Flying Fish gym a hit with kids, parents
When winter’s shortest days drape a
cloth of cold and darkness across the Flathead, it can be
frustratingly difficult for parents to find physical outlets for
their young children. The local playgrounds are snowed in, and even
if they weren’t, it’s tough getting young ones bundled up for
sub-freezing temperatures.
Val Trina knows the winter parenting
doldrums all to well, which is why she was inspired to open Flying
Fish Kids Gym in the Mountain Mall.
“I’m a mom, and I always wished I had a
place to go like this when my kids were younger,” Trina said. “It’s
a great place for kids to burn off energy, especially in the
winter.”
The gym offers classes daily to
children up to six years old. Each class starts with a warm up
before qualified instructors lead age-appropriate activities,
including balance, strength and flexibility exercises.
Trina is a pediatric physical
therapist, so she knows the value of working with a child’s gross
motor skills. Children are challenged to do assisted chin-ups, walk
on balance beams, sort through colors and shapes, and other
exercises depending on their age.
She says the classes aren’t just about
physical challenges. The gym is also a great place for children to
develop social skills and prepare them for a school setting.
“It’s not just play time,” Trina said.
“Each class is carefully thought out. As a physical therapist, I
know the normal milestones for children, and we make sure those are
met or exceeded.”
Yet, she can’t deny the bonus for
parents that their kids are burning off a ton of energy at each
class. Stephanie Gordon’s three-year-old daughter Madison has
attended the gym since it opened in October. Gordon says she’s
lucky to have found the facility.
“The teachers are great, and Madison
loves trying the different exercises,” Gordon said. “We don’t have
a very big house, so before Madison couldn’t do a lot of gymnastic
moves. But here she’s doing somersaults and trying handstands.”
Gordon also notes the social skills her
daughter is developing.
“She was really shy,” Gordon said. “Now
she loves to talk about other kids and asks if they’ll be at the
next class.”
Some of the gym’s instructors are
former gymnasts, and all have a passion for working with children
in a fitness setting. Emily Long is a former coach at Flathead
Gymnastics Academy in Kalispell and has a bachelor’s in psychology.
She teaches classes for each age level. Kirsten Sabin is a former
gymnast and leads classes for 3-5 year-olds. Fitness enthusiast
Julie Nissi leads kids yoga classes for 4-6 year-olds.
Flying Fish classes are offered for
six-week sessions or on a drop-in basis. They also host an open gym
time and have a birthday party area. For more information, call
862-5437.