The History of The Little Gym
In 1976 the first ever The Little Gym was opened in Bellevue, Washington. Founded by Robin Wes, an innovative kinesiologist and musician created The Little Gym to be a nurturing place where children could explore their physical development, while also growing intellectually, emotionally, and socially. From the day we first opened our doors, The Little Gym has believed that a fun, energetic, non-competitive spirit is what has allowed us to foster relationships within our community and help children to grow during the most crucial stages of their development.
The Little Gym’s focus on being non-competitive is not something that is seen at most gymnastics or dance facilities. In fact, it is rare for any sport children participate in to not focus on working to be the best through competition.
There are 3 simple rules for our kiddos when they step foot on the big red mat
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Be very very safe
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Have lots and lots of FUN!
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We do not have to be the best, but we do need to try our best!
What does it mean to try our best in a non-competitive setting?
Shifting the focus to SERIOUS FUN!
When children are not focused on being on the same “level” as their peers, they can focus on growing skills in a way that is comfortable, safe, and fun. There is no pressure to be perfect to move up a level. This means that we often see more of our students cheering their friends on and being proud of ALL accomplishments. This creates an environment that focuses on FUN rather than perfection.
Accepting ALL ages, body types, and abilities.
If you look into a class at The Little Gym, you will likely see a diverse class with kids of various ages, body types, and abilities. Typically, gymnastics and other sports place pressure on kids to fit within a “box”, which can decrease their self-confidence, and lead to them comparing themselves to their peers, or feeling like they are not right for a sport they may love. At The Little Gym, we do not discriminate based on ability or body type, kiddos are placed into classes by age rather than ability. Instructors are trained to know our curriculum, which focuses on equitable learning and holistic development. However, instructors are also trained on how to individualize our lessons to benefit each and every child. This means that kiddos can be challenged in a safe and fun way. While we do have classes for kiddos to move up to should they need more of a challenge, there is no pressure to move up to these advanced classes.
Promotion of Holistic Development
The Little Gym is so much more than a gymnastics and dance facility. Our lessons integrate various areas of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Will your kiddo learn how to do a cartwheel, walk on the balance beam, and do skills on the bar? ABSOLUTELY! But, they will also learn their ABCs, counting, and more. Our lessons integrate the ability to work on communication skills, emotional recognition, sequential memory, and more!
Forming Healthy Habits
Our non-competitive nature helps children to understand that being physically active can be SERIOUS FUN! Not only do we develop foundational gymnastics skills, we play games, listen to fun interactive music, develop friendships, have dance parties, and create memories that last a lifetime. Additionally, our teaching philosophy allows children to learn how to listen to their bodies. If they do not feel safe learning a new skill, there is no pressure to do it. Rather, we teach kids that they are allowed to listen to their body, and we encourage them to set boundaries and use their voices.
When We Try Our Best We Feel Our Best
Now, does this mean that The Little Gym is against competitive sports? Absolutely not! Lots of our kiddos also participate in other sports. Through the use of our philosophy, these kiddos have tons of confidence, have grown into well-rounded Citizen Kids, and have learned how to work in a team! The Little Gym is an incredible foundational tool that starts at as young as 4 months old. Once our Super Kids age out when they are 13, they are prepared to always try their best and give it their all in everything that they do!
