At The Little Gym, gymnastics has always been about much more than learning the skills. Through movement, play and plenty of encouragement, children discover what their bodies can do while building the confidence to try new things, the independence to explore and the social skills that grow from learning alongside others.
Where It All Began
The Little Gym story began in 1976, when educator, musician and kinesiologist Robin Wes opened the first gym in Bellevue, Washington. His idea was simple: children should have a nurturing, non-competitive place where they could develop physically, socially and intellectually, with learning woven naturally into play.
Nearly 50 years later, that philosophy found a home in South West London, where Tracie and Marlene have built their own Little Gym story.
With 40 years of The Little Gym experience between them, they have worked together since 2012, when Marlene joined Tracie at The Little Gym Chiswick. Alongside their team, they grew Chiswick into a thriving community of more than 1,000 members before bringing the same approach to Wandsworth and, most recently, Wimbledon.
Today, each gym has its own community, but the idea at the heart of all three remains the same: giving children the freedom to move, explore, make mistakes and try again, surrounded by people who celebrate their progress.
Growing With Your Child
Our classes grow alongside children from four months to 12 years, changing with them as their bodies, personalities and confidence develop.
Babies and toddlers reach, roll, climb and explore with their parent or carer close by. During the pre-school years, children begin venturing into the gym independently, learning to listen, take turns and make friends while developing fundamental gymnastics skills. By primary school, they are ready for greater challenges that build strength, flexibility and coordination alongside perseverance and teamwork.
Because our approach is non-competitive, progress looks different for every child. One might be working towards a handstand while another is finding the confidence to join a group independently or attempt something they weren't quite ready for the week before.
Each one is worth celebrating.
Adventures Beyond Weekly Classes
You don't have to be a member to experience The Little Gym, and the school holidays are one of our favourite opportunities to welcome new faces.
For children aged 3–5, Super Quest Camps combine gymnastics with imaginative themes that change throughout the holidays. Games, crafts, movement and creative challenges bring each adventure to life, keeping little bodies moving and curious minds busy.
For 6–12-year-olds, Skill Thrill Camps give children more time to focus on the gymnastics skills that excite them, from cartwheels and aerials to handstands, handsprings, vaulting, somersaults and backflips. With support from our instructors, children work at their own level, whether developing an existing skill or trying something completely new.
Our camps are Ofsted registered and open to members and non-members, making them a fun, active introduction to The Little Gym.
Birthdays They Love, Without the Stress
We know that a brilliant children's birthday party can mean a lot of work for the grown-ups, so ours are designed to make the day as easy for parents as it is exciting for children.
Our Party Crew helps get everything ready, assists with decorations and keeps children entertained with energetic games and activities in the gym. Once the cake has been eaten and the final game played, we take care of the clean-up too, leaving you free to enjoy the moments you actually want to remember.
You bring the food, cake and any special touches you'd like to add, and we'll help take care of the rest. Parties are open to non-members too, so everyone can experience a little Serious Fun on their big day.
Come and See for Yourself
Across Chiswick, Wandsworth and Wimbledon, we get to watch children grow through moments that can seem small at first, from new friendships and first cartwheels to the determination to get back up and try again.
Children may come through our doors to move, tumble and play, but somewhere along the way, they begin to discover just how much they are capable of.
Come and discover The Little Gym for yourself. Join us for an introductory class, explore our holiday camps or let our Party Crew help make their next birthday one to remember.
