Confident Kids at Merrick's The Little Gym

Twenty or so babies, average age about 7 months, are poised on a rainbow colored parachute, as their mothers and a slim bearded man smile, sing and enthusiastically encourage them.

This scene is typical of what you'll find at The Little Gym of Merrick.

The babies and parents are part of Little Gym's "Bugs" class, designed for infants 4 months to 10-months-old. The man at the center of the class is Evan Marrow, the owner of The Little Gym franchise located at the Merrick Mall.

Next up, the parents and their babies are instructed to move at their own pace to different balancing and spatial development exercises on the gym equipment. This could be anything from sitting or laying on top of the soft geometric shaped gym mats and balls, to letting the babies try "hanging" onto the bars and "walking" on the 12-foot-long balance beam.  Marrow says to the parents, "Remember every child is capable of doing anything in this gym."

The Little Gym Large on Progressive Programs

The Little Gym offers progressive programs for children of all abilities and disabilities from ages 4 months to 12 years.  Children are encouraged to have fun and build confidence in a nurturing environment.  Little Gym offers age specific curriculum, delivered in weekly lesson plans to build skills sequentially. 

All of its programs – gymnastics, dance, sports skills, karate, and cheerleading – are non-competitive so that each child can master new skills and meet new challenges in a positive atmosphere. 

Moms and Kids Learn

Amy Feldman travels from Jericho with Liam, her 8-month-old son, to attend Little Gym.  Feldman explains that Liam hadn't had opportunity yet to spend times with kids his age. 

"Liam definitely likes the classes here," Feldman says.  "He loves all the exercises. I think also, because he's a boy, he seems to want to do more physical things. With my older daughter I took her to a music program at this age and it was good for her.  It fit her personality. This is perfect for him."

Lauri Goldman from Bellmore brings Lila, her 9-month-old daughter, to the infant class.

"I like having the opportunity for her to socialize with other babies," Goldman says.  "Classes allow for us to work on different developmental skills from pulling to crawling on an incline."

Goldman also takes her 6-year-old daughter to Little Gym. She started going when she was the same age as Lila.    

Casey Mangan, 4, from Massapequa, waits patiently for her brother Ryan, age 7 months, to finish his class with her mom Mary.

"I'm in Funny Bugs," Casey explains, one of the pre-K groups. "I like the gymnastics.  I like to hang on the bars and go on the balance beam. I walk by myself."

Mary Magnan says she really believes her children get a lot out of coming to Little Gym.  As for herself, she enjoys being with all the other moms. 

Two Decades of Experience

Marrow, the gym's owner, has been involved with the Little Gym organization for more than two decades.  A native of Westchester, NY, Marrow graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis on early childhood development.

His goal was to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.  While he was applying to medical schools and physical therapy programs, he stumbled upon an ad for a job that read:  "Love children? Love to smile? Call Bob."

As it turned out, Bob owned the Little Gym of Mt. Kisco, where Marrow would become enlightened about the organization's unique philosophy, instruction methods and curriculum.  He eventually took over the "On Wheels" program, bringing Little Gym equipment on the road and teaching classes at schools, day care centers, churches and synagogues.

In just a year, Marrow was able to grow the program from 500 children to 1500. His success caught the eye of the Little Gym's executives who gave Marrow the opportunity to work for the parent organization in Scotsdale, Arizona.  Marrow spent the next 14 years helping to expand the Little Gym's franchises and to establish its flagship international location.

Through the years, Marrow continued to harbor the dream of one day owning his own franchise. The opportunity presented itself 10 years ago when he was able to buy and takeover the Merrick location.

"The Little Gym has given me the phenomenal opportunity for me to stay young at heart," Marrow says.  

It was also through the Little Gym that Marrow met his wife, Eileen.

"I hired her as an instructor in August 2000 and by May 2001 we went out on our first date," Marrow says.

The couple make their home in Bellmore.  Evan is stepfather to Eileen's four children, and the couple recently added two of their own to their family. 

Helping Special Needs Children

For Marrow, one of the best parts about working with children is the opportunity to engage with kids with special needs. 

Marrow says because of the non-competitive atmosphere where everyone learns at their own pace and development levels, children of all abilities are welcome and are in the same classes.   The Little Gym works with children with special needs including: autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and other disabilities.  He's instructed children who are blind, and also mothers who are deaf.

Marrow holds high standards for himself and he demands the same from his instructors and staff.

"You have to have a passion for children and be willing to be a positive role model," he says.  "It's something you just can't fake." 

In return, Marrow and his staff are rewarded daily with countless smiles, and by the satisfaction of seeing their young students having fun as they learn and grow.

For more information about The Little Gym of Merrick visit: www.tlgmerrickny.com, or phone: (516) 223-4008.