Last Updated on August 4, 2012 by DeanR
The Little Gym Franchise Information
The Little Gym is a franchise for a business providing fitness programs for children. It was founded in 1976 by Robin Wes.
He is a musician, educator, and a kinesiologist. He wanted to create a place for children that is nurturing and the children can explore physical, emotional, and intellectual development while also encouraging them to socialize. He wanted an environment that is driven with the “Spirit to Achieve” instead of “The Pressure to Win”.
The first Little Gym was opened in Bellevue, Washington in 1976. He created original music that was used for each lesson. They started franchising in 1992 through the help of Bob Bingham. They now have 220 locations all over the United States, 20 in Canada, 39 in other countries such as the Philippines, China, Belgium, Egypt, India, France, Japan, Ireland, Poland, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Singapore. They have two locations that are company owned.
What programs do they offer at The Little Gym?
For four months to three years old, they are designed for a child accompanied by parents. They are presented in different classes with different age groups namely Bugs, Birds, Beasts, and Super Beasts.
Gymnastics are for three to six year olds. They are also divided into groups namely Funny Bugs, Giggle Worms, Good Friends, Mini Flips, and Mini Jets. There is also gymnastics for six to 12 years old. For girls, the groups are named Flips, Twisters, Aerials, and Jets.For the boys, they have Hot Shots and Flic Flacs. Sports skills classes for three to six years old are also divided into age groups namely Mini Jacks and Cracker Jacks.
They offer Karate for four to 12 year olds. The groups are divided depending on age and named Chopsticks and Choppers. Dance classes are designed for three to 12 years old. They also divide the group into ages namely Jazzy Bugs, Giggle Toes, Good Leaps, Jazzy Jets, and Pirouettes. These programs are conducted using the three-dimensional learning process that they call “Get Moving”, “Brain Boost”, and Citizen Kid”.
You may also avail of their “Awesome Birthday Bash” packages for ages one to 12 years old. They also have kid’s camp offered to three to eight year olds. Another offer is the Parent’s Survival Night for parents who need a night out without the kids. This is not always available and slots quickly get filled up.
Cost and requirements on running The Little Gym franchise
You need to have a net worth of $300,000 and a total liquid asset of at least $75,000. Expect to be investing about $147,000 to $294,000. The Little Gym franchise fee is $39,500 to $69,500 with an on-going royalty fee of 8%. This is for a renewable 10 year term agreement. You will need about five to seven employees to run one location. They do not allow absentee ownership.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be two weeks training at the headquarters, five days at your location, and one week at an existing franchise. You will be receiving newsletters, a toll free phone number, and assistance at the grand opening. You will be given access to the internet and to purchasing cooperatives. You may also expect to be attending meetings and receiving occasional field evaluations. For marketing support, there will be ad slicks, regional advertising, and national media.
The Little Gym Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Address: 7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., #1050 Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
Phone: (888)228-2878 or (480)948-2878