Tucked away in a brick complex just off the Beltline is Intown Tumbling and Yoga For Kids, an exercise facility dedicated to teaching kids imperative physical and life skills one forward roll at a time.
Founded in 2010 by a former competitive child gymnast in the church now known as The Church at Ponce and Highland with a few yoga mats and three classes, the company is now located at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd, a few doors down from Two Urban Licks. The Atlanta Beltline is located on the opposite side of the building.
Kim Steen began Intown Tumbling about seven years ago in an attempt to create an additional revenue stream. A former gymnast and nanny, Steen’s unique work experience put her at the perfect intersection to open a tumbling facility for kids.
But, instead of teaching kids to compete, she’s helping them be active while also teaching them important social skills.
In a recent My Grown Up and Me class geared towards two-year-olds, kids patiently (and impatiently) awaited their turn to log roll down a mat. The kids were given a colored star to sit on so that the course instructor could give them a shape and a color to identify with their space.
Steen said it takes a while to get the kids to share and pay attention, but as the weeks of the adult-assisted courses roll on the progress is evident.
For a few minutes before the class begins, children are encouraged to roam the mat, getting acquainted with the balance beams that are elevated just inches off the floor, plush blocks, mini trampolines and more.
Adults chase their children, the toddler's tiny feet pattering on to the next self-guided adventure before a course instructor leads the group in guided stretching and tumbling. By allowing them to explore before the class begins, instructors hope the kids will be less distracted during the structured class time.
The eight-week My Grown Up and Me course was originally named Mommy and Me, but was renamed to be more inclusive. The total cost for an adult and child to participate in this course is $148.
Aside from the main class area, there’s a small loft area where children can read or play with toys while overlooking classes. The facility also features a separate yoga room, where kids can plank on a soft floor that resembles a puzzle.
In addition to tumbling and yoga classes from children up to ages 15 and 18, respectively, Intown Tumbling also offers summer camps, including ones with ninja, superhero and “Frozen” themes.
Not all of the courses are for children, however. Leave the little ones at home and learn some “acroyoga,” a thrilling blend of acrobatics and yoga hosted at the Intown Yoga facility.
About the Author
