If you own or coach at a small gym, you’ve probably felt it—that mix of pride and pressure that comes with being the “small business” of all star cheer. You’re doing the work. You’re changing lives. And yet… sometimes it feels like decisions about your world are being made in rooms you’re not even invited into.

This episode of Fireside Chat hit close to home for me, because I sat down with Cat Weeden, owner of Luxe Cheer and co-founder of the Small Cheer Gym Association, for a real conversation about what it means to be a small gym in today’s cheer industry. 

Why Small Gyms Matter (and Why We Need to Talk to Each Other)

Here’s a fact that might surprise you—or maybe it won’t: Small gyms make up over 80% of the cheer industry. Yes, you read that right. Most gyms aren’t huge programs with multiple locations and hundreds of elite athletes. They’re single-location, owner-operated, deeply community-rooted programs with fewer than 150 all star kids.

But here’s the kicker: for years, those gyms weren’t talking to each other. Despite social media, conferences, and all we have in common, we’re staying in our lanes, and it’s hurting our voice in the industry.

“We were basically on our own islands,” Cat said. “And when you’re isolated, you can’t push for change. You just watch the industry happen around you.”

That realization—years ago—sparked the creation of the Small Cheer Gym Association. Fast forward, and nearly 4,000 gym owners and coaches are now part of that conversation. And it’s changing the game.

What Does ‘Unifying’ Actually Mean?

It’s not about forming one giant franchise. It’s not about creating more rules. And it’s definitely not about giving big gyms the side-eye.

It’s about connection.

When small gyms share ideas, resources, and even their struggles, the ripple effects are huge. Vendors listen. Companies design with you in mind—not just the “Big 12” gyms you see in ads. You find out which choreographers “get” small gyms, which uniform companies won’t crush your budget, and which competitions actually make your small-gym athletes feel like rock stars.

“The louder we got, the more these companies started coming toward us. We became stronger together than we ever could have been apart,” Cat said.

The Tangible Wins (and Why This Isn’t Just Kumbaya Talk)

When small gyms link arms, things have the potential to shift—fast.

✅ Better vendor relationships. Companies like Glitter Stars are now designing for small gyms first—not as an afterthought, she said.

✅ More affordable resources. From music to uniforms, uniting can mean real cost savings.

✅ Shared information that saves gyms. Stories about equipment scams, pro shop ideas, and creative revenue streams have literally kept gyms open.

✅ A stronger voice in the industry. When those writing the scoresheets and rules here a collective voice from the small gyms, things happen that benefit all programs, not just the mega gyms.

The Hard Conversations (and Why We Can’t Stay Silent)

This isn’t always easy. Being vocal means you might ruffle feathers. Cat’s been there.

“Have people been unhappy with me? Absolutely,” she said. “But my compass is simple—if it helps small gyms, I’ll fight for it.”

And here’s the truth: If the largest gyms in the country can put aside competition and collaborate to influence the industry, small gyms can—and must—do the same.

What You Can Do (Starting Today)

This isn’t the time to scroll past and think, “Cool idea. Someone else will handle it.”

Here’s how she says you can step up:

➡️ Join the Small Cheer Gym Association Facebook group. Answer the questions. Get in the conversation.

➡️ Show up. Conferences and events are where decisions are shaped—be in the room, if you can.

➡️ Share and speak up. If a rule or policy is hurting your gym (or could help it), say it. Chances are, 50 other owners feel the same.

➡️ Support new vendors. The same way you ask uniform companies for lower minimums, you’ve got to give up-and-coming vendors a shot. Be informed, and be cautious, but be open also.

➡️ Dream bigger. Stop being afraid to say the big goals out loud—even if that goal is taking your first team to Worlds one day.

Because Here’s the Bottom Line

Small gyms are the cheer industry.

The kids in your program aren’t just filling rosters—they’re shaping the future of all star. Your voice matters. Your gym matters. And together, we’re a force that can—and will—move this industry forward.

To hear the full interview with Cat Weeden, click the links below:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/OqPWg8vhVoQ

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-gyms-unite/id1763244914?i=1000715535684

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4DMjW0xTx8JcQfqqC0ezjg?si=Cz6qkHz_TYa11InZFR-GiA