When Christopher Goodwin was living in western Washington, he took his daughter to The Little Gym.
Little did he know, this decision would make a life-changing impact on not only his life but also the lives of countless other families and children who go to The Little Gym in Post Falls today.
The Little Gym is more than just a business. It is a community rooted in connection, growth, and a desire to create a safe, fun space for children to learn and thrive.
“I fell in love with the concept,” Goodwin said. “It was about so much more than gymnastics. It was about giving kids a space to have fun, learn and grow without pressure.”
North Idaho has always been home for Goodwin, so when he discovered that The Little Gym was a franchise, he jumped at the opportunity to bring it home to other Kootenai County families.
After his experiences with the military, Goodwin wanted to continue to contribute meaningfully to his community. His experience with The Little Gym in Washington opened his eyes to the possibility of making a difference through a business that also aligned with his values.
It was a big change in environment for Goodwin, going from the military, where it’s very serious and intense, to little kids playing, and having fun.
Starting a franchise was not an overnight process. Goodwin had to submit a request to explore franchising with The Little Gym, which led to a year-long evaluation filled with interviews to determine whether he was the right fit for the brand, as well as market research to assess whether the area could sustain the business.
He had to go to Arizona and meet with the CEO and the team. There were training sessions that allowed both sides to figure out if it would be the “right fit.”
Once the franchise was secured, Goodwin was given the franchise rights for Kootenai County, and then the search for the perfect location began.
When looking at the options for the gym, Goodwin found it very important that it met his criteria. He wanted it to have enough space and be a place he would feel comfortable taking his own child to. He finally found the perfect spot right in the center of Kootenai County.
From there, the logistics of launching a business took over. Securing loans, learning how to read blueprints, hiring contractors, and navigating legal agreements were all part of the process. Finally, after years of preparation, The Little Gym in Post Falls opened its doors to the community.
“It’s been a long, sometimes scary, sometimes exciting, but especially rewarding process,” Goodwin said. “We’re now about three months in, and it’s incredible to see everything come together.”
The impact of The Little Gym extends beyond Goodwin’s aspirations. It also plays a vital role in the community, offering a space for children to develop physical and social skills in a non-competitive environment.
Many kids want the outlet or opportunity that gymnastics provides but don’t necessarily want the pressure of competitive gymnastics. At The Little Gym, they can learn to move, grow, and be around other kids while having fun and building life skills.
The Little Gym’s mission is built on three pillars: Learn, Play, and Grow. The gym focuses on serious fun, balancing skill development with safety and creativity.
Gym Director Amy Kaplan, who joined The Little Gym team after graduating with a degree in business administration, shares Goodwin’s passion for the mission of The Little Gym.
“The Little Gym is about serious fun,” Kaplan said. “We create a positive environment where kids feel encouraged and celebrated, not pressured. It’s amazing to see their confidence grow.”
Kaplan grew up in competitive gymnastics, cheered in high school and pole vaulted in college, so she has experienced pressure surrounding her athletics. She especially appreciates The Little Gym’s emphasis on effort over perfection.
“I was raised in a high-pressure sports environment, and I love that The Little Gym celebrates kids for their efforts rather than just their outcomes,” Kaplan said.
The staff at The Little Gym enjoy their work and making a positive impact on the children. Kaplan has noticed the impact that she makes by building relationships with the parents and gymnasts she teaches. The kids will light up when they accomplish a new skill or recognize her by name after just a few classes.
A memory that really stood out to her was when one of her students gave her a Thanksgiving card with a hand turkey on it.
“His mom told me he missed me when I was out for a week. It’s incredible to know you’re making that kind of difference,” Kaplan said.
The gym offers parent-child classes for parents and their children up to two and a half years old. There are also pre-school and grade-school classes for children up to twelve years old.
For families considering The Little Gym, Kaplan encourages them to explore the variety of programs that the gym offers. There are memberships allowing families to attend 1-2 classes per week, as well as additional practice times, parent survival nights, camps and birthday parties.
“Whether a child needs help with social skills, wants to stay active, or is just looking for a fun and welcoming environment, we have options for everyone,” Kaplan said.
Additionally, there are military and first responder benefits.
As a veteran, Goodwin wants to work with those who are former military and first responders. He wants to provide free events for them as a “give back” to that part of the community.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Families who attended The Little Gym in other states are now bringing their children and even grandchildren to the Post Falls location and new families are happy with the new opportunity that is being provided near them. Goodwin takes pride in knowing that these experiences and memories will stay with kids for a lifetime.
“People don’t always think about it this way, but The Little Gym can be a defining part of a child’s early memories,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to know we’re providing something valuable to families.”
As The Little Gym continues to grow, Goodwin is looking ahead. He hopes to expand community outreach efforts, particularly by working with military families, first responders, and schools. He is also considering future locations in Spokane and surrounding areas.
“A business that can give back to the community while growing itself is a business worth running,” Goodwin said.
