Winter 2020

20 Oct20471 Head Over Heels for Gym Bubbas Based in Plymouth, Gym Bubbas is the provider of fun but structured gymnastics classes for children aged four months to twelve years old. In a safe, nurturing environment, Gym Bubbas teaches gymnastic skills, strength and flexibility exercises, and group work, that can help children develop their physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as beginning to work towards higher levels of proficiency in gymnastics. At Gym Bubbas, children aged between just four months and twelve years are taught a variety of gymnastic skills in structured classes that use age-specific gymnastic equipment, songs, group work and strength and flexibility exercises. Designed to develop children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills, the classes prioritise fun and safety for all children. Operating from two centres in the Plymouth area with around 900 children attending each week, Gym Bubbas has seen a great deal of growth since it started out as a small lifestyle business, running a few sessions a week. Each gym has specially designed equipment to create a space that is safe and fun, in which children can try everything from forward rolls to swings on the rings, everything to get them started on their safe and exciting gymnastics journey. The team of highly trained instructors are committed to providing a personal service that goes above and beyond for each child. The children are allowed to learn and develop at their own pace, with the understanding that children thrive when receiving positive reinforcement and having fun. Whilst a base knowledge of gymnastics is ideal in any candidate looking to join the Gym Bubbas team, much more important is charisma and a caring, enthusiastic attitude to working with children that cannot be taught. It is for this reason that all potential candidates go through such a rigorous interview process to make sure they are a perfect fit for the team. The team that has been created as a result is wonderful and supportive and in recent months, has truly shown their adaptability and resilience. The outbreak of Covid-19 meant that Gym Bubbas have now had to close their doors twice now in the past year, which has seen some concerning repercussions. Parents who are trying to maintain a sense of normality for their children in such confusing and uncertain times as these have reached out to Gym Bubbas, saying that younger children are not hitting their developmental milestones, while older children, detained from the social environment of Gym Bubbas, are developing anxieties about mixing with groups of children. Recognising the need for their continued presence in their lives of the children in their care, the Gym Bubbas team have pulled together to develop important skills that allow them to keep engaging with their students. During the first lockdown, the Gym Bubbas team became YouTube stars and Zoom Class aficionados, using this technology to create videos and online live classes that meant children could continue learning and developing, even in the comfort and safety of their own homes. As gymnastics forms the basis of many other sports, the skills learnt in early years spent at the gym often prove vital later on, which is why the Gym Bubbas commitment to delivering classes, even when faced with adversities such as a global pandemic, is great. Whether their pupils want to be a gymnast, footballer or swimmer, Gym Bubbas’ classes develop strength, balance, flexibility and coordination that will prove vital in later development and proficiency at all sports. As Gym Bubbas’ reputation spreads and more parents become aware of the benefits of gymnastics for children’s mental, physical and social well-being, the company is always looking to grow and evolve. Their lesson plans are regularly adapted to keep them fresh and engaging and Gym Bubbas is even looking to grow its number of gyms so it can welcome even more children to take part in gymnastics classes, enabling them to learn, develop, and most importantly, have fun. Contact: Wayne Child Web Address: www.gymbubbas.co.uk SQUAD