The Little Gym Brightens Hempstead Turnpike

Demolished buildings and empty storefronts have put a damper on Hempstead Turnpike lately, but there's a new kid on the block bringing a pop of color and burst of energy to town.

When Bellmore resident Tina Lopano moved on from the investment bank she worked at for 11 years, she wanted to open a business close to home that would allow her to spend more time with her two young sons. So, the business-savvy mom combined her two areas of expertise and opened a Levittown location of The Little Gym franchise.

The Little Gym offers physical activity and progressive learning for children ages four months to 12 years, but in its first semester the Levittown location will only teach children ages 10 months to 12 years.

"The Little Gym is a non-competitive environment," said Lopano. "We focus on motor skill development and building each child's self-confidence."

The franchise has been around for over 30 years and has more than 300 locations in 21 countries.

It offers a structured curriculum with parent-child classes for children under three years old. Lopano serves as gym director in addition to owner, and she has five other teachers on staff who work with children in the gym in small teacher to student ratios.

Because it is focused on progressive learning, children must be signed up for a 20 week semester. Parents pick a day and time that works for them, and makeup policies are lenient, Lopano said.

Though the Levittown location just opened its doors one week ago, Lopano said 110 people were signed up for free introductory classes and 15 birthday parties were booked after being open for just two days.

The Little Gym sign to identify the building was not up long before opening due to delays, Lopano said, but once the sign went up people started popping in right away.

"Levittown is such a family oriented community," Lopano said. "There are a ton of families here and it is so centrally located on Long Island so there is a lot of opportunity."

Elizabeth Caba, who just moved to East Meadow, said she booked a birthday party for her 2-year-old twins at the brand new gym because of its "excellent reputation". 

"I heard a lot of good things, and it's nice for all ages," she said as she selected kiddie-sized The Little Gym water bottles to fill with candy as party favors.

Starting in March, Lopano said the gym will offer "Parent Survival Nights", when parents can drop off their kids for three hours on Friday or Saturday evenings and enjoy time to themselves while their kids play and learn. The Little Gym will also offer camp programs on school breaks starting this spring.

For class schedules and prices, visit www.tlglevittownny.com, call 516-520-4455  or stop by 2890 Hempstead Tpke. and check out the facilities.