The Little Gym Will Open at the End of September

The first day of school is just around the corner, and many parents have begun the process of searching for quality extra-curricular activities for their little ones to take part in this fall.

So it seems like perfect timing that The Little Gym of Summit, which offers programs for kids ages 4 months to 12 years, is set to open its doors on September 27 and begin classes on October 4.

According to Bob Greenberg, owner of the local establishment, The Little Gym is a children's motor development program whose primary goals are to build physical ability, which includes gross motor skills, balance, coordination and strength, to develop social skills, and to foster emotional well-being in young people.

"We use activities at The Little Gym as a means to challenge children and to build opportunities for success," Greenberg said. "Our definition of success is a child trying their best and a child doing their best. That's the heart of what we're all about—building confidence."

The owner went on to explain that at The Little Gym, there are no winners or losers, no first, second, or third place awards. The program prides itself in providing a non-competitive environment in which students can learn and grow.

"We don't praise (the children) just on ability but on their effort, their physical skills, and their social skills," Greenberg said.

The center also promotes educational development through its instruction, teaching basic concepts such as numbers, colors, and directions.

According to Greenberg, the benefits of the classes at The Little Gym can last a lifetime.

He explained that by developing the physical skills of young kids and increasing their confidence at an early age, they are more likely to be involved in physical activity throughout the rest of their lives.

The Little Gym utilizes both a curriculum-based and a theme-based program to educate its students, with classes organized mainly by age.

The youngest age groups make up the parent participant program and some older groups are arranged according to student ability.

The Little Gym offers classes based on combinations of sports and gymnastics, karate and gymnastics and soon, the Summit location will be offering classes that combine dance and gymnastics.

In addition, the children's gym hosts private birthday parties on the weekends and unique "Parents Survival Nights" one Saturday of each month which allow parents to drop their kids at The Little Gym and enjoy a night out.

Greenberg, a resident of Pennsylvania, has been an owner of The Little Gym at various locations since 1994. While his first establishments were located in eastern Pennsylvania, he has since come to run those in West Windsor, Cranford and now Summit, which will be his fifth site.

"Summit will be the furthest (location from his PA home), and I'll be there a lot," said the owner. "I'll be teaching classes!"

Greenberg has been interested in opening a Little Gym in the Summit area since 2002 and has spent the subsequent years waiting for the right space to open up.

He was fortunate to find a home for the newest center in The Promenade complex on Morris Avenue, and noted that the building is brand new and conveniently features its own parking lot.

Registration for the curent semester at The Little Gym is still open for those interested in joining the fun this fall.

"This is the fastest enrollment I've ever had in all five locations," Greenberg said.

The first 300 kids to enroll will receive a free tie-dyed "The Little Gym" t-shirt.

For more information about The Little Gym in Summit and to enroll online, go to The Little Gym of Summit Web site.

"I think The Little Gym is a magnificent concept because what it does is give every child success no matter what level," Greenberg said. "It gives every child the opportunity to experience the joy of exercise and learn that it is and can be fun."