MTSV-Schwabing (gym for kids)
February 25th, 2007 by 
Deanne
MTSV-Schwabing is a community gym. There are multiple classes and open gym times available for children and adults. Examples include children’s gymanastics, basketball, handball, fitness/bodystyling, and karate. A nordic walking club is also associated with the club.
The gymnastics for children group is one of the best indoor activities that I have found in Munich. It is available for different age groups, but I am most familiar with the group for toddlers, starting at 18 months and older. The sessions are led by Isabel, a very energetic and positive gym teacher, and are held in a large, open gym. Prior to each session, Isabel sets up 5-6 “physical challenge stations”. Each station promotes the use and development of gross motor skills. The stations cover a wide range of skills for toddlers, from very easy to difficult. For example, in an easy station, children climb up and down on soft foam triangles and cylinders and then slide down a wide board. In a difficult station, children climb up an incline to a moving balance beam, walk across the beam and then jump on to a soft mattress below. Parents are expected to supervise and assist their own children. Each session begins with a fun, group activity led by Isabel. Each session ends with a goodbye song. In between, children are free to run around the gym, trying each of the physical challenge stations, or stay at their favorite one for the entire time.
The classes are led in German, but even if you don’t know any German, you can follow along very easily and figure out what to do. Prices are very reasonable. You can buy a 12-punch card for 45 Euro. Also, there is a 50% discount for a second sibling. In other word, you are only charged for 1.5 sessions, each time you come with two kids. Currently (Spring 2007), there are 4 sessions held weekly, two on Tuesday morning and two on Friday. Current times are 9:25 - 10:10 and 10:15 - 11:00. The website has some schedule information, but it is generally not very thorough. I suggest walking to the gym and checking out the class and open gym schedules that are posted outside and inside the building. It is a 5-minute walk from the Munchner Freiheit stop. There is plenty of space available for parking a bike or stroller outside of the gym.
Address: Ursula Strasse 3, Munich
Website: http://www.mtsv-schwabing.de/
Nearest Public Transportation: Munchner Freiheit, bus stop and U3/U6 U-bahn stop
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