Anyone doing Little Gym or similar?

Mrs.AmyDylan

J is 14mo and we went for a demo class at little gym last week. She seemed to have a great time, but I'm sort of lukewarm on how the safety is presented as "skills" are introduced. One activity the teacher had the kids climb up on a large foam cube, stand up and jump off onto a target. The jump was probably 12-15 inches and done assisted onto a mat. However, toddlers aren't so good at using common sense and to me, this spells disaster. For gym class mamas, should I give it a chance and try different teacher or gym? Or is this activity best left for a bit older child? I don't need to add myself to the ER posts

Cwhitaker27

I'm not exactly sure what's entailed in little gym, are parents involved? Or just kids and teacher?
DS started a gymnastics class through our community center around 16 months and it was a parent/child class. I don't think he would have been ready for what you're describing without assistance/DH there to assist him.

IMO if it seems too difficult or the teacher isn't offering enough assistance for your comfort level I'd find another place that does. Or even one that's parent/child.

Ruthie04

My boys LOVE LG and have been going since 10 mos (they are 17.5 mos now). Our teacher is always really great about tailoring the class for the child's developmental level and we don't feel weird about modifying or not participating in an activity. When they couldn't walk, we'd pretty much just carry them around the mats or follow their crawl. Now, they run around like they own the place and we just do whatever they want.

I can say that we have done jumps, rolls, climbs like what you are describing (always with parent/ teacher assistance) and I don't see them trying to replicate the behavior at home alone. They are great about getting on their bellies and going feet first off a mat/furniture. My boys are in the "climb on the ottoman and throw themselves on the couch" phase of toddlerhood and I actually think they are more careful because they are so used to being thrown around with an adult at gym class. I don't know how much I buy into the educational component of their activities, but the boys have tons of fun and I think it helps them to be around their peers.

All that being said, we have had a trip to the ER, but it was only because my son misjudged the distance to the windowsill and face planted into it. When I left, the nurse actually said, "I'm sure we will see you soon," so I figure I'm doomed anyway!

mcgeeva

Ruthie04 do you go to the little gym in fairfax? My Girlfriend with a 9 month old wants me to join the one in fairfax with her but she also lives in ashburn. I know nothing about the place but sounds like it would be something fun to put ds in!

Ruthie04

I do the Gainesville one. It's great! They love their teacher. Sort of pricey, but I like that they let you do practice times during the week too. So, you get a couple of optional informal classes with the tuition.

Mrs.AmyDylan

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The jump is adult assisted, but I was worried about her replicating behaviors at home solo without mats. She is so darn fast I turn my back for a second and she is clear on the other side of the house. It is pricey, but the practice times could help with activities as it is too hot in the summer to go outside.

Dragonfly1226

I take DS to my Gym. It's pretty much the same thing, and we love it! He never has tried to do the skills like that at home. He understands that some things are for gym class and not the house. I cannot rave enough about the program at My Gym.

trigirl79

We go to Little Gym too - it's definitely not cheap but they were running a 50% off sale. And I like that we get out of the house. Today A was crabby the whole time but usually she loves it!

imoverit

We took M to a gymnastics class for ages 18 mos to 2 yrs and i hated it. They were super strict and had him doing things above him. Then we switched to the Little Gym and loved it. M had more freedom to do his own thing and to do teacher lead activities if he wanted.