5 minute read
Little Ones at Little Gym
Youngsters and parents alike will find a welcoming place at the new Leawood location.
By Beth Kornegay
Photos by Katie Lewis
Not long after Carolyn Huggins gave birth to her first son in 2016, an acquaintance approached her about a position at a new business. That business, The Little Gym, was a space where children from ages 4 months to 12 years could learn and grow through movement-based learning and imaginative play. As it helps children build confidence and explore an interest in gymnastics, The Little Gym provides a supportive and positive community for parents.
Huggins took a position as gym director at the Prairie Village facility. With a degree in community health from the University of Kansas, she had a passion for working with children. Two years ago, after the birth of her third son, Carolyn purchased that location and is preparing to open a new Little Gym in Leawood.
“Growing up in Kansas City, I love the community we get to serve and be a part of. Our family lives just a block from my childhood home. Providing a rich curriculum to more kids is always my goal. Opening our second location will allow us to reach more kids in the Kansas City community,” she says.
Her sons Henry, Harry, and Harvey have all taken classes at The Little Gym since they were old enough to participate. Carolyn says she has learned so much as a mom working at The Little Gym and that teaching and talking with other new moms has been invaluable. Oldest son, Henry, now 8, has already expressed an interest in owning the gym himself someday and may be spotted “helping” at the gym from time to time. Huggins’ youngest sons can also frequently be found taking classes or running around the gym for fun.
National Franchise
As a franchise, The Little Gym receives lesson plans at the home office for franchisees who have partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Classes at the new Leawood location will be the same as those offered in Prairie Village, including three areas of focus: Citizens Kids, Brain Boost, and Get Moving. Each program allows children to move their bodies and have fun at the same time.
Classes offered include parent/child classes for infants aged 4 months to 3 years, a pre-kindergarten gymnastics class for children ages 3 to 6 years, and a class focused on grade school gymnastics for students ages 6 to 12.
The age-based classes are designed to help children thrive. If siblings are not in the same age group, they would be in different classes because those classes are designed for age-appropriate skills and lessons. If siblings come to watch, activities in the lobby keep them busy during class.
Summer camps are also available and typically run Monday through Friday for 2 1/2 hours and include crafts with fun themes such as this year’s Olympics. In addition to classes, The Little Gym also offers birthday parties with the goal of ensuring the birthday child feels special the entire time while parents are able to relax and watch the fun.
“We strive to make this as seamless as possible for the grown-ups. I know the hustle and bustle of trying to host a party at home, and I now host all of my kids’ parties at The Little Gym purely for the simplicity of it all. We have already had two of my sons’ parties there this year,” says Huggins.
Parent Survival
For parents wanting a night out without the children, The Little Gym offers one or two “Parent Survival Nights” each month. These evening events are run like a summer camp but include pizza and plenty of fun activities.
The staff at The Little Gym are a diverse group, including retired teachers, moms, high school and college students, and individuals who enjoy the opportunity to work with children and parents while also supporting the community.
Growing up as an athlete, Huggins admits she had a lot of energy, often channeling that energy into playing soccer. She characterizes herself as a big kid herself and loves getting on the children’s level to play and have fun with them. Being able to create that level of trust and bond with the children make The Little Gym special, Huggins says.
When she was in the process of purchasing the original Prairie Village location, her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Just over a year later, he passed away. Her dad was an important influence and a business mentor for Huggins. She runs her business to honor him with kindness and love, which are always at the forefront of her mind.
“He was my strength when it came to hard decisions, and we are so excited to be opening a new Little Gym location in Leawood. Born and raised in Leawood, I know how amazing this community is and continues to be. We can’t wait to inspire, educate, and have fun with the youngest members of our community. They are the future of our country,” Huggins says.
The Little Gym is scheduled to open in late October or early November. Watch The Little Gym’s social media accounts for information about grand opening activities.
For More
Little Gym of Leawood Parkway Plaza
4800 W. 135th St. #300
Leawood, KS 66209
www.thelittlegym.com/kansas-kansas-city-leawood
Cost
$105 per month for members joining after the new Leawood location opens and $98 for founding members, which is good only before the opening. Introductory visits are available for $25. Classes are offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week
Instagram: @tlgkcleawood
Facebook: The Little Gym of Kansas City-Leawood
