At L'il Munchkins kids' gym in Khar, children between the ages of 10 months to 10 years can learn gymnastics, rock-climbing, and how to strength train on a jungle gym

At the L'il Munchkins Kids' Gym, children are taught exercises that boost motor skills, enable space orientation and facilitate social interaction.

The 500 sq ft space is the brainchild of physiotherapist Ekta Bhatia, who has worked with Harkisandas Hospital.

"As a kid, I grew up climbing trees and jumping off low walls of neighbouring buildings. The kids, nowadays, lead sedentary lives. I notice kids whose parents or maids carry them or their bags around all the time.


At L'il Munchkins, children can work out on baby treadmills, rock-climb and also learn pottery to increase motor skills

This sets them up for lifestyle ailments by the time they are in their early 30s," says Ekta, who decided to open the gym when she found few kid-friendly spaces in the city.

Gym equipment ranges from wobble boards (for balance), trampoline (for cardio) to exercise balls (for posture).
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Kids can learn gymnastics, malkhamb (a combination of Indian gymnastics and martial arts) and pottery to develop motor skills.
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They also have rock-climbing facilities and a jungle gym where kids can strength train on Tarzan swings. Workshops and treks are held during vacations.

Ekta says, though, that the idea is not to make the kids undergo gruelling workout sessions. "We have classes only thrice a week.
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The rest of the time kids can play outdoors. We keep the kids' needs in mind and pay individual attention to them.
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If they aren't having fun, we come up with another activity to keep them hooked."

Ekta's team comprises a doctor, two teachers and two staff members. Over 60 kids, including those with special needs are enrolled at the gym.

"Kids interact with each other and become more confident about themselves, which is what you need to succeed in life," concludes Ekta.

AT: 1, Sethi Dham, 11th Road, next to Parmananda Bhandar, Khar (W). Call 32215866.
COST: Rs 180 upwards (per session)