PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2012, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it is also possible that it may contain some outdated information. Please check their website for the most current information, especially about things like schedules and pricing.
2012 POST
Are you looking for some summer activities for your little one? Well, I have a suggestion for you. I recently enrolled the twins in the Tyke/Waddler class at My Gym in West Hartford and enjoyed mornings filled with lots of energy burning and afternoons filled with lots of sleeping.
Sound good? Read on for the details. Plus, check out their summer schedule.
If you haven’t been to the My Gym in West Hartford, it is pretty easy to find. The gym is located on South Main Street near the intersection of South Main and Park, right next to the CVS.
The gym offers classes for kids ages 6 weeks old to 13 years old plus other activities including Open Gyms and Birthday Parties.
I had heard several friends mention how much they enjoyed this place and their classes, so when I saw a special for new members on Plum District, I decided to sign the kiddos up.
As part of the package I purchased we received Membership to the Gym, 4 weeks of classes and unlimited access to the open gym sessions (offered 4 times per week).
I reviewed the class list and decided to sign the kiddos up for the Tyke/Waddler class held on Tuesdays. The main reason for choosing that class was because it was early enough in the morning that my husband could attend with me (I was not about to try to do this class with two toddlers and me in my third trimester!)
The Waddler class is for kids ages 14 – 22 months and the Tiny Tykes class is for kids ages 7 – 12 months.
On the first day of class we arrived, entered the lobby area and began getting everyone’s shoes off. At the gym, kids go barefoot and parents wear socks. If you happen to forget your socks, they are available for sale for $1 (I am shocked that I actually remembered my socks each week). 
We were actually running a few minutes late for class (surprise, surprise), so when we arrived, they had already started “circle time”. If we were ever able to arrive on time, we would find out that the class actually begins with about 5 minutes of free time for the kids to play on the equipment. We may have made it to this first activity once in the four weeks. Oh well.
One thing I learned over the month-long session is that the classes are very well-organized and well planned. There is a specific structure to the class, but there is also a lot of variety to the activities each week.
As I mentioned before, after the short free play at the beginning of class, the next step is “circle time”. During this time we get introductions from the group and the teachers (our class was taught by the My Gym Director, Sara and there were typically 1-2 other instructors there as well)do . The kids would warm up, learn a new skill (somersault, pulling up, etc.), and learn a new song and dance.
The class then moves into a time for free play and learning a new adventure. Free play alone is a lot of fun for the kids. There are several different apparatuses for them to play on plus they rearrange the gym each week, so there is always something new and different to explore.
The new adventure during this part usually consists of a gymnastics or tumbling activity. During one class the kids could hang from a trapeze bar, another was a balancing technique, and another was a ride on the zip line. Each week was something different.
Following the “new adventure” was “swing time”. During this time they would set up 6 baby swings in the center of the room for the kids to enjoy. They even had a swing that was perfect for twins!
Following “swing time”, the instructors would bring out a bunch of toys for the kids. Once the kids became intrigued by this new activity, an instructor would announce that it was “separation time”. All the parents were asked to move to one side of the room and the instructors stayed in the center of the room with the kids. Every once in a while a child would wander over to where the parents were and we would encourage them to go back. In my class, all the kids seemed to do really well with this separation from their parents.
I did ask Sara what happens when a child has a harder time with this part. She said that they, of course, never force the children to be separated, only encourage the activity. If a child really wants to be with its parents, they just go back to them. I really liked this part because my kids are ALWAYS with me 🙂 It was nice to see that they did just fine when I wasn’t right there with them. 
Then there was a time for more free play and a game. The games included a car wash (complete with music and bubbles), a crazy bed ride, roller coaster rides, and many other fun activities.
At the car wash, wo-oh-wo-oh-wo-ooh, at the car wash, yeah.
Oh, and this is the “crazy bed ride”. I was wondering too . . . Who knew rolling around on a bunch of gym mats could be so entertaining.
After the game there is more free play.
Before the class ends, there is a puppet show and we sing the goodbye song.
Sparkles wanted to be front and center for Sara’s puppet show.
The gym is definitely focused on the kids. The teachers are all hands on and great with the little ones. They also are prepared for any kid need that may arise. There is hand sanitizer and wipes located throughout the gym. In the back there are restrooms, but also a diaper changing station. To keep the kids safe, there is a child gate at the entrance (though Bruiser was determined to figure out how to open that thing). And they focus on keeping the gym in good condition by cleaning all of the equipment each day and keeping a “drool bucket” handy for any toys or balls that the little ones decide to put in their mouths.
Does this class sound fun?
If so, their new summer schedule starts on June 25th.
Once you are a member, paid open gyms are only $5 instead of $10 and this discount is good at any of the My Gym locations. So, if you want to go to an open gym session in Glastonbury, just let them know you are a member of My Gym in West Hartford and you will pay just $5.
For the summer, if you sign up for a class, you can actually take unlimited classes and attend unlimited open gyms. Additional classes can be attended based on availability.
Basically, you will sign up for one class and if there is another class you are interested in, just call the gym and ask if you can attend. If there is room in that class, then you can attend for FREE. What a great way to have an activity on those rainy days and beat the heat on those super hot days.
Most classes are $74-$78 for the 4 week session. Also, there are discounts available for siblings. My favorite is the Twin discount. For twins enrolled in the same class, you get 50% off the second child.
So, hopefully this post provided you with a peek at the Waddler class at My Gym in West Hartford. We really enjoyed our time in the class and the instructors are wonderful. From the cleanliness of the facility to the creativity of the classes and games, you can really tell that they take great pride in making sure their students have a wonderful experience.
THE MOMSENSE:
My Gym West Hartford
150 South Main Street, West Hartford
(8860) 521-2822
Website:http://www.my-gym.com
Get directions here:
Other (independently owned & operated) locations in CT include Glastonbury, Orange, Fairfield, and Stamford.
Hours & Admission
Waddler Class
- Fee is $74 for 4 weeks of classes
- For summer 2012, classes are offered on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. and on Saturdays at 9:05 a.m.
Paid Open Gym:
- General public: $10/child (no charge for adults)
- Members: $5/child (no charge for adults)
- Members enrolled in a 2012 summer class: FREE
- For summer 2012, paid open gym will be offered on Tuesday at 11:15 a.m. and Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Check the online schedule for the most up-to-date info.
Classes
- One-time membership fee: $75
- Enrollment fee for Summer 2012 (includes one class per , unlimited additional clases if available and unlimited Open Gym): $74 – $78 every 4 weeks.
- Discounts available for two children enrolled from the same family, twins and triplets!
Please call My Gym for additional details on pricing and discounts.
Hints & Tips
- Kids go barefoot for class.
- Adults must wear socks for class. If you forget your socks, you can buy some at the gym for $1.
- You will be moving around with your kids during class and the kids will be crawling around all sorts of different equipment. Just make sure you and your children are dressed comfortably.
- The summer class schedule and unlimited class offer runs from June 25 – September 1, 2012.
- The Waddler class is for children agest 14 – 22 months. The Tiny Tyke class is for children ages 7 – 12 months. The combination class is for children in any of those age ranges. My kids were 15/16 months when we took this class and it was perfect for them.
- The Waddler class is a parent participation class so come prepared to participate 🙂
- Restrooms and baby changing facilities are available in the back of the gym.
COMING UP:
On Thursday, it’s time for some seaside tiny dining. Also, with the heat wave coming tomorrow, you may want to check out Shawna’s post from last Friday on Hartford County Community Pools.
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