Parents get to keep fit thanks to gym crèche
A NEW gym-based crèche has opened in Ynysybwl, and claims to be “the only one for miles around”.
Little Vibes is the culmination of Lucinda Cadwallader’s job combination of being a personal trainer and childminder.
The unique selling point of the new business is to “look after your children while offering the same care and attention to you – the parent”.
Ms Cadwallader said: “I run a childminding group from my home in Ynysybwl called Little Me House, but in the evenings I am a personal trainer based in Vibe Gym, Mountain Ash.”
Ms Cadwallader’s work has always been within the field of childcare, but she said the idea for the new business progressed due her “slightly random” job pairings.
She explained: “I was a primary school teacher previously and left to start my childminding group Little Me House in 2015.”
Her job as a personal trainer over the last 10 years meant Ms Cadwallader saw the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
She added: “My combination of jobs increased my awareness of difficulties faced by parents and carers to access health and fitness activities and nutritional support.”
When the idea was pitched to Vibe Gym users and parents of Little Me House, Ms Cadwallader said: “The response was massive, so we started work immediately.”
For Ms Cadwallader, the combination of exercise and childcare services are vital, as “it provides a progressive happy environment that encourages health and happiness to a forgotten society”.
Stuart O’Sullivan, the owner of Vibe Gym, said the most important aspect of this business idea was a “very natural one”.
He explained: “Having been a young parent myself and being a gym owner, the idea was glaring out.”
The placement of his gym was also an important factor.
“We happen to be based in a very low economic area, where obesity is sky high and earning low incomes. So, I think it is a very sensible and much sought after service that nobody else seemed to be offering.
“At Little Vibes we treat parent and child as equals. We are bringing back opportunities for balanced lifestyles – allowing you to spend productive time by yourself whilst your child is learning and having fun just feet away.”
Ms Cadwallader and her staff ensure that the same healthy outlook is advocated to the children at Little Vibes.
She added: “I am a massive believer in promoting and modelling healthy lifestyles to our children – the next generation – which is enforced through our healthy eating and drinking policies.”
The business has grown and grown, and Ms Cadwallader said: “We will continue to meet all requirements and demands by our parents and customers.
“We are now concentrating our available resources into prime time hours, mostly where it is convenient for mums and dads.”