At The Little Gym of Mount Juliet, movement is more than exercise—it’s a foundation for confidence, curiosity, and lifelong wellbeing. Owners Jessica & David Smith, Mount Juliet natives, have built a space where little ones can stretch, roll, tumble, and explore while discovering what their bodies can do. Jessica’s passion for this movement-first philosophy began years ago, when she watched her daughter transform inside a Knoxville gym.
“We watched her grow stronger, more confident, and so proud of every new skill she mastered,” Jessica says. “We fell in love not only with the program, but with the way it empowers children through movement, play, and encouragement.” When her family moved back to Mount Juliet, opening a Little Gym felt like a natural extension of the community that raised her. “We knew families here would embrace a place where children can build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills—all in a nurturing, joyful environment.”
That joy is woven into everything the gym does. In a world full of distractions, especially screens, The Little Gym makes movement irresistible. There are no competitions, pressures to perform, or comparisons. Instead, children are invited to be themselves, try new things, and learn at their own pace. “When kids feel supported and have fun, they naturally get excited about moving their bodies,” Jessica says. Classes spark curiosity, celebrate small wins, and help even the shyest learners open up.
But the benefits reach far beyond forward rolls and cartwheels. Jessica sees how physical activity shapes kids’ emotional and social development. “Movement is essential for both physical and emotional well-being,” she says. “When children have a space to learn and master new skills, it builds confidence and self-esteem. They learn to work together, take turns, encourage others, and be part of a team.” Through the gym’s “Citizen Kid” philosophy, something bigger unfolds—children learn to belong.
For families unsure where to begin at home, Jessica’s advice is simple: start small, stay consistent, and play together. “Limit screen time, encourage imaginative play, and give kids space to explore,” she says. “Go for walks, dance in the kitchen, play at the park. When movement is fun and shared, it naturally becomes part of daily life.”
The magic of The Little Gym is also in the way it blends gymnastics, music, and imaginative play. Coaches meet each child where they are and celebrate every bit of progress. “Our program is intentionally designed to be engaging and fun,” Jessica says. “When kids feel supported and have fun, they can’t wait to come back.” Parents often say class feels more like a party than a workout.
Some moments go even deeper. Jessica remembers one little girl who joined the gym delayed in standing and walking. After just a few weeks of classes—and her parents practicing skills at home—she took her first steps on the gym floor. “The room erupted in cheers,” Jessica recalls. “Her parents cried happy tears. It was a powerful reminder of what community, movement, and encouragement can do.”
That sense of community is no accident. Jessica and her team intentionally involve parents in the learning process, making them partners rather than spectators. From cheering in class to family events, the gym has become a place where caregivers connect, celebrate, and support each other. “No one feels alone; we’re all in this together,” she says.
Looking ahead, The Little Gym has a full calendar of excitement. December brings cookies and photos with Santa, plus a Noon Year’s Eve celebration. In the new year, families can expect expanded offerings, including dance classes, sports-based programs, and tummy time classes for babies 0 to 4 months. “We’re always looking for new ways to support families,” Jessica says. “We can’t wait to offer even more opportunities for kids to move, grow, and celebrate together.”
In a fast-paced world, The Little Gym of Mount Juliet reminds families that one of the greatest investments is also the simplest: giving children the chance to move freely, explore confidently, and grow joyfully—from the very beginning.
“We knew families here would embrace a place where children can build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills—all in a nurturing, joyful environment.”