<Back to news
29 May 2026
A new The Little Gym is opening in Watermael-Boitsfort

The Little Gym is opening a new centre in Watermael-Boitsfort this September
From September, a new chapter will begin for families in Watermael-Boitsfort with the opening of a new The Little Gym centre on Place Keym. This project is enthusiastically driven by a family-run group already well established in Brussels, celebrating a new stage in its development this year with the opening of its sixth centre in Belgium.
This new centre in Watermael-Boitsfort is also part of a wider drive to support neighbourhood life and bring life back into Place Keym. The project was made possible thanks to the support and initiative of David Leisterh, as well as the Watermael-Boitsfort local council’s commitment to attracting family-oriented projects that foster social cohesion at the heart of the community.
An international adventure that began 50 years ago
Founded over fifty years ago in the United States, The Little Gym has established itself as a world leader in children’s motor and personal development. Now present in many countries, the franchise has built its reputation on an innovative approach that combines motor skills, gymnastics, self-confidence and emotional development.
For 25 years, the Belgian venture has enabled thousands of children to grow up in a caring, stimulating and fun environment. Over the years, the Belgian centres have built a genuine community of families committed to the human and educational values underpinning the concept.
A family story that began in Uccle in 2011
The group’s story began fifteen years ago with the opening of the first The Little Gym centre in Uccle, on Avenue de Fré. This first venture, led by Pierre Follebouckt and born out of a passion for children’s development and movement, quickly proved a resounding success with families in Brussels.
Building on this success, the group has continued to grow over the years whilst retaining the warm, family-oriented spirit that is its strength. The group has six centres located in Uccle, Wezembeek-Oppem, Wavre, Waterloo, Etterbeek and now Watermael-Boitsfort.
Opening Watermael-Boitsfort’s centre marks another important milestone in The Little Gym’s development in Belgium, with an ongoing commitment to offer families high-quality spaces dedicated to children’s well-being and development.
A unique programme to grow in confidence
Much more than just a place for sports activities, The Little Gym offers a comprehensive educational method, summed up by its tridimensional philosophy:
🤸 Get Moving : Develop coordination, balance and integrate the body diagram.
🧠 Brain boost : Encouraging listening, concentration and decision-making in our stimulating sensory environment.
🧑🤝🧑 Lifeskills : Develop self-confidence, socialisation and cooperation.
Because we take fun seriously, each activity is designed to support children in their overall development.
Through movement, play and exploration, children learn to develop their coordination, independence, self-confidence and social skills.The classes, tailored to the children’s ages, encourage learning in a positive environment where enjoyment remains at the heart of every session. From babies discovering their first movements to young children gaining confidence, everyone progresses at their own pace in a safe and encouraging environment.
Involved in the local community since 2017
The opening of this new centre in Watermael-Boitsfort is also part of a history already firmly rooted in the local community. Since 2017, the group has actively supported local sport through its sponsorship of Boitsfort Rugby Club. A commitment that fully reflects the values upheld by The Little Gym: inclusion, team spirit, confidence and personal development through sport.
A revitalised space in the heart of Watermael-Boitsfort
Overlooking Place Keym, the new centre aims to become a real hub for families in the neighbourhood. Modern, welcoming and specially designed for children, from September it will offer a wide range of motor skills and gymnastics sessions tailored to each stage of development, from 4 months to 12 years.
This opening also contributes to the commercial and family-focused regeneration initiative being pursued around Place Keym. By actively seeking to bring The Little Gym to the area, David Leisterh and the municipality of Watermael-Boitsfort have demonstrated their commitment to making Place Keym a vibrant, attractive and family-friendly space.
With this opening, The Little Gym reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support Belgian families by offering enriching, positive experiences that build confidence for future generations.
Never miss an update
Subscribe to receive occasional emails about gym events, news and more