Article about Christie Hayes - Anti Gravity Owner

VALENCIA
     After world level gymnastics and trampoline took Christie Hayes around the world, the six-time U.S. team member decided to get her law degree.
     But the high-flying, 5-foot 9-inch athlete took that degree and headed back to the place that gave her such joy as a spirited girl and determined woman: to the gym.
     Hayes, 29, opened Anti Gravity last month on Smyth Drive. The 10,000-square foot building houses five trampolines, a power tumbling strip, a balance beam, and other equipment that everyone from competitive gymnasts to stunt specialists to middle-aged housewives is using to get in shape.
     But it's the younger clients Hayes now coaches who bring her the most joy.
     "Watching the kids get excited the way that I used to, like when you can't wait to get out of school and flip," said Hayes, who settled in the Santa Clarita Valley because it reminded her of her native Orange County.
     Boyfriend and coach Kevin Abercrombie, a veteran movie stuntman, admitted that Hayes was never the type of elite athlete destined for aimless adulthood.
     "She has a very clear and distinct business sense," he said. "She graduated from law school. Most gymnasts spend all their time in the gym. I get the impression that some of them are a bit lost later on."
     Hayes opened her first Anti Gravity in Chatsworth two years ago, largely so she would have a place to train for the 2000 Summer Olympics. While she just missed being selected for a spot on the U.S. team, the gym caught on.
     Anti Gravity is different than most gyms, however. Hayes insisted that the Valencia location feature a seconds story lounge for parents, where they can relax and watch their children learn tumbling and trampoline tricks in the training area below.
     And like its owner. Anti Gravity is multifaceted - the gym offers credentialed instructors and classes in dance, tumbling, trampoline, cheerleading and martial arts, but the facility is also available for on-site baby-sitting and birthday parties.
     Hayes admits there were a few sleepless nights as she waited for financing to come through. But a month after opening, the daughter of a judge and self-employed business woman seems very comfortable in her new role--and her new building.
     Her athleticism and California good looks have landed Hayes stunt work in Hollywood, which prompted an initial move to the San Fernando Valley. But her move to Valencia six months ago was a decision she relishes.
     "I moved to the (San Fernando) Valley to be closer to the (movie) business and Hollywood." she said. "But I found out is was just harder to park there."
     Asked about the possibility of starting her own family, Hayes, wearing her workout clothes from her own brand of Anti Gravity leotards, said she's taking things one at a time.
     "I feel like I have 800 of my own kids right now," she said. "Right now, I'm hoping to give some of the these kids the opportunity that trampolining gave to me."

For more information on Anti Gravity classes and services, call (661) 702-0123.