KidStrong educational gym opens in Hicksville

It's bright, loud and energetic inside Long Island's newest KidStrong educational gym in Hicksville. Coach Jeanine’s voice echoes loudly throughout the building. 

“We have parents coming in saying ‘finally, my kid is moving again, they’re active again, they’re socializing again,’” says franchisee and area developer Michael Reyes. The science-based children's gym focused on kids up to 11 years old opened this spring. It's the third Long Island location; others are in Carle Place and Sayville.

KidStrong focuses on three "pillars" within 45-minute sessions: brain, physical and character development. To enforce brain development, the Texas-based chain incorporates math, geography and anatomy into its classes to “stimulate the mind,” says Reyes, adding, “and then we are back on the obstacle course doing some exercise.” Agility, speed and balance-based activities, among other things, make up the physical portion of the class, while character development is encouraged through teamwork, competition, public speaking and socialization.

“Parents want their kids to be active. They want them sweating; they want them having fun, but they want structure,” says Reyes, whose team also teaches children “how to do a proper pushup and situp.”

The membership-based spot's curriculum was created by occupational and speech therapists and professional athletes. Classes are separated by age group, with two coaches per session.

Sticking to its motto of "helping kids win at life," in class, they can level and rank up, says Reyes.

At least one parent is required to stay at the center while their child participates in a class; for children under 4, a parent is required to participate with them.

KidStrong also launched a summer drop-off camp, which runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through August. Kids aged 4 to 9 can participate in one of three themed camps — superhero, ninja, and confidence and leadership, which run weekly and do not require a KidStrong membership.

“Our goal is to build stronger, more confident kids at a really early age,” says Reyes.