Provo, UT

I’m always looking for something to do with my daughter. Socialization and structure are key (for both of us!), but more importantly, whatever she does has to be fun. So I was thrilled when I found out about the new children’s gym that will be opening in Layton this fall. And even more so to attend a FREE demo class at Chelsie Meadows Park.

What a great time! First of all, we couldn’t have asked for better weather: 70 degrees, sunny, and gorgeous blue skies. Just looking around at all the brightly-colored equipment laid out before us had my daughter beaming with anticipation. After we signed in, we sat down around a huge parachute. There were moms, dads, and kids ranging from infants to about ten years old. We all introduced ourselves, and then the fun began!

We started off with a “Hello” song, then some simple warm-up exercises, modified for each age and ability. We danced around the colorful parachute to a few songs. The owner/instructor, Christine Jauchler, has a bubby personality and a great rapport with both the kids and the parents. It’s hard not to have fun when you’re around her!

Next the kids had an opportunity to try the tumbling ball, balance beam, and ring toss. My daughter loved the balance beam because she could walk on it, or turn it over to use as a slide. The tumbling ball was great fun, too, because the bigger kids could use it to learn proper tumbling technique, while the babies gently bounced on it for the sensory experience. The ring toss didn’t hold a lot of interest for my 3-year-old, but the older kids seemed to really enjoy it. It’s a great way to help with hand-eye coordination.

Then it was back to the parachute, which my daughter just loved; she could barely contain her excitement! It’s a great learning tool for cooperative play and coordination–but the kids just know it’s a blast.

Finally, there was a hand-puppet show about an alligator and little monkeys in a tree–the goal was to teach counting and manners. The “Good-bye” song left us happy, but wanting more!

Fortunately, there will be another free “meet-up” at Fremont Park in Syracuse, UT on Tuesday, June 24 at 9:30 a.m. It would make a great playdate, so grab your kids, friends, sunscreen, water, and a blanket to sit on…and be prepared for an hour of fitness and fun!

In my opinion, the Layton area has needed something like this for a long time and these free outdoor demos are a fantastic idea! There will be more scheduled throughout the summer, so catch one if you can!

For more info, contact mygymlayton@yahoo.com or visit www.mygym.com