Lots Of Hanging, Balancing And Flipping

At Little Gym Grand Opening

By John Voket

Several dozen children, from toddlers to preteens, came out June 16 along with parents, grandparents, and curiosity-seekers wondering about The Little Gym, the newest business to open in the busy Plaza South at 266 South Main Street.

The facility, part of a global franchise system, is one of two facilities operated by Andrew Robbins, who relocated one of his operations to Newtown from Fairfield — celebrating with grand opening festivities last weekend.

As the young and mostly fearless children were hanging, balancing, and flipping their way around, guided by The Little Gym’s trained staffers, caregivers and parents watched and milled around enjoying refreshments.

According to its website, The Little Gym is an experiential learning and physical development center for kids ages 4 months through 12 years. Each week, progressively structured classes and a positive learning environment create opportunities for participants to try new things and build self-confidence.

At The Little Gym, the environment promises fun, but the goal of the company is serious.

For more than 35 years, trained instructors have nurtured happy, confident kids through a range of programs including parent/child classes, gymnastics, karate, dance and sports skills development, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents’ Survival Nights, and birthday bashes.

In all of the programs, physical activity is designed to be a conduit for the gym’s three-dimensional learning process.

Those three dimensions include physical activities to burn off boundless energy while building flexibility and strength, developing balance and coordination, and encouraging agility, rhythm, and overall fitness to inspire a lifetime of healthy habits.

The Little Gym programs are also designed to expand the mind and develop a love of learning, with exercises that foster sustained concentration and decisionmaking. Activities aim to prepare children for or reinforce school lessons, and nurture problem-solving ability and creative expression.

Ultimately, the activities also are intend to teach life skills like sharing, working in a group, listening and leadership — all skills that translate to a well-adjusted, well-rounded child.

The Little Gym offers a diverse lineup of core season and summer programs filled with movement, music, and learning. To learn more, contact the local facility at 203-304-9504 or visit www.thelittlegym.com/newtownct.