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.