Branches And Balance

Fitness and Exercise Classes

Children in a Fitness class taking turns on an agility ladder.

We do not currently accept walk-ins. Please call ahead or use our booking page to schedule.

We do not require a consultation/evaluation for participation in exercise and fitness classes.

See below for our schedule of currently available exercise classes.

A physical therapist directs each of our 40 minute exercise classes. Classes have a 1 therapist to 10 child ratio. We require parent participation for all children under 4. We recommend parent participation for elementary school aged participants.

Exercise classes for children incorporate developmental activities as well as strengthening exercises, coordination drills, and stretching.  The physical therapist may incorporate yoga positions to supplement these activities. We often include aerobic activities.

Help your child stay fit and build healthy habits at a young age. Make new friends and build social skills such as taking turns.  Get input from an expert on age appropriate activities. We provide group classes that are separated by either age or ability. Each class has a different focus, whether it be developmental progress, aerobic exercise, or strengthening.

We will provide some ideas for carryover at home upon request.

Our exercise classes are a great supplement to your child’s physical therapy treatment plan. If your child is currently receiving PT, an exercise class can reinforce the work being done during therapy. Regardless of whether you receive PT at Branches and Balance, or elsewhere, try one of our fitness groups for a boost to your child’s physical therapy.

2 children participating a group fitness class working on strength through chair pose.

Our Class Sequence

Gentle Seeds (Mommy and Me)

 

For Infants age 0 to 7 months old.

Infant sleeping on a blanket.

The newest member of your family is undergoing a lot of development and these first 7 months are very important. This class will walk you through parent assisted exercises to promote on track development. We will discuss developmental milestones, parenting tips, and “tummy time.”  This is a relaxed class and parents are encouraged to ask questions during the class.

Parents are free to bring their own toys and a blanket if they would like. We will provide a gymnastics mat as well as age appropriate toys for you to utilize during the session. All toys and mats are cleaned/sanitized between each use. We know how important your child’s health is.

Each week we will spend some time doing Q&A, tummy time, and sitting.  We will also work on a few strengthening exercises and ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Little Leaves (Mommy and Me)

 

For Babies age 6 to 12 months old.

While not quite as fresh in the world, this age group still has different needs. Once babies hit 6 months old, they tend to become more mobile. This class places a lot of emphasis on acquiring and improving on those movement skills. We will build strength and balance while promoting movement.  Parents are encouraged to ask questions during the class.

We will provide any equipment and toys necessary for the class. We discourage parents from bringing their own toys for this class. All toys and equipment are cleaned/sanitized between each use. We know how important your child’s health is.

Each week we will spend some time doing Q&A, advanced sitting positions, balance, strengthening, and standing. We will discuss tips for working on things in your daily routine, as well as safety for our littlest movers.

Seedling Steps (Mommy and Me)

 

For Toddlers age 1 to 2 years old.

Toddlers are just getting started with exploring the world from a new perspective. This class focuses on getting your child walking, as well as improving their balance. We will tackle climbing as well as stairs. We encourage parents to ask questions during the class.

We will provide any equipment and toys necessary for the class. We discourage parents from bringing their own toys for this class.  We understand if your child needs to have one special toy though. All toys and equipment are cleaned/sanitized between each use. We know how important your child’s health is.

Each week we will spend some time discussing safety and Q&A. We will work on walking, transitioning from one position to another, and tackling obstacles or challenging terrain.

Twisty Twigs (Mommy and Me)

For Preschool aged children — 2 to 4 years old.

This class implements our new 8 week rotating curriculum. Each week will have a different focus. Your child will work on balance, coordination, and control of their bodies through fun songs, strengthening exercises, and yoga. We will work on developmental skills such as jumping and catching a ball. Your child will work on taking turns and respecting others. We will explore our bodies together and answer any questions you may have during the class.

Super Sprouts

For TK and Kindergarten aged children — 4 to 6 years old.

This class implements our new 8 week rotating curriculum. Each week will have a different focus. Your child will work on balance, coordination, and control of their bodies through fun songs, strengthening exercises, and yoga. We will work on developmental skills such as jumping and catching a ball. Your child will work on taking turns and respecting others. We will explore different body parts and the way that they move.

We encourage but do not require parent participation in this class. When parents participate, it helps the class go more smoothly.

Rising Roots

For 1st and 2nd grade aged children — 6 to 8 years old.

This class implements our new 8 week rotating curriculum. Each week will have a different focus. Your child will work on balance, coordination, and control of their bodies through fun songs, strengthening exercises, and yoga. We will work on improving developmental skills. Your child will work on taking turns and respecting others. We will explore different body parts and the way that they move, as well as learning the names of some of the bones and joints.

We encourage but do not require parent participation in this class. When parents participate, it helps the class go more smoothly.

Balanced Branches

For 3rd and 4th grade aged children — 8 to 10 years old.

This class implements our new 8 week rotating curriculum. Each week will have a different focus. We also begin focusing a bit more on strengthening exercises. Each week will have a dedicated set of exercises for strengthening, as well as a cardio (aka aerobic exercise) segment. Your child will work on balance, coordination, and strength. We will still play some games and use a few activity songs, but these are decreased in comparison to the other classes.

Your child’s body is often maturing and going through changes during this age. We will place an emphasis on proper form during exercises to help establish a good baseline for as they grow. We want to build healthy habits to promote lifelong fitness and strength. This can also help prevent injury as your child gets more serious about sports in the upcoming years. Your child will learn the names of some of the muscles in this class in addition to the bones and joints.

Confident Canopy

For 5th and 6th grade aged children — 10 to 12 years old.

This class implements our new 8 week rotating curriculum. Each week will have a different focus. Each week will have a dedicated set of exercises for strengthening, as well as a cardio (aka aerobic exercise) segment. Your child will work on balance, coordination, and strength. We will use a few games, but preteens typically are uninterested in activity songs. We will work on teamwork and partnering up for many activities. We will discuss the importance of different types of exercise.

Your child’s body is often maturing and going through changes during this age. We will place an emphasis on proper form during exercises to help establish a good baseline for as they grow. We want to build healthy habits to promote lifelong fitness and strength. This can also help prevent injury as your child gets more serious about sports in the upcoming years. Your child will learn the names of some of the muscles in this class in addition to the bones and joints.

Strong Sequoias

For 7th and 8th grade aged children — 12 to 14 years old.

This class implements takes a more traditional approach to exercise, only loosely using our new 8 week rotating curriculum. We will use more of a circuit training style. Stations will be set up for your early teen to rotate through. We will work more on the whole body each week, with an emphasis on one particular body part on a rotating basis. We will tackle agility, coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance. We will work on teamwork and partnering up for many activities. We will discuss the importance of different types of exercise.

Your teen will learn the names and functions of the bones and muscles. We will begin building muscle and boosting cardiovascular capabilities. We want to help prevent injury as your child gets more serious about sports. Your teen’s extracurricular activities will also be taken into account when determining specific activities and exercises.

Alpine Ascent

For High Schoolers— 14 to 18 years old.

This class implements takes a more traditional approach to exercise, only loosely using our new 8 week rotating curriculum. We will use circuit training. Stations will be set up for your teen to rotate through. We will work on the whole body each week, with an emphasis on one particular body part on a rotating basis. We will tackle agility, coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance. We will work on teamwork and partnering up for many activities. We will discuss the importance of different types of exercise.

Your teen will learn the names and functions of the bones and muscles. We will begin building muscle and boosting cardiovascular capabilities.  We will assist your teen in designing an individual exercise program that they can complete at home. Your teen’s will have input in determining specific activities and exercises for the following week.

Currently Available Classes

Tummy Time Fitness Group: Mondays at 9:45, Fridays at 9

For all children under 9 months old. Come work on tummy time and learn about why it is so important. We will also work on other age appropriate developmental skills and do exercises to boost continued progress of developmental milestones. Discussion often includes upcoming and age appropriate milestones.

Move and Groove 2-4: Mondays at 12:30

For all children between 2 and 4 years old. We will dance and play movement games such as Simon Says. Obstacle courses and other activities that promote age appropriate balance and coordination will be incorporated in a fun manner as children learn to take turns.

Super Sprouts (4-6): Fridays at 12PM

For all children between 4 and 6 years old. Located at the Castaic Sports Complex. Week 1 of the rotation: May 1.

Things to Know

Why Do Kids Need to Exercise?

Starting to exercise while young can help establish healthy habits when they grow up.  Exercise also helps promote healthy development and weight. Children spend much of their time sitting down in school and at home. This can lead to health problems down the line. Building a love or enjoyment of exercise can help to prevent obesity and some types of injury.

What Should My Child Wear or Bring to Class?

Children should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and a pair of tennis/athletic shoes.  Please also bring a water bottle or some kind of recovery/electrolyte drink. We provide most necessary equipment. If something special is needed for a particular session, we will provide advanced notification.