March 10, 2005

Kids flip over opening of The Little Gym at Princeton Plaza

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Infants move to music, toddlers somersault, and grade school children flip over the uneven bars and cartwheel off the balance beam.

The Little Gym opens at Princeton Plaza.

Welcome to The Little Gym, where smiles shine on children’s faces as they master gymnastic skills and gain the self-confidence that comes from meeting challenges head-on.

The Little Gym, which recently opened at Princeton Plaza, is designed to strengthen children’s physical abilities, as well as their ability to learn. As the children grow, so do their skills and sense of self-expression, initiative and pride.

“They gain self-esteem which they can take to school, or anywhere in life,” says program director Trish Weller. “It gives them the self-confidence to stand up and give a report in front of their class, or to go out for Little League.”

In programs with names like “Funny Bugs,” “Giggle Worms,” “Aerials” and “Hot Shots,” the newly opened The Little Gym teaches gymnastics to children age 4 months to 12 years old, tailoring lessons to their individual abilities.

“I’ve had kids come in with very low self esteem, who didn’t want to try anything,” says Weller. “But by the end of our 20-week session, they were doing floor and balance beam routines. Even if all they learn to do is a forward roll, that’s great, because they’re still having fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

Instructor Carol Kromer agrees. “It’s not just that they can do a cartwheel, but how good they feel about themselves,” she says. Kromer also appreciates that unlike other gyms, The Little Gym isn’t competitive or team-oriented. “Here they emphasize skill development, learning and having fun,” she says.

Weller loves working with kids and watching their skills and confidence flourish. She also enjoys working with owners Dave and Janice Morreira. “I don’t think I could pick two better people to work with,” she says. “They’re very positive and fun. We continue to grow as a team together every day.”

Owners Dave and Janice Morreira
Janice, who attended school and grew up in Almaden, enjoys giving back to the community. A cheerleading coach for Almaden Pop Warner, she has also served as its athletic director and president.

The Little Gym owners Dave and Janice Morreira put their hearts into their business.

When Janice came upon The Little Gym franchise online, it seemed the perfect career choice, combining her love of coaching and teaching. Following her dream, she traded in her job in the corporate sector as director of operations for a semi-conductor company to be her own boss in an enriching environment and never looked back.

“It’s not about getting rich. It’s about doing something you love,” she says. “Everybody that comes in here wants to be here. You’re promoting physical fitness for kids, which they don’t get enough of in schools anymore, and they’re happy, so you can’t help but enjoy what you do.”

Upon opening their second The Little Gym franchise (their first being at Westgate), Dave, a Leland High School football coach, decided to join Janice in teaching classes. “I was always involved in coaching,” he says. “So I knew I had it in my core.” Together, they strive to create a nurturing environment and a wonderful experience for the children.

Instructors are often parents
Instructors at The Little Gym are often parents, or teachers with child development backgrounds. Some know gymnastics, and all have received training through the company in spotting and teaching techniques. However, most of all, to work there, instructors have to love kids. “It’s like a family,” says Janice. “And when you come into the gym, you feel like you’re a part of it.”

“The instructors get to know the children by name and what their specific needs are,” says Dave. “We don’t expect perfection from the kids. We praise them for their efforts, and we get smiley eyes and a big ‘tadaa,’ and we know they’re feeling great. Our philosophy is that we tell them what they’re doing right first, and then follow up with what they can work on. For instance, ‘I really love how you have those straight arms, now try this.’”

Benefits
Classes at The Little Gym are designed to provide many long-term benefits. At the pre-school and kindergarten level, for instance, students improve their hand dexterity and manipulative skills, which help with writing, and gain listening, concentration and focus skills, which are essential to learning. They also learn to strategize and try, try again. Older children strive to meet their individual goals, which range from conquering their fear of being up on the uneven bars, to shining in an advanced routine.

Candace Kromer (above and top left) reaches new heights on uneven bars.

Although parents join their infants and young toddlers in gym classes, once the children graduate into the pre-school program, they participate in a structured class without them. Toy bins with blocks, animals, cars and story books keep siblings entertained while parents watch the class through large picture windows.

“Gymnastics developmentally is good for every part of the body, from head to toe. It increases strength, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination,” says Janice. “It’s also fun,” adds Dave. “Our first rule is to be safe, and our second rule is to have fun. And we do.”

“I love it because it incorporates movement, music, bright colors and great equipment,” says parent Kim Vostermans. “It’s really fun.”

“When my son holds onto the bars, or walks across the balance beam, he gets really excited,” says parent Stefania Miller.

“It’s a great program,” says parent Nancy Rivas. “The children experience physical exercise, color recognition, music, socialization with other children and interaction with mom or dad on a one-on-one basis. I have an older daughter in it, so it was only natural to have her little sister do it as well.”

“It’s a great place to be,” says Kromer. “The teachers here are wonderful. They make it fun, so the kids look forward to coming to class each week. They love the kids and being with them.”

The Little Gym offers summer camp, birthday parties and Parents’ Survival Nights. On Sunday, April 3, from 2 to 5 p.m., The Little Gym will host an open house with free activities, games, and music. The Little Gym is located at 1375 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 45. They can be reached at 723-7222, or online at www.thelittlegym-ssj.com.