If you read my blog at all you know how much I am in love with The Little Gym Mason. I had some major separation/ anxiety issues with my oldest Cody and The Little Gym was a HUGE part in helping me through this time, building his confidence in small steps and working with me to develop a plan that we were all comfortable with. They really did save me during this difficult time and I have been hooked ever since. Cody has now moved on to school and sports, but I now take Grayson to classes and look forward to bringing the new baby after he is born!
You can read all about my experiences with Cody at The Little Gym here.
Most gymnastic classes in the area focus on building the skills of gymnastics, which are wonderful, but I like that at The Little Gym, my kids are getting SO much more than that!
First, they offer classes from 4 months to 12 years so you can introduce these classes to your babies and get some one on one time within the mommy and me classes. They have a great play area for the older siblings where you can see them during the class, but they aren’t actually in class with you so no need to plan classes around sitters!
They also offer a variety of classes that aren’t gym, like Karate, Dance, and Sports skills classes so your children get a variety of skills. Most of the gym places in our area don’t offer that all in one place. This is great for multiple kids too so you only have to be in one place, but each child can choose what class they prefer best! We all know mama doesn’t want to be a chauffeur!
Another thing I love is that it is a smaller venue so it becomes a family atmosphere. You get to know all the teachers and parents very well. They welcome the kids with birthdays on the big white board for them to see when they come in and really just help be an extra set of hands when I need them; holding the door open for me as I come and go, putting on shoes and coats or holding a child while I take another to the potty. You just can’t beat that community feel.
What I love most about The Little Gym Mason is their Three Dimensional Learning approach. I didn’t realize this at the time we started classes, but came to learn more about this and did my research. I think it has made all the difference in my kids and the kids who attend.
- Get Moving
Physical activities to burn that boundless energy, plus build flexibility and strength, develop balance and coordination, and encourage agility, rhythm and overall fitness to launch a lifetime of healthy habits.
Young children who acquire “fundamental movement skills” are more likely to get and stay physically active. Reviews of research have also linked these skills to improved cardio-respiratory fitness and lower risk of obesity. This to me is huge with all the media our kids are plugged into these days and the fast food phenom. Starting these classes early will help them later in life as well and they know that staying physically active is important.
- Brain Boost
Designed to expand the mind and develop a love of learning, these exercises foster listening skills, sustained concentration and decision-making, prepare for or reinforce school lessons, and nurture problem-solving ability and creative expression.
The Little Gym incorporate “experiential learning” and these active games feature unpredictable elements and solvable problems to nurture “executive function” skills, which help children make plans and strategies to pursue their goals. Researchers believe that physical games that require sustained focus and standing still at times can help with attention problems like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I love that they incorporate preschool academics during class! My kids are learning colors, letters, sign language, and counting all while at gym class!!!
- Citizen Kid
These activities teach life skills like sharing, working in a group, listening and leadership—all skills that translate to a well-adjusted, well-rounded superkid.
They work on getting the kids to work together in a group during their skill stations, they have them follow 2 step instructions (which is a skill they look for in Kindergarten) and I like that my kids from an early age are learning they have to listen to someone else other than mom. We can work out these developmental kinks BEFORE they get to school! This has been especially important to me this year since I decided not to send Grayson to preschool as a 3-year-old since his birthday is late. He is still getting to practice all of these skills in gym class and will be ready for school next year!
Overall, I can’t say enough good things about The Little Gym Mason! I highly recommend them for any child and family looking for something more than just a gymnastics class!
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