The Little Gym at Harpenden is offering a new Parent and Child 'Bugs' Class from early next month. Specially tailored for tots from 4 to 10 months, the new classes will take place every Tuesday and Friday from 2.45pm to 3.30pm starting from Tuesday 1 September. Free introductory sessions are available and classes evolve, as youngsters blossom and grow, all the way through to 12 years.

The Little Gym's weekly-themed programme helps youngsters get the most from every stage of their development, with lots of emphasis on nurturing self-confidence and a love of activity. 'Bugs' classes explore a variety of movements and experiences, set to music, which encourage the development of perceptive and motor-skills. Content is colourful and lively, with lots of parachute activities, exploration, ball play and bubbles.

During each weekly session, trained instructors devote lots of class time to encouraging babies to explore the prone position. This valuable 'tummy time' strengthens their back and neck muscles, which helps in the development of coordination, balance and postural control - the foundation for all movement skills. It also increases babies' confidence and independence, helping them to become motivated to explore their surroundings as they learn to control their bodies. Meanwhile, group activities, music and lots of baby-friendly 'props' encourage interest and movement, promoting the development of muscle groups which are necessary for crawling and walking later on.

For more information, please contact The Little Gym Harpenden on 01582 712423, email harpenden@thelittlegym.co.uk or visit www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Editor's note. Established in 1976, The Little Gym has over 300 centres worldwide. In addition to curriculum-based gymnastics classes, for children from 4 months to 12 years, centres also offer children's Birthday Parties and Holiday Camps.


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