|
Mike & Barb Merchant |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Summer Program | SNG Stuff for Sale! |
|
Our Goal and Promise | |||||||
|
|
Current Classes | Quality Coaches | Instructor Positions | ||||||||
|
|
Contact Us! | Free Newsletter & Products | |||||||||
![]()
Fitness Fun + Wellness
Education = Healthy Habits for life!
What an equation!
Stretch-n-Grow has taught over forty thousand
children since 1992 the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We make fitness
fun and EXERCITING! We are committed to helping educators and parents establish
a foundation of exercise and proper nutrition at an early age so they will
continue to have good habits for life.
Stretch-n-Grow class provides enhanced motor skills and improved coordination,
improved cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Call or
email us for a FREE DEMONSTRATION
Class if you are affiliated with a child care center, preschool, church, gym or
mom’s group! There is no obligation.
back to top
The Stretch-n-Grow Program Features
Variety in exercise and instructional activities, which keeps the program fresh and exciting for children.
Children will learn the importance of warming up our muscles, stretching, endurance, strength, flexibility, cool down and the importance of regular exercise.
Wellness education such as safety, self-esteem, nutrition, and hygiene are emphasized.
Developmentally Age-Appropriate activities for children of all ages such as counting skills, alphabet, colors, and counting in Spanish are included in our exercise classes each week.
Children receive an informative hand out each week to take home to share with parents on what they have learned in Stretch-n-Grow class.
Quarterly newsletters for parents announcing exercises and curriculum taught, as well as fun family activities and healthy recipes for families.
Stretch-n-Grow Summer of Fun!
Stretch-n-Grow has fun filled fitness classes for children age
“DROOLER” to “SCHOOLER”!
Summer Curriculum includes:
*Fitness Around the World
*Soccer Camps
*Olympic Day Events
*Track and Field Day
*Cup Stacking
*Cheerleading
*Games Galore for the Outdoors
*Fun Filled Fitness Classes
Great school paid rates for each child to participate!
The Stretch-n-Grow calendar fills up fast,
the popular spots are sure not to last!
Contact us today!
Current Classes
Stretch-n-Grow has been teaching thousands of children in the
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area since 1996. Positive physical
fitness education is being taught in both mornings and afternoons. We
teach in over 30 child care centers, pre-schools, church schools, parks and
recreation, corporate events, Scouts, and Mother’s Day out programs. We
currently have classes in Clermont County, Northern KY, Anderson Township, Blue
Ash, Symmes Township, Hyde Park, Mt. Washington, Indian Hill and Terrace
Park. To learn if a particular facility offers the Stretch-n-Grow program,
please call or email us.
back to top
Quality Coaches
As a Director
or Parent you will feel confident in knowing that each Stretch-n-Grow coach has
a complete Background Check and is a Youth Certified Fitness Professional.
Each Coach must go through an extensive training process and must pass a
rigorous one hundred question fitness test in order to teach children.
Each of our coaches is CPR and First-Aid trained and has had classes in Child
Abuse and Communicable Disease. Many of our coaches are educators
and fitness instructors by profession. Each coach will have their
personal file made available for your records.
Our current coaching staff includes:
Coach Amy Winters has a Bachelor of Science in Business from William Carey College and is an avid tennis player. She has taught tennis lessons for pre-school and elementary age children at the Beechmont Racquet Club for many years. Coach Amy has also taught many summer camps including summer camps at the University of Cincinnati. She is an avid runner who has competed in many run/walks in the Greater Cincinnati area. Coach Amy has been with Stretch-n-Grow for two years. She is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First-Aid trained.
Coach Elizabeth Fox-Keating has taught gymnastics and tumbling for several years for children 18 months through school age. Coach Elizabeth has passion for exercise and enjoys teaching young children the importance of exercise and fitness. During the summer months, Elizabeth teaches swim lessons to young children. Coach Elizabeth has been with Stretch-n-Grow for two years. She is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First-Aid trained.
Coach Matt Merchant is a senior at Northern Kentucky University studying Sports Business. Matt has coached 7th grade football at Nagel Middle School for three years and has also coached baseball. He has been with Stretch-n-Grow for two years and currently shares his time with Stretch-n-Grow and an internship with the Cincinnati Reds organization. Matt enjoys working and helping kids achieve fitness goals. Coach Matt is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First-Aid trained.
Coach Betsy Downard has worked with children for many years in a day care setting as well as taught swim lessons to young children along with art and religion classes. Betsy has a BA Degree from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, she has been with Stretch-n-Grow for two years. Coach Betsy is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First-Aid trained.
Coach Alison Meek has worked at Children’s Hospital School for long term patients, and has been a Girl Scout leader and room mother for many years. Alison has a BA Degree in Communications from Miami University of Ohio and has had 2 years of concentrated study in Elementary Education. Coach Alison is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First Aid trained.
Coach Jenifer Pullium has been a Kindergarten teacher for eleven years. Jenifer has a degree from Ohio University- College of Education. Jenifer has a real love of fitness and children. She is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First Aid trained.
Coach Sara L. Schrott has been a lead Toddler teacher for many years. In this position, she taught cognitive motor, and social skills as well as art and music. She has also worked as a private nanny. Sara has a BS in Child Development from Eastern Kentucky University and is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach, and is CPR and First Aid trained.
Coach Beth Yaw has a Business Administration Degree from The Ohio State University. Beth has worked with children ages infant through pre-school as a child care provider. She is very active as a parent volunteer at North Pointe Elementary School, in which she is a Trained Business Consultant for Junior Achievement. Coach Beth is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach and is CPR and First Aid Trained.
Coach Katie May has worked with many children in area gyms providing fitness fun along with balance, coordination, and endurance. Katie has also worked with children as a teacher’s aide. She is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach, CPR and First Aid trained.
Coach Donna Blanco has worked as a home daycare provider for many years. She has a real love of fitness and children and watching them blossom and grow. Donna is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach, First Aid and CPR Trained.
Coach Carrie Borman has worked with children for many years at her children’s elementary school as a volunteer in the classroom, she is the team mom for her children’s sports activities, and is the Chair for Kentucky Kids Day. She has a real love of children and seeing them achieve all their potential. Carrie is a Youth Certified Fitness Coach, First Aid and CPR trained.
The American
Heart Association just released an article stating the 10% of children ages
2-5 are overweight! (www.americanheart.org).
Television, video entertainment, motor
transportation, fast food and a lack of regular exercise contribute to the
poor physical condition of our society. (Office of the Surgeon
General 1996 Report on Physical Activity and Health)
General Physical Activity is linked to a vast
array of physical and mental health advantages. (American Medical
Association, February 1995)
Children who are involved in regular exercise
earn better grade and have better social skills compared to those who are not.
(American Psychological Association, 1996)
85% of all five year old children in the
United States cannot pass a basic physical fitness test. (Senate
Committee on Children, 1992)
Children today have a shorter life expectancy
that their parents for the first time in 100 years, because of obesity.
(Baylor College of Medicine, 2002)
Obesity is doubling every 5 years, at this rate;
every person in America will be obese by 2230. (World
Health Organization)
According to USA today children
don’t exercise nearly enough at preschool, more focus on academics. (USA
Today, November 2004)
Healthy lifestyle training should start in early childhood. (American Heart Association)
Company Information
Mike and Barb Merchant are the owners/directors of
Stretch-n-Grow of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. They
have three children: Matt, Stephanie and Joe. They have owned
Stretch-n-Grow since 1996. Barb has a degree in Elementary Education from
the University of Cincinnati and also holds a certification in Nutrition.
Both Mike and Barb are Certified Youth Fitness Professionals and are CPR and
First-Aid trained. Mike is also involved with MRDD in working with
handicapped persons. They both have been active in working with children
throughout the years as room parents, scout leaders, baseball coach, and working
with children at church. Mike and Barb enjoy fitness and children and as a
family, have been involved in several 5K run/walks.
Both Mike and Barb serve on the Stretch-n-Grow Advisory Board, which helps new franchisees with questions they may have in getting started. Also, Barb has written curriculum for Nutrition, Birthday Parties, Fitness Around the World and Holiday Lessons for Stretch-n-Grow International.
Stretch-n-Grow is absolutely a
passion in our life! We enjoy
sharing the importance of a healthy lifestyle which includes nutrition and
fitness to everyone we meet!
back to top
Gift Certificates, T-Shirts, and Exercise Equipment Packages for Purchase
Gift Certificates: Do you know someone who would love to participate in a Stretch-n-Grow class? How about a Gift Certificate for them to attend a month of our EXERciting class? Gift Certificates are available in any denomination.
T- Shirts: Stretch-n-Grow T-shirts are available for purchase! The price is only $10.00 in sizes 2-16! Let your Stretch-n-Grow Star ‘shine’ on Stretch-n-Grow day while exercising in their Stretch-n-Grow T-Shirt!
Exercise Equipment Packages too! Yes, we have gift packages available for purchase as well. For only $29.95, let your Stretch-n-Grow Star exercise at home with our “Workout with Ticker” Video; “Monkeys Don’t Wear Shoes” CD, which includes fun and ‘EXERciting’ songs to move and groove with; equipment that includes a jump rope, bean bags, and dyna-band; an activity packet telling how to do fitness activities at home; and a Stretch-n-Grow canvas bag to hold all your EXERciting equipment in! It’s EXERCITING!
(Schools and Daycares can also purchase Stretch-n-Grow Exercise Videos for those rainy days! Video only $15.00/CD $10.00.)
For more information or if you would like to order
a Gift Certificate, T-Shirt or an Exercise Package, please
email us.
back to top
We are always looking for qualified candidates to join our fun-filled fitness family! If you have experience with kids and/or fitness, are able to work Part-Time in the mornings, and have an appropriate fitness level, we would love to talk to you! Call or email us for information on becoming an instructor.
We also do Fantastic Fun-Filled Fitness BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
Get the same Stretch-n-Grow EXERciting activities that you get in our class for your child’s birthday party!
The games and activities are non-stop and fun, fun, fun!
We come to you, your home or at another location of your choice.
Kids should dress for being ACTIVE! They will be moving constantly!
We also offer themed parties of your choice.
Treat bags for all children are included as well as a Special Birthday present for the birthday child!
Dates fill up quickly so don’t delay! Call or e-mail us today to schedule your party!
|
Kids exercising the |
Barb & Mike Merchant |
Parachute Fun! |
|
|
|
|
Positive Physical Education is our
goal for your child. As your Stretch-n-Grow Coaches we promise to:
Teach the importance of a healthy lifestyle
Promote good sportsmanship
Teach a variety of physical fitness activities to keep classes fun and exciting.
Encourage a safe learning environment and promote positive reinforcement to all children
Create opportunities for cognitive skills to be enhanced
Provide Nutrition information to all children and families
Encourage children to learn life long healthy habits at a young age
Thank you for allowing Stretch-n-Grow to teach your child the importance of a healthy lifestyle!
Keep Stretchin' -n- Growin'!
Coach Mike and Coach Barbie
Sign up to receive a FREE newsletter and P&G products!¶
Want to learn more about Children’s Health and Fitness?¶
Would you like to get the Stretch-n-Grow national news letter filled with health and nutrition tips for children and families?¶
Like to talk to other mom’s about your pre-school child’s well being, with issues such as healthy eating, sleep patterns etc.?¶
Want to get coupons and “Free” samples from Cincinnati’s own, Procter and Gamble? Then be sure to join Stretch-n-Grow for moms!Visit www.sng4moms.com to register for Vocal Point, Moms with a voice!
Mike and Barb Merchant, (513) 474-3685 or e-mail us at sngcinci@gmail.com.
If you like what you saw,
Then come one and come all!
Stretch-n-Grow is the best
I mean this not in jest.
If you are looking for fitness fun
Then my friend you are done!
Parachutes, bands and balls,
Fun music, proper technique
Stretch-n-Grow can’t be beat!
Our coaches are top notch
From Coach Katie to Coach Darlene,
And every coach in between.
Our corporate office offers support
And they provide much rapport.
We have classes world-wide from the coast of Spain
To the coast of Maine…
Fitness is our goal, fun is our game,
Did you remember our name?
It’s Stretch-n-Grow
That’s who we are,
Come and be a Stretch-n-Grow Star!
