Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to visit a class at MY GYM. All opinions expressed are my own…
This week I had the honor of reviewing a class at MY GYM Nanuet. This is a special review for me because my son (A) actually attends class there; he has now for two years. Under their guidance he is thriving. Even though he attends with my mother in law while I am at work, they are like an extended family. When my daughter (E) had some health problems over the summer and (A) reacted by having separation anxiety and not wanting to attend class, they were worried and called me to check up on him. They also went the extra mile and put my account on hold for when he was ready to return. That just doesn’t happen everywhere you go.
Jasmine and Liz are fantastic! The kids love them, and so do the parents. I cannot say enough good things about them. They know each attendee on a personal level, likes, dislikes, and personalities. They are always positive, and have the ability to get kids and parents to be comfortable with the most nerve-racking of tasks. Even hanging upside down on a rope. It is clear that they understand the body mechanics behind each skill that they teach, as well as the psychological implications; including self-esteem building aspects.
Their schedule of classes as well as complete descriptions for each can be found online. They have something for everybody, including classes that overlap in age so that if a child is a little bit ahead or behind the curve there are different options for your child. The classes increase in independence as the children grow which is so nice to see, especially since (A) was there when the classes were mommy and me. He is now in a class where he participates on his own :o). The gym also offers two sessions of “Practice and Play” which are open gym sessions. So (A) goes 3 times a week some weeks. In addition to regular GYM classes, they also offer an introductory sports program, birthday party packages, camps, and parent night outs.
Since (A) attends already, I visited a different class. The one I chose was a Gymsters class. This class typically begins around 23 months and is the bridge class between mommy and me, and becoming independent. What fun we had, it was a great group of kids and parents who were there. They were all very participatory, one student even jumped in and helped Jasmine with the opening movements during circle time.
During class Liz and Jasmine seamlessly lead the attendees through a series of different skills, sometimes together and others that are separate. There is always something for the kids to do, and no standing in line. There is often fun music that accompanies the skill, and in conjunction with the attitudes of the instructors really helps the kids to get into the activity. Many of the kids were performing skills that they were uncomfortable with at first with no problem (including a head stand on a balance beam). Interwoven into the activities are many “teachable” moments where they practice some core educational skills with the students. These include but were not limited to; spatial relationships (over, under, through, in, above), counting, and colors. This is all while still working on the basic physical skills of balance, timing, and coordination.
Most importantly (although all of the aforementioned are priorities) the kids love it. They really have a good time. They make friends there, and build relationships with each other as well as the instructors. The parents who attend are open and inviting, cheering on not only their children but those of the others in the class. Everyone walks in and out of the gym with a smile (plus a sticker and a stamp or two). In short, I highly recommend MY GYM to anyone who is looking for a gym class for their child. It is a fantastic value with the potential for 3 visits a week, and the smiles make the experience priceless.
For more information or to see their current offerings for MY GYM please visit their website http://www.mygym.com/nanuet , call (845)624-0811 and check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/mygymfun .
If you have a business or service that involves children and would like for RocklandNYMom to review it please contact MJ at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com.
Jasmine begins class by leading circle time.
A student helps lead the warm-up.
During rotations, Jasmine helps a student with a somersault and Liz helps another on the balance beam.
The tunnel is a group favorite!
The class delights in Jasmine and Liz’s antics!
Liz and Jasmine seamlessly tell the class a story.
Liz helps a student in her headstand.
A student takes advantage of some time after class to jump!
There are so many fun obsticles to play with at MY GYM!
Students work on balance as well as color recognition and listening skills.
A student receives his sticker and stamp!
I love My Gym. My son was 7 months when he started and cried at the beginning. Jasmine and Liz were so patient with him. I was worried that maybe he wasn’t ready. Because of Liz and Jasmines kind approach towards him, he now loves My Gym and is even having his first birthday party there!!!!