I’ve known the Funfit name from classes my son took as a tyke through Montgomery County and from visiting Funfit’s indoor gym in Derwood before it closed. I was excited to find out about a new location that opened in October 2013 in Sandy Spring. The company’s get-kids-moving mission remains as strong as ever, and the new space offers a homey space for children’s classes, open gym, birthday parties, camps, and even adult workouts.
I took my two sons, 4 and 8, for a visit on a snowy day. Open gym is only available to Funfit members, but I was glad to hear that taking a Funfit class through the county (in the past year) makes you a Funfit member. My kids tried out the various areas and equipment in the gym as I was given a tour by Funfit owner Celia Kibler.
In a stand-alone building that feels just like a house, 4,000 square feet of space is divided into several rooms on two floors. The main level includes a large open room that’s used for many classes; a room with tables for arts and crafts; and the Snake Pit, a room filled with more than a dozen pieces of kid-sized gym equipment.
My 8-year-old immediately began working out on the treadmills and strength machines, all of which are small enough for kids to handle and are designed to not cause injuries. Children must be ages 5 and older to exercise in the Snake Pit, and classes are taught by a certified personal trainer. Nutrition counseling and cardio games are part of the offerings. The “snake” in Snake Pit stands for Stamina, Nutrition, Agility, Kid-Powered, Endurance.
During our visit, the arts and crafts room had a table with rainbow looms, and another with paint and straws for blowing designs on paper plates.
The spacious main classroom had a pop-up tunnel, hula hoops, beach balls, and pool noodles scattered about for free play.
The upper level includes a moon bounce room (the moon bounce occupies the entire room); a room with an inflatable castle, a ride-on car for tykes that goes down a small track like a roller coaster, and some balls and other toys; and a room for adults to hang out in while kids are in classes. The adult room feels like a living room and is nicely set up with comfy chairs as well as infant/toddler toys for younger siblings.
Class options for kids include a hip-hop hula hoop class, music, art, theater, dance, yoga, preschool prep, and Funfit (music and movement). Adult fitness classes, some of which coincide with kids classes or have childcare available, include dance, strength, and cardio. Parents Night Out takes place every other Friday.
For birthday parties at the gym, guests have use of the entire space. It seems like the space would work well for moving about during the party and keeping everyone entertained. Nonmembers are able to book birthday parties, though the price is slightly higher.
The gym’s name (Funfit’s Organically Grown Gym) and motto (back to basics, back to nature, back to health) made me think there would be a big focus on being green, but plastic toys and inflatables were more prevalent than dirt and wood. But classes do incorporate crafts from recycled materials and an upcoming spring gardening class is in the works.
The gym feels welcoming with inclusion of all ages and abilities, and its packages are definitely competitive with similar kids’ gyms.
More Info
- Class pricing works out to about $16 per class but you must register for a session. Ask about specials and packages (for instance, one package is $75 per month for two fitness classes per week, unlimited open gym, and a parents night out).
- The gym is a short drive to the shops and eateries in the main part of Olney.
- There is a large, free parking lot.
- I found the gym’s website hard to navigate; calling or visiting in person is probably a better way to get specifics on classes and other offerings.
Photos by Kathleen Seiler Neary
