bonnell has pulled coaches from my daughters new gym aside at meets and made further disparaging comments to them about my daughters. He showed up at a local meet December 2017 without any of his own competitors on the floor, sat in the stands with his own athletes and scoffed at falls and challenges of the competitors. Rick Bonnell then proceeded to VIDEOTAPE our girls competing during their routines. He had to be asked by the meet director to stop videotaping. My daughter asked me on the drive home from that December 2017 meet “What is Rick going to do with his videotape of us? Show it to his gym to further humiliate us?”

Two weeks later, after going out of our way for almost 2 years to leave Mountain West behind us, I contacted USAG and knew I had no choice but to stand up for my daughters and do the right thing. The young ladies in our community deserve so much better.

Tonya Kuhn

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained at Mountain West from 2013-2016 and coached both recreational and team gymnasts from 2015-May 2018. Mountain West Gymnastics treats every athlete with respect and aims to help every athlete reach their goals. In 2015, I had a devastating neck injury and through the support from Coach/Owner Rick Bonnell, I was able to return back to gymnastics and reach my goal of qualifying to Westerns. Rick Bonnell really cares about all of his athletes. One of his main focuses is the athletes’ health, as he tries to prevent injuries. Injuries are bound to happen and Rick adjusts their training to accommodate these injuries until they are healed.
Before practicing at Mountain West, my love for gymnastics was fading, however, deciding to switch to MWG was the best choice I made, as it allowed me to regain my passion and desire for the sport. Rick Bonnell is so passionate about gymnastics and is always striving to make Idaho gymnastics better. With this, he is always implementing new ideas and techniques that will allow for the athletes to become their best. He also takes the gymnasts to competitions outside of the region so they can experience a higher level of competition. This gym has a positive environment that will allow for any gymnast to thrive and succeed in!

I find it very upsetting that these 1 star reviews are coming from people who left the gym over 3 years ago. Every gym is not fit for every gymnast and you have to find the one where you feel like you belong. It’s a shame they are trying to ruin the reputation of one gym because they did not feel this gym was fit for them.

Source: Google

★ 5

My best friend thrived here!!!! Best gym in treasure valley!

Source: Google

★ 1

My four years at Mountain West Gymnastics resulted in a negative experience that I will never forget. Everyday I was terrified of getting screamed at for not doing something right. More often than not, I would come home crying not wanting to go back. I thought that this was all part of the sport but it is indeed not. Rick Bonnell would scream so loudly that the whole gym would stop and stare, as the person he was yelling at would just stand there terrified. Gymnastics is supposed to be about building confidence and self esteem, but that was not the priority at Mountain West. Your performance and score defined you as a person, not your personality or sportsmanship.

I am not proud of the person I was while I was training at Mountain West. I thought that athletes from other gyms were not as good as me and I had a negative attitude towards other gyms. We were not allowed to cheer on other people from different gyms while they were competing, (but at Bronco Elite, the gym I am currently training at, we are encouraged to cheer on other athletes from all different gyms). Rick would talk poorly of other teams and athletes at competitions while they were competing. He did not encourage us when times were tough, but scoffed and degraded us.

Rick did not treat his athletes with respect or dignity. He favorited one person one minute and as soon as they messed up, he would move on to the next. He is very selfish and puts others down to feed his own ego. I was treated very poorly and always believed it was just because I wasn’t good enough. He never took responsibility and was never open to new ideas.

I still struggle with everything that has happened but now I am training at Bronco Elite gymnastics, with loving and supporting teammates and coaches. I am so grateful for being on such an amazing team with amazing people. Bronco Elite Gymnastics has helped me restore my love for the sport realize that there is a lot more to life than winning. Bronco has taught me that sportsmanship, being kind to others, and being a team are essential to being successful, none of which I found at Mountain West.

I would NOT recommend Mountain West to anyone, and thank you to coach Brandon Paine and Bronco Elite Gymnastics for showing me what this sport is truly about.

Source: Google

★ 1

I attended Mountain West for 6 months after moving across the country from Cincinnati, Ohio. I did gymnastics for 9 years prior at one of the most renown gyms in the nation. After attempting to qualify elite and coming off an injury, I was excited for a fresh start at a new gym, which was I understood could fulfill my dreams of becoming an elite gymnast. My mom had previously visited Mountain West and met with the owner and coach, Rick Bonnell who claimed he was very qualified to coach elites, even though he had zero experience. Excited about Mountain West and my future, I at first tried to brush off the fact that Rick did not really seem to know what he was talking about. Because of Rick’s lack of knowledge and inability to coach high level gymnasts, I failed to improve and in fact, went down hill. Full aware of my lack of improvement, I told Rick that wished to compete level 10 alone. After this, Rick made it very obvious that I crushed his dreams and no longer cared about coaching me, due to the fact that I could not give him anything in return. After that point, I was nothing to him. I was ignored at practice, refused when asking for a spot or help, rarely given corrections, and grunted and scoffed at when I made a mistake.
My main issue with Mountain West is not that the coaches are unqualified, but rather with the character and environment Rick Bonnell produces. Rick was never there for me, he was there for himself, he wanted to parade around with me and attribute all success to himself. He was only concerned about winning, not the athletes. A coach is supposed to fulfill the athletes desires, not their own. The day before I quit, I was at a meet where Rick “accidently” set the vaulting table two notches too high, resulting in myself crashing head first into the table and receiving a good chuckle from Rick, who was not concerned or apologetic at all. After I quit, Rick told the other athletes that he kicked me out of his gym, not that I left because of his abusive coaching style.
I was never afraid of Rick because I never respected him. He gossiped, lied, blamed, and never admitted his faults or took responsibility when something went wrong. I could go on and on with many examples of negative events happening, but I will leave you with this. I loved the sport, so much that I endured all the injuries, time, and sacrifices that gymnastics costs. I did that because I truly loved it. After attending Mountain West I am nothing, but bitter towards the sport and and can only pick out the bad, the terrible negative lifestyle I was living while at Mountain West. I have been able to recover from this unhealthy environment and am now happily involved in another sport with an amazing, selfless coach. I am able to enjoy going to practice, trust my coach, and recognize just how terribly I was treated at Mountain West.

Source: Google

★ 1

Our 9 year old daughter trained at Mountain West Level 3 for one year. In that year, we saw her love of gymnastics decline to the point she did not want to go to practice or even jump on the trampoline. All of the coaches were very hard (often yelling and degrading or belittling the girls) on the girls, with many crying during practice. At first, being new to gymnastics, we thought that this was "normal" coaching was normal for JO gymnastics. During the year, we didn't realize how bad it had gotten until the state meet when she fell off the beam during her routine and Rick would not allow her to sit with the rest of her teammates. We switched gyms and saw her love of gymnastics return. She can't wait to go to practice, is practicing skills at home, and her skills have increased. She definitely responds to a more positive environment.

Source: Google

★ 1

I trained at Mountain West as a level 9 going into my Junior year of high school, because I thought that the "high-caliber coaching" I had been hearing about at past competitions would help bring my gymnastics, work ethic, and character to a whole new level (enough to get a college scholarship). I was aware of Rick's state-wide reputation, but thought that I would be able to handle it, and it was just a form strict coaching. What I got, though, was endless practices filled with fear that I would get yelled at for "not being good enough," or be compared to my teammates. While my teammates and I did our best to look out for and support one another (which I will be forever grateful for), we were always trying to outperform the other, receive praise instead of rope climbs...and I did 21 in a row once for expressing my condolences (before the start of an event rotation) to a teammate whose family member had passed away.

I noticed myself being more on-edge, walking into meets convinced I was one of the best and taking on a "holier than thou" attitude (when I usually loved cheering for girls from other teams in my rotation group), and always worried I would do something that would result in getting yelled at. I pride myself in being a hard but smart worker in the gym, yet I ended up doing so many repetitions that I permanently stress-fractured my back. At competitions, if the girls were not doing well (especially on the Uneven Bars), Coach Rick would throw mats around, ignore girls who fell or scored poorly rather than build them up, and talk negatively about the other coaches to parents during the meets. After I chose to not compete at a competition for religious purposes, I was mocked behind my back, and found out from another teammate who relayed the scenario to me while laughing. I am not proud of the person I was being shaped into at Mountain West: saying things about the gym out of a severe fear that I would be punished if I didn't, focusing on the "I" instead of my team, and doing the sport I LOVE out of fear instead of passion.

I left Mountain West shortly after the season was over, and found I had lost a lot of the fire I had for the sport. The first competition of my Senior year, Rick and his team showed up to watch, even though none of his athletes were competing. I remember going into the bathroom and having a full panic-attack, minutes before I was supposed to start warm ups, because I knew Rick was there to intimidate us and show his girls that "the other Idaho teams sucked" (even though this meet was in November, two months out from the normal competitive season)...and here I was at 17 years-old letting him get to me.

Now, as a Division 1 collegiate athlete, I am able to once again do the sport I love, and I wouldn't be where I am without the incredible coaches at Bronco Elite Gymnastics. They helped me to once again rediscover the sport I love, and aided me in making my collegiate dreams a reality. They taught me that smart hard work is important, your coaches are your allies, and attitude is everything. In the long run, it doesn't matter what scores you got, if you fell or hit your routine, or if you made the medal podium: what really matters is being able to look back and KNOW that you did everything you could, had fun, and were an outstanding team member that the other gyms and athletes wished they had.

Your mental, emotional, and physical health are essential to your success in gymnastics, and I did not find that at Mountain West.

Source: Google

★ 1

My daughter trained at Mountain West Gymnastics as a level 9/10. She said that after only a few short months, she was performing out of fear instead of love for the sport. The lack of camaraderie and sportsmanship was appalling. We witnessed the owner, Rick Bonnell, throwing multiple tantrums at meets when the gymnasts didn't perform up to his expectations. At one out of state meet, he actually threw a mat and the springs from a springboard. The antics in his own gym, out of the public eye, were much worse. He degraded the gymnasts and other coaches (behind their backs) to the girls. Fortunately, we moved to a different gym where my daughter regained her love of the sport and went on to compete at the collegiate level. Mountain West does not provide the positive environment emotionally, physically, or mentally these young athletes need and deserve. There are much more positive and successful gyms in the area with longer track records of proven results.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

My daughter has tried many gyms here in Boise. Rick and his team were the first to actually encourage and support her in her dream. She has learned some awesome life skills such as how to work hard for what you want . The staff also make it a safe place to dream. The Mountain West team is truly a great gymnastics family and we are very proud to be apart of it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm 13 years old and I went to Mountain West for almost 5 years. When I first tried out for team I immediately fell in love with everything there. The coaches, the environment, and the people I was surrounded by. I honestly have no words to describe my experience. Everybody has their gym, and Mountain West was mine. All of the coaches and friends I made there were so supportive. I don't know what I would do without them. Over the years, I have had multiple health issues and injuries unrelated to gym. But with all of that, everyone in the gym believed in me, even when I couldn't move my arm or neck for 8 months, or when I had a hole in my stomach. Nobody ever stopped inspiring me to do my best. Gymnastics was my happy place. I was pushed to my limit. I dearly miss the sport and everyone at Mountain West. I am proud to say that I loved each and every moment I spent there. MW is like family and I love everyone there. I would definitely recommend Mountain West to anyone who has desire to become one of the best, most driven, inspired gymnasts out there. Thank you mountain west for teaching me everything I know!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter Emily has trained with Rick at Mountain West since she was seven years old and she is now seventeen. She is going to be a senior this year and is being recruited by several colleges and will be going on official visits to multiple colleges this fall to make her dream of
competing in college a reality. She is a level 10 and has had a very successful gymnastics career at Mountain West. She was a state champion at levels five, six and seven and has qualified for regionals every year starting at level 8 (the first year you can attend regionals) as well as representing the state of Idaho both at the level 7 National Judges Cup and the level 8 Idaho All-Star team. She made Western Nationals at level 9 and JO Nationals at level 10. This year only two girls from the state of Idaho went to JO Nationals and they were both from Mountain West. This is a competitive gym and a good fit if you are serious about your sport and competing at the college level and outside of the state. Rick has been an amazing coach and mentor to Emily and she has spent a decade working with him and is looking forward to her senior year and competing in college.

Source: Google

★ 5

The time I spent training at Mountain West Gymnastics was one of the most positive I have ever had. This is a gym I would recommend to anyone looking for a fantastic place to do the sport they love.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has trained at Mountain West for the past 5 years. Our experience has been nothing short of great! Her ability and love for the sport has increased every year. She has learned and experienced how hard work, perseverance, integrity, sportsmanship, and working as a team creates success - not just in sports but in all aspects of life. I would highly recommend Rick and his coaching staff. A team dedicated to helping their athletes grow into strong and disciplined individuals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mountain west is a one of a kind gym with amazing staff. The whole gym has great vibes and always gives a positive attitude. Staff really care about the gymnasts health and safety. With a very hard working environment it is hard to make it fun for the gymnasts, mountain west has got that down. Mountain west is very safe and fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

I did gymnastics here for years and I never had a negative experience. I got to compete for something bigger than myself and the coaches taught me so much about what it means to be a competitive athlete. Even though I don’t compete anymore, the lessons I learned helped me further my athletic career in softball. I made so many great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend Mountain west!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing Staff!!! Always gave me confidence and supported me! 10/10

Source: Google

★ 5

FUN + LEARNING

Mountain West Gymnastics is a unique and one of a kind gym. It’s hard to incorporate fun and life lessons into one package, but Mountain West nails it perfectly! There coaches and staffing are great. To be honest, gymnastics is one of the best sports to put you child into. It includes many lessons that don’t just contribute to your gymnastics career but life, school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Source: Google

★ 5

awesome coaching, great facility! highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 1

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★ 1

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★ 5

Phenomenal Gym and coaching staff that provides organized/structured classes and premier coaching techniques for all levels. My daughter garnered many life lessons, always felt safe, had fun working hard, and met some of the greatest friends she will ever have. By far, the best gym in the state with multiple nationally ranked gymnasts and state championship wins. Go to Mt West, they're the best! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Source: Google

★ 5

Great staff and coaches. Both my girls love the focused attention they've received. Coaches did a great job providing both a challenging and rewarding environment tailored to individual skills and abilities. Highly recommend Mountain West!

Source: Google