PAX Gymnastics: Bringing Gymnastics Fun to Chelsea

​By: Charla Hamilton charlachelseaguardian@gmail.com
 
The excitement is building in Chelsea as a new business is about to open. PAX Gymnastics will
be opening March 15.  Owner Brigitte Laketa can’t wait to get started and share her passion for
gymnastics with the community. Chelsea Guardian recently spoke to Brigitte to learn more about
her and about PAX Gymnastics.
 
Chelsea Guardian: Provide some background information on PAX Gymnastics, how long you have
been in business, where did the idea come from for PAX Gymnastics etc.



Brigitte Laketa:  I am a 33 year veteran in the sport of gymnastics.  The daughter of a dance
teacher and gymnastics coach, and began my career at a very young age.  Following a
successful collegiate career at Western Michigan University where I was the captain of two
Mid-American Conference championship teams, I was named Broncos Head Women’s
Gymnastics Coach at age 22.  I’ve spent 10 years as Head Coach earning two MAC
Coach-of-the-Year awards.  I stepped away from coaching to start a family but quickly returned to
the sport, coaching for 10 years at International Gymnastics in Charlotte, NC.  Here, I was
instrumental in developing several girls into collegiate gymnasts.  My family and I moved back to
Michigan where I opened Studio 306, a small gym in my hometown of Concord, Michigan; the
very gym that my mother started 52 years earlier.  Now, I’m bringing my vast experience and
unique perspective to Chelsea with PAX Gymnastics! My husband, Parker, and I are the parents
of four sons, Parker and Preston, and twins Rhett and Luc.
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CG: Why did you choose to open the business in Chelsea? 
BL: I have always liked Chelsea! It has such a vibrant downtown. It draws people from a wide
area. I feel we can service families from Dexter, Stockbridge, Manchester, Grass Lake, and even
Ann Arbor. 
 
CG: What is your favorite thing about owning your own business? 
BL: I’m able to do something I’m passionate about. I love the opportunity to have a positive
impact on young people.
 
CG: What are some things you love about Chelsea and about having a business in Chelsea? 
BL: Most gymnastics gyms are in business parks because of the square footage that they require.
I was very fortunate to have found 15,000 sq. ft in downtown Chelsea. My families will be
within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. I’m excited to be a part of the Chelsea
community.
 
CG: What do you feel sets you apart from similar businesses in the area? 
BL: My experience and my approach. I am not trying to build Olympians. However, if I see
talent that can go the distance, I will refer them to coaches and gyms that are designed for
that purpose. 
 
CG: Any other special facts or information you would like the Chelsea community to know (are you
involved in any community projects, fundraisers, etc)?
 
BL: Currently PAX Gymnastics offer gymnastics for ages 1-18 years, gym ninja for boys and girls,
tumbling classes, Tot Time, Summer Camps, Parent’s Night Out and Birthday Parties. I would love
to start a co-op high school gymnastics team involving area high schools and a cheer program.
Next steps include our Summer Camp Program for both preschoolers and school aged students.
Information will be available soon. In Latin, Pax means peace. I think it’s important doing what
you enjoy and spending time with people that make you happy. That brings me peace. 
PAX where power, positivity, passion and
performance meet PEACE.
For more information on PAX Gymnastics visit their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/PAXGymnastics/. PAX Gymnastics is located at 375 E. North Street in Chelsea.
Stop by, say hi to Brigitte and welcome them to the Chelsea community!

 

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