Amanda Woytus
The KidStrong in Creve Coeur
I’m standing in the middle of a brand-new gym in Creve Coeur, and the exercise area is neatly organized with brightly colored tumbling mats, medicine balls, a rig for climbing, and BOSU balls. But this isn’t a gym for adults. This is KidStrong Creve Coeur, a new–to–St. Louis child development center that focuses on three areas: physical development, brain development, and developing strong character. Each month features a new KidStrong program with activities that fit into each of the three pillars. October’s, for instance, was working on muscular and cardiovascular endurance, learning human anatomy, and practicing teamwork. Kids repeat the 45-minute class once a week for a month to build skills and confidence before starting a new program the next month.
Parents can sign up children for KidStrong as soon as they can walk, and the center groups children by age—there are under-2 classes; separate classes for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds; a 5- and 6-year-old group; a 7- and 8-year-old group; and a class for 9-, 10-, and 11-year-olds. Parents participate on the mats until their child reaches age 4. The exercises are interactive—Mom or Dad might push up into a plank position to have their child crawl under, and then lower to have Junior jump over. Once the kiddo turns 4, parents head to the sidelines and get put on high-five and water duty. There are two combination classes to accommodate families with siblings, and sibling discounts are available. One class, for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds, invites parents onto the floor, a good option for 4-year-olds who aren’t quite ready for solo time without Mom or Dad. Another option for siblings is a class for 5–8-year-olds (parents sit out for this one).
“Our parents love it,” says Shaunna Brandt, the center director for KidStrong Creve Coeur. “It gives you an opportunity to put the phone down, step away from the TV, and you've got 45 minutes of undivided attention with your kiddo. You're watching him or her learn, grow, and try these new things, and you're working out a little, too.”
What does that workout look like? Kids might be swinging from rings or climbing ropes on the rig, slamming weighted medicine balls, rolling or flipping kiddie tires, or pushing KidStrong Krawlers, similar to an adult exercise sled. Climbing on the A-frame KidStrong Klimber helps learn different hand grips. Parallettes can be used for jumping over or army-crawling under.
At the end of each class, one child is honored with the coach’s award, bestowed upon a kiddo who showed a great character trait.
For kids who participate in sports, KidStrong could be a good complement—the exercises help with cardio endurance, strength, and with the mindset needed to be a team player. KidStrong classes kick off and end with the same affirmations: "I am strong, I am brave, and I can do this." That mantra helps young athletes, who will fail, fail again, and have to continue to persevere. For kids who aren’t quite as athletic, KidStrong can still set them up for leading a healthy physical lifestyle from an early age.
For a limited time only, St. Louis Magazine readers will receive a special promotional price on a new KidStrong membership at $119 per month plus two free FLEX classes. Sibling discounts are available. Please contact KidStrong at 314-582-1867 and mention this article to receive the promotional rate.
