I'm talking about baby gyms. After confessing how stir crazy Marcus and I get in the afternoons it was time for this mommy to take some action. I started my search of a baby gym for Marcus (and me).
We checked out four different gyms. And, there were about a hundred others I could have explored, but four was about all I could take of different versions of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider."
The first gym we checked out was simply an "open gym" concept. And, Marcus was the only child there. Obviously not what we had hoped for.
The second gym had organized activities, song singing, and open play time after "class." More up our alley.
The third gym focused on gymnastic elements. We were "teaching" the kids the basic steps to do a cartwheel (WTH?! My kid is just learning to walk, you want him to do a cartwheel?!), somersaults, and walking on a balance beam (again, we haven't mastered the art of simply walking).
The fourth was a mad house. That's the best way I can explain it. Kids running amuck, equipment didn't seem the cleanest. I'm next to positive had I set Marcus down he would have been pummeled. We didn't stay for more than 15 seconds. Yikes.
While each gym offered its own unique spin, and I'm sure Marcus would have loved anything I threw at him, I decided on gym number two.
The real issue I have with all the baby gyms... The price. Whoa nelly! Not only is there a membership fee, there is a monthly fee. These fees are for a single class a week. It's not like we can come and go to any old class when we please. It's all a bit ridiculous. But, these places know what they're doing. Full-time mommy's will pay these absurd prices, because if we don't we will simply go insane. Oh, you want one of my kidneys? Glady, as long as the little man and I can get out of the house! Kudos to you, baby gyms, you got me and my money.
Hahaha, sometimes I think I'm in the wrong business. I need to come up with something genius that will make people fork over their money! ;)
ReplyDeleteAt least he looks like he is enjoying himself. And sometimes that's all that really matters.
LOL...we have an open gym type thing locally here that runs once a week Feb. through April. It's basically a free for all with balls and a jumpy castle and tunnels etc. and I remember doing a post about the craziness of it last year on my blog. Seriously, in home daycares just come and dump off their kids to run wild while they socialize in the bleachers! This year though my girls are bigger and can plow the other kids over just as easily, so it works a lot better haha. And it's free. And Raya's best little friends from preschooll all go. *But* I totally can picture the germs and craziness you described! :-)
ReplyDeletemaybe that is what i should do for a living, start a baby gym!! hmm? aw hell, who am i kidding...i can hardly handle my own kid, none the less a bunch of other people crazies!! ;)
ReplyDeletehe looks like he was having fun tho! do they have a MOPS program there? i know my cousin takes her boys to that and she really enjoys it! time out of the house and socializing!
I can only imagine how expensive it is. Have you looked at the Ymca? They usually have some classes for toddlers that won't break the bank. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe started a Baby Sign class and went to our first one Monday... I loved it, but I must confess, I kinda feel like I'm paying for a friend... Haha! But, at least we are getting out!
ReplyDeleteWe joined the local discovery museum and we have a wonderful time there and it is pretty much cheap considering the price of what classes and such would cost. Henry loves it and they have a lot of story-times and such for kids his age several times a day. The gym looks like a ton of fun too!
ReplyDeletethis looks like so much fun! what a great way to get out of the house for you and marcus ;) also - i have NEVER heard of baby gyms!! then again, i live in the middle of nowhere so maybe that's why??
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