From the moment you walk into My Gym Santa Barbara, it’s clear this is not a typical children’s activity center.
During my interview with co-owner Charles Fossett-Lee, aka “Coach Charles,” what stood out most was his deep commitment to creating a space that is not only focused on movement but also on confidence, connection and community.
My Gym Santa Barbara is a noncompetitive children’s fitness program designed to introduce basic gymnastics and movement skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The My Gym franchise was started in Thousand Oaks in 1983 and was one of the first programs to blend dance, gymnastics and athletics into a single curriculum created specifically for children.
From the beginning, the mission has been simple but powerful: create a place just for kids, where they can move, learn and grow at their own pace.
Developed by professionals with backgrounds in the three core subjects, the program focuses on positive reinforcement and skill development for children ages 6 weeks to 14 years.
Fossett-Lee explained that what truly sets My Gym apart is its commitment to supporting children beyond the age when many programs stop.
While most gyms phase kids out around 9 to 11 years old, My Gym Santa Barbara continues to support preteens and young teens during a critical stage of physical and emotional development.
Helping kids ages 12 to 14 stay active and connected is something he takes great pride in.
Santa Barbara has no shortage of excellent gyms and enrichment programs, each offering something valuable. What makes My Gym Santa Barbara unique is the personal connection it builds with families.
Fossett-Lee emphasized that he and his team do not simply teach skills. They build relationships. Families grow alongside the gym, and the staff supports not only physical development but also independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
A typical week at My Gym Santa Barbara, located at 2801 De la Vina St., is thoughtfully structured while still allowing room for creativity and spontaneity.
Longtime My Gym director Charles “Coach Charles” Fossett-Lee is more than the face of the Santa Barbara franchise. He’s the heart and soul of the children’s fitness center. Credit: My Gym Santa Barbara photo 
Coach Charles helps a young client step into fitness. Credit: My Gym Santa Barbara photo 
Just hanging around at My Gym. Credit: My Gym Santa Barbara photo 
Reading time with a couple of the bigger kids, er, fellow coaches. Credit: My Gym Santa Barbara photo 
My Gym Santa Barbara business partners Kelly Almeroth and Charles Fossett-Lee at their not-so-hidden gem at 2810 De la Vina St. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk file photo
Mondays begin at noon with a full staff meeting and a detailed deep cleaning of the gym and equipment. This weekly reset ensures a safe and welcoming environment for every child.
From there, the team moves into staff training and programming, reviewing songs, dances and skills for the week ahead.
Having worked at three different My Gym locations before becoming an owner, Fossett-Lee has seen firsthand how preparation impacts the quality of each class.
Every Sunday, he sends his team a detailed email outlining expectations and lesson plans, which allows meetings to stay focused and helps instructors feel confident when the week begins.
The team also spends time creating short videos for social media, capturing the joy and energy of the gym.
My Gym Santa Barbara offers weekly age-based classes, birthday parties, seasonal camps, Parent Night Out events and pop-up community collaborations.
These programs support fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, spatial awareness, independence and separation anxiety.
Children learn not only from instructors but from one another, forming early social bonds in a positive setting.
When it comes to shaping the experience for families, Fossett-Lee believes in meeting children exactly where they are. He shared how he introduces himself during skill stations in a way that immediately puts kids at ease, talking about his interests and personality until the child feels comfortable and engaged.
That initial connection often turns hesitation into confidence within moments.
Above all, Fossett-Lee wants every family to feel like they are walking into his home. He described My Gym Santa Barbara as a place rooted in warmth, respect and inclusivity.
Long after families move on, his hope is that they remember My Gym Santa Barbara as a place filled with love, encouragement and a true sense of community.
