Getting active at Gorgas Park. Photo Credit | Studio Luminoso
If you have kids under the age of ten, chances are their idea of exercise is playing a video game. We all know that lack of physical activity in early childhood may lead to obesity, health risks and developmental issues. How can parents get their kids moving?
That is the goal of Reflex Sports, an elementary gymnastics and movement program for children aged one to ten. Launched by Roxborough residents Whitney and Greg Grant, the program focuses on fundamentals, including developing social skills. Your child gets to discover, explore, and develop their physical and mental capabilities through gymnastics and sports.
Greg Grant, co owner of Reflex Sports, works with his daughter at the gymnastics bar.
Photo Credit | Studio Luminoso
“We work on overall physical health with attention to balancing, improving strength, confidence and self-esteem,” said Whitney. “We are focusing on growth as a whole person. If you’re looking for a competitive gymnastics program that is not what we do.”
This isn’t about performing better than someone else. It’s about children learning to be the best they can be.
“We work on overall physical health with attention to balancing, improving strength, confidence and self-esteem,” said Whitney. “We are focusing on growth as a whole person. If you’re looking for a competitive gymnastics program that is not what we do.”
A playful moment with Reflex Sports at Gorgas Park. Photo Credit | Studio Luminoso
“Our objective is to develop self-confidence and instill a love for physical activity in each one of our students. A lot of kids in our program are on the autism spectrum,” said Whitney. “If a parent or physical therapist wants to attend the class to assist, they are welcome. And if a child has trouble focusing and wants to run around, that’s okay too.”
Classes divide children by their ages into different time slots. For instance, at Gorgas Park, there are separate classes for two- to three-year-olds, four- to six-year-olds, and five- to eight-year-olds. “Parents participate in the youngest group, and we teach them how to work with their kids.” said Whitney.
“Sports are a vehicle for developing not only physical strength, but also strength of character,” she said. “In our classes, your child not only learns the proper execution of backward rolls and cartwheels, but also how to be respectful, patient, cooperative, mindful, healthy, and productive members of their classes, families, and communities.”
“Our objective is to develop self-confidence and instill a love for physical activity in each one of our students. A lot of kids in our program are on the autism spectrum,” said Whitney.
Greg (left) and Whitney Grant (right) are co owners of Reflex Sports. Photo Credit | Studio Luminoso
Both Greg, 47, and Whitney, 35, are highly experienced in developing exercise programs for children.
“I grew up playing nine sports myself and have enjoyed coaching several sports, including gymnastics, swimming, and tennis. I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree is in recreational therapy from Temple University,” said Whitney.
Greg has a degree in psychology from West Chester University and worked as tennis coach and personal trainer, in addition to his twenty years of experience working with children.
“We met teaching in gymnastics programs in Philadelphia preschools and rec centers,” Whitney said. “We moved to Roxborough in 2012 and after we had our daughter in 2021. We decided it’s time to collaborate and start our own gymnastic program in 2019.”
Then came the pandemic. Reflex Sports switched to virtual classes. But since the summer of 2020, they have also held outdoor classes at Gorgas Park through mid-December.
“We love living in Roxborough,” said Whitney, “My husband and I want to be a part of the village raising children in our community. I am also the administrator for our program and website, so please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding registration, payment, trial classes, scheduling issues, or anything else!”
Reflex Sports offers classes at North Light Community Center in Manayunk; Gorgas Park in Roxborough; Conshohocken Community Center and Sutcliffe Park in Conshohocken; and Summit Presbyterian Church in Mt. Airy.
Registration for Spring Session is open! Classes start on April 26th and last eight weeks. Learn more below.