Oakton Mom to Launch Three Kids Gyms

An Oakton resident plans to open three childrens' gyms in Northern Virginia. 

Christie Talbot, of the Bridges of Oakton neighborhood, recently signed a development agreement to create three Great Play gyms in Northern Virginia. Great Play will offer physical education, sports skill and motor skill classes for kids starting at six months through fifth grade.

Oakton resident Christie Talbot recently signed a development agreement for three Great Play gyms in the Fairfax County and Ashburn territories, and plans to sign a lease for her first location in early 2013. The unique gym concept will offer fun-filled motor skill, sports skill and physical education classes for children ages six months through fifth grade. 

"When I started to research franchise opportunities, I had it narrowed down to
fitness or children related activities due to my interests," Talbot said. "I was looking for something that I could feel passionate about and smile at the end of the work day. When I came across Great Play, it was a perfect match."

This will be Talbot's first business endeavor. Before this plan she worked in the finance industry, completing budgeting work, business analysis and financial systems. Owning her own business will allow her more flexibility in raising her two young kids, Talbot said.

“The timing actually worked out incredibly well, all things considered,” Talbot said. “My career was successful and lucrative, but after a while I realized I wanted to find a new level of personal fulfillment.”

She's keeping Oakton in mind as she researches leasing oppotunities in Fairfax County and Ashburn. Talbot intends to sign her first lease in early 2013.

Great Play, a national franchise with locations in Fredericksburg and outside Virginia, boasts a physical education curriculum that uses computer technoloy, image projection, sensors and directional sound inside its Interactive Arena. The gyms are also open to sport skills work and dance.

The franchise was ranked 386 in Entrepreneur magazine’s "Franchise 500."