Kids ‘N Shape

Anyone that remembers spending more time changing for fourth period gym than actually playing in fourth period gym knows that physical education is something our city’s schools have never excelled in.
For Robert Guarneri, a lifelong New York City physical education teacher, the issue was one he just had to try to remedy and in 1989, did just that with the inception of Kids ‘N Shape.
Founded with Guarneri’s passion for providing quality physical education, Kids ‘N Shape flourished in Brooklyn for over 17 years before making the move to Howard Beach this past September and provided an entire generation of children with after-school exercise programs, birthday parties and of course, an endless supply of childhood memories.
Like many others providing similar services, Kids ‘N Shape teaches kids the fundamentals of proper fitness that will enrich both their growth as well as their lives in the future.
What sets Kids ‘N Shape apart however is the organization’s commitment to smaller groups that focus on the individual, ensuring that every child gets the attention that they deserve. According to Guarneri, the toddler groups never have any more than 10 children, while the older groups are limited to a size of no more than 15-20.
“A lot of schools don’t even have physical education… or a certified instructor,” noted Guarneri.
Besides enhancing general physical fitness, the program also teaches kids basic skills in various sports, along with aerobics and gymnastics.
After nearly two decades at the Brooklyn location, Kids ‘N Shape has had no problem adapting to their new surroundings. Guarneri says his business has nearly doubled since the move and the people of Queens have made him feel quite at home. With his recent retirement in June 2004, Guarneri can now focus on his business full-time and hopes his new home will grant him as much success as his last one did.
With summer just around the corner, the Kids ‘N Shape Summer Sports Camp is set to open its doors on July 2 and will continue thru August 10.
For those wishing to send their children to the camp, the cost is fairly low in comparison with others in the area and will only set you back $150 per week. Families with more than one child will receive a $10 weekly discount for each additional sibling that attends. Anyone registering for four or more weeks will also get $25 knocked off of their total price for the camp’s half-day program which will run daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Extended hours are available for those who need them and will allow parents to drop their kids off an hour early and pick them up an hour late.
Guarneri is also in the process of planning an Olympics-style event for June 8 that will be comprised of three teams and will feature nine different events, some of which include scooter races and an obstacle course. Guarneri also mentioned that the event will include a medal ceremony, giving the kids a real taste of the Olympic atmosphere.
Guarneri was educated at Hunter College and St. John’s University and earned a master’s degree in physical education from NYU in 1982.
The 1991 Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year plans to keep the business in the family and hopes that one of his four kids will one day follow in his footsteps.
For more information on how to enroll your children in any of these programs, visit Kidsnshape.com or call them directly at 718-945-5252.