FE ATURE
Gymnastics. Like the Pros. By Chany Spira
What mental image does the mention of a kids’ gym conjure up? I, for one, pictured a spill of mini treadmills occupying one wall, with a limited number of pink weights strewn about a colorfully tiled floor; perhaps even some yoga mats and a young, undertrained instructor blowing a whistle. After all, it’s just a kids’ gym. Right? That would be a resounding no - if Malky Blum had any say in the matter. Nothing quite prepared me for the enamoring world of health, fitness and fun hiding behind the nondescript door of the GymPros gymnasium. GymPros is situated in the heart of residential Monsey for easy accessibility, and tucked away behind bushes and trees for modesty. The professionalism, skill, and cando attitude permeating the facility have to be experienced to be believed. I stepped in, and a blow of soft lilac greeted me. I was immediately enveloped by this entire world; a fitness-true environment with a childfriendly atmosphere. GymPros
34
/ T HE MONS E Y V IE W
succeeded in developing and maintaining a completely new world of kosher yet hard-hitting gymnastics. Everything about the place and personnel exhibits a philosophy that has less to do with putting numbers on a chart and everything to do with welcoming Monsey’s younger generation into an authentic, heimishe, positively motivating gymnastics zone. Malky Blum (Silber), sole proprietor and original ’gym
pro,’ greeted me with a twinkle in her eye. “Is this what you expected to see?” Of course it wasn’t. Not by a long shot. Out loud, I only laughed. Her knowing look told me she was used to the openmouthed initial responses. And rightfully so. This kids’ gym features 3,000 square feet of well-padded foam floors, a wide array of equipment that screams top notch, and gorgeous, clean facilities.