meet the team

Martin Petrov, Owner and Director

I’ve always felt strongly about making the world a better place. It is how I found myself working in international criminal justice at the United Nations and the International Criminal Courts. Ever since I was a child, I just wanted to make people’s lives better.

Now, I want to make a difference in my homeland, Bulgaria. I want to help nurture our next generation, to build their confidence, courage, strength and opportunity for lifetime success. And I know that the unique programme at The Little Gym is the best way for me to make that difference.

I discovered The Little Gym four years ago while living in The Hague, the Netherlands, with my daughters, Monica and Martha. We had tried many children’s activities, but nothing had been quite right. Then we discovered The Little Gym – wow!

I still remember the first time we walked in. It was bright and colourful, stimulating and positive. The smiles on the children’s faces, the giggles, the energy – I loved it. I could tell immediately that something special was going on.

We could see a huge difference in our youngest, Martha. She was so energised by the classes, and she was clearly learning life skills, not just gymnastics. She was more considerate of things going on around her, and she was more confident and articulate. We were amazed.

A few years beforehand, I had a personal epiphany that would ultimately change the course of my life. I had escaped from work to see my eldest daughter’s school play. I felt guilty that I didn’t attend enough of my daughter’s special events at school due to my work schedule, and I was determined to go that day. But my head was still so full of work.

The singing started and my head snapped back to the moment. Tears came to my eyes. Here were 25 four year olds, all different colours and religions, so pure and genuine, all playing together, happy, innocent and living in the moment. I decided right then that I wanted to do work that would help, protect and benefit children. I didn’t know when or how, I just knew that I had a new mission in life!

Then in a surprising twist, my wife discovered that The Little Gym is a franchise. She said “Martin, isn’t this what you were looking for – to make a difference to children?” And, here I am, opening the very first The Little Gym in Bulgaria.

The Little Gym is something special. It goes beyond gymnastics to grow the whole child. Children develop creativity, make friends, learn new languages and develop their confidence, emotions, intellect and bodies in our Gym. The beauty is, they are having so much fun they don’t even realise they are learning.

We are so excited about nurturing and growing the children of Sofia, and we are looking forward to welcoming you and your child to our The Little Gym family!

Martin Petrov

what sets our team apart

Certified & ongoing training

Our unique curriculum provides a holistic child development program. Our instructors receive extensive training to uphold our high quality standards.

Prioritising safety

At The Little Gym, we prioritise health and safety through continuous first aid training for our team and guidance for maintaining a safe environment.

Passion for child development

We believe every child possesses incredible potential, and we are dedicated to helping you unlock it while your child enjoys a world of FUN!

Meet The Team!

Lilly

Programme Director and Operations Manager

For teacher Lilly, working with children is a true pleasure, with the greatest satisfaction coming from seeing children become more confident in their abilities, unafraid to try new things, and boldly pursue their dreams. If she had a superpower to use during class, it would be teleportation! According to her, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is to be healthy, confident, and purposeful. Her advice to new children is: "It's not about being the best, but about giving your best!", and to parents: "Welcome to The Little Gym family! Enjoy every moment, because Serious Fun never ends!" Outside the gym, Lilly loves going to the cinema, fishing, and sea adventures. Her favourite motivating quote is by Oscar Wilde: "Be yourself - everyone else is already taken."

Stella

Deputy Programme Director

For teacher Stella, working with children is a true inspiration. She values the freedom children give her to be herself, and the happiness in their eyes and sincerity in their smiles when they achieve something new. These moments energize her daily and give meaning to what she does. Children motivate her to be a better, more creative, and humbler version of herself every day. One of the most fulfilling moments in her work is when a child's mother tearfully thanks her for her child's progress, or when she regularly receives feedback from parents whose children, after being part of the program, successfully adapt to nursery/kindergarten and grow up confident, independent, and coordinated! If she had a superpower during class, it would be to hydrate without needing to find time to get to her water bottle (she drinks 5-6 liters of water a day). To create a safe and calm environment in her classes, Stella relies on her solid preparation and deep theoretical and practical knowledge of early childhood development and the program's elements and exercises. Her advice to children just starting is not to stop trying again and again, not to be afraid of failure, to be and believe in themselves, and to be proud of the effort they put in. To parents, she advises patience and support, encouraging the child's efforts more than focusing solely on the end result. Outside the gym, her favorite hobbies are being in nature in all seasons – mountain hikes, snowboarding in winter, and water sports in summer. Beyond that, she loves moving, traveling and discovering new places, watching meaningful films, and eating delicious and real food.

Todor

Deputy Program Director

For teacher Todor, what he loves most about working with children is the emotion they experience while playing sports and the lasting impression they leave on him. His passion for sports began at a young age – he grew up with a ball in his hands and at his feet, playing all day long from the age of 5 or 6. If he were a superhero instructor, he'd be named Raphael from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" or Rico from "Penguins of Madagascar." And if he could have a superpower during class, it would be to travel through time and become invisible. According to him, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is to enjoy it and experience joy. His goals for the children who attend his classes are for them to become great and successful individuals, smiling and kind. Outside the gym, his favorite hobbies include playing football, tennis, badminton, cycling, or walking in the forest, all preferably on a sunny day. To stay active in his daily life, Todor simply enjoys and believes in what he does, giving his all.

Niya

Instructor

For teacher Niya, the most enjoyable aspect of working with children is the shared energy and their love for games, along with the boundless curiosity from both sides. Her favorite elements to teach in class are PC - BackWoopTeDo and forward rolls, as they encourage bravery in parents, and for preschoolers, handstands (HST). One of the most fulfilling moments in her work is when children can't wait to come back to her at the gym and say her name at home. She also deeply appreciates the satisfaction and pride in parents when their children succeed. Her passion for sports began early. As an energetic child, her mother enrolled her in modern ballet, but when the hall closed for renovation, she moved to the sports acrobatics hall opposite. She dedicated five years to this sport, which laid the foundation for everything. Afterward, she explored various sports until she fell in love with volleyball in 8th grade, playing for five years. Later, she returned to skiing during her university years, and her work with children started from there. If she had a superpower during class, it would be to stop time. According to Niya, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is that it gives them confidence and self-esteem in their future physical and emotional skills, as well as coordination! Her goals for the children in her classes are for them to be good friends, help and respect each other, despite their differences. She would congratulate a child starting her class on their efforts and help them adapt to the new environment. To parents, she would explain the expectations for their children and emphasize working together towards their development, growth, and success. Outside the gym, she loves to travel by train and go on adventures, spend time in nature, and be with friends. Her favorite motivating quote is: "Don't look down on anyone unless you're helping them up!"

Aya

Instructor

In her work with children, teacher Aya most values the energy they generate together. No matter how bad her day might have been, once she enters the class, she forgets everything else and genuinely enjoys herself with the children, just as they do. Working with children allows her to feel like a child herself, to be creative, fun, and brimming with energy. Her passion for sports ignited at three years old, starting with swimming and then karate. Her father, a former athlete and champion in swimming and track and field, played a key role. Although she began at his request, she quickly found pleasure in learning new things, and the thrill and competitive drive became her primary motivation. If she had a superpower during class, it would be super speed. According to Aya, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is the development of many qualities that help them become good people. It teaches discipline, respect, perseverance, and dedication. It creates incredible friendships and lasting memories. Additionally, beyond being healthy and strong, children who play sports are much more self-confident, communicative, and curious. Her goals for the children in her classes are not for them to be the best, but to give their best – both physically and cognitively and socially. This approach ensures continuous progress without self-disappointment. She advises a child starting her class to do it wholeheartedly and to know that anything is possible with time, desire, and dedication. She would advise parents to encourage their child without creating boundaries, allowing the child to set their own goals, while parents provide support and understand that it's okay not to always succeed. Outside the gym, she has many hobbies, almost all involving movement. She enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, or simply walking. She loves to travel, finding joy in any destination. You might also find her rock climbing, bungee jumping, skateboarding, and engaging in anything that brings a high dose of adrenaline. Her favorite motivating quote is: "You can't go back and make a brand new beginning, but you can start now and make a brand new ending."

Kalina

Instructor

For teacher Kali, what she loves most about working with children is the dynamic environment and observing their developing personalities. Her interest in sports began at an early age; as a child, she loved being outdoors, running, jumping, and climbing. Her parents enrolled her in modern ballet, and later in tennis, where she always felt happy. She experiences the greatest satisfaction from her work at the gym every time children enthusiastically go to their parents after class to boast about their achievements. If she were a superhero instructor, she would be called Super Heart, because she puts love into every activity and knows how to make movement fun for everyone. According to Kali, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is to believe in themselves and never give up. Her main goal for the children in her classes is for them to discover the joy of movement, because sports shouldn't be a boring obligation, but something that makes them feel great. Outside the gym, her favourite hobbies include reading, drawing, and crafting things with her hands. To stay active daily, she goes for walks with her dogs and always finds an excuse to go somewhere on foot.

Slavyan

Instructor

Teacher Slavi's passion for sports ignited with his first football, which sparked his desire to be like the "big boys on the field." When working with children, he most enjoys the energy he receives from their sincere smiles when they succeed. According to Slavi, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is how to properly use their body's capacity and develop many other skills and qualities. His advice to children just starting his class is simply to have fun. To parents, he emphasizes mutual trust, as their goal is to bring out the best in their child. If he had a superpower during class, Slavi would want to be invisible. If he were a superhero instructor, he would keep his name – Slavi, because he believes that what he does with children is equivalent to a superpower. Outside the gym, his favorite hobbies are going to the cinema and attending sports events. His motivating quote is: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Yulita

Instructor

For teacher Yuli, the greatest satisfaction in her work comes from seeing children overcome themselves and their fears. She'll never forget a child on the beam exclaiming, "Here, my courage came!" – a moment that filled her heart with pride. She also cherishes every hug she receives at the end of class, especially when a child was initially hesitant. Her favorite thing about working with children is their bright eyes when they walk through the door and their smiles when they see her. This signals that she's done her job well and that the children love coming to the gym. If she were a superhero instructor, she'd likely be named Yuli-Maruli, and her superpower would be to eat a lot. If she had a superpower to use during class, she'd want to be with all the children at once, to challenge them, help them grow through exercises, and share jokes. Her advice to a child starting her class is to have fun and know they are the bravest child in the world! To parents, she advises to prepare with patience and much love! Yulita's goals for the children in her classes are, in line with the program, to create a positive and encouraging environment where every child can become more self-confident. A favorite moment for her is when she sees a child applauding themselves after an exercise – this means they are self-validating rather than seeking external validation, showing the program and her delivery have truly worked. To stay active daily, Yuli exercises alongside the children in class, also does so at home, and enjoys walking, especially when it's sunny outside. Her motivating quote is: "The result doesn't matter, what matters is that you tried!"

Mina

Customer service specialist

Sports have always been an integral part of teacher Mina's life. She is a former professional track and field athlete, and she loves skiing, long hikes, and gym workouts. According to her, sports teach children invaluable lessons that they realize over time – discipline and independence. It builds them into more confident, capable, and self-reliant individuals. Outside the gym, her favorite hobbies include walks, good music, good company, fitness, squash, and movies. Mina is motivated by the thought: "Think about yesterday, dream about tomorrow, live today!" by Steve Jobs.

Iva

Instructor

For teacher Iva, what she loves most about working with children is seeing them embrace challenges and succeed, as well as having the opportunity to be there for them and support them. Her favorite element to teach in class is the handstand. She believes it's beneficial to change perspective, and sometimes the world should be viewed upside down. If she had a superpower to use during class, it would be to read children's minds. She admits that working at The Little Gym has almost helped her master this superpower. Of course, children always manage to surprise her, but that's what makes her job so interesting. According to Iva, the most important thing children learn through physical activity is to explore the limits of their own abilities and to believe that success is achieved with persistence, desire, and effort. Oh, and with smiles! ;) Her goals for the children in her classes are for them to have fun, build self-confidence, and look at the world with curiosity. Outside the gym, she is a former sports dance competitor, which developed her love for dance and music. She has also been horseback riding since she was young, and her connection with horses remains unbroken to this day. To stay active daily, Iva relies on walks in the park with her two dogs.

Lina

Instructor

For teacher Lina, the greatest satisfaction in her work comes from seeing children progress and realizing she's a part of it – it instantly brightens her day! She's also incredibly happy when parents see their children are no longer afraid or shy and are eager to come to the gym. In those moments, everyone leaves The Little Gym smiling from ear to ear! Lina has never stopped doing sports since she could walk, and she considers it her superpower, one she wants to use every second. She understands how vital movement is for everyone and how discipline, which goes hand-in-hand with sports, can't be achieved in any other way. If she had a superpower during class, she'd "freeze" the children and draw funny pictures on their faces so they couldn't stop laughing when they saw themselves. If she were a superhero instructor, she'd be called Super-Sausage – because children find that word hilarious, and she's always hungry, so she makes them laugh and tells the truth at the same time! According to her, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is discipline. The fact that they come to The Little Gym every week unconsciously teaches them discipline, which will instill in them a desire and need to move at least once a week in the future. Sports are contagious, and when they're fun, there's no escaping them! Lina's goals for the children in her classes are not only to incorporate physical activity into their weekly routine but also to have fun. She strongly believes that children are meant to smile and have 1000% fun! Outside the gym, she loves to exercise and enjoy a nice cup of coffee early in the morning when the sun is out. While many thoughts motivate her, there's one word that always gives her goosebumps: "willpower." This word carries so much strength that every time she hears it, she's ready to conquer the world. She believes we must have the willpower to fight and to live with willpower in our hearts.

Yana

Instructor

For teacher Yana, what she loves most about working with children is their sincerity, authenticity, and spontaneity, which makes communication more interesting. If she had to pick one thing, it's the positive energy children radiate that recharges her. Perhaps, simply, the children themselves are what she loves most. If she had a superpower to use during class, it would be inexhaustible energy to make every training session even more exciting, along with the ability to transfer this superpower to the children to keep them constantly motivated and active. According to her, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is discipline. Sports teach them to celebrate victories and accept losses, to work as a team, building perseverance and healthy habits for life. To a child just starting her class, Yana would primarily advise them to be safe and have fun – the two main rules in the gym. Also, not to be afraid and to try as many times as needed. To parents, she would say to have patience, allow the child to move at their own pace, encourage them by example, but never force them, so that sports don't become a chore. To stay active in her daily life, she trains frequently – engaging in Pilates, yoga, and fitness. Her absolute favorite activity is long-distance running, with the goal of completing a marathon. Yana is motivated by the thought: "Time will pass anyway." She believes that if you have a goal or a dream, you must start working towards its realization without delay, because the difference lies in whether you've used the time to progress or if it has slipped through your fingers.

Denitsa

Instructor

For teacher Deni, what she loves most about working with children is the opportunity to see the world through their eyes, and earning their trust is the greatest reward. Her passion for sports ignited early, when she enrolled in karate classes in kindergarten. Sports have always been an extremely important part of her life since then. If she could have a superpower during class, it would be super speed, allowing her to be in more than one place at once. According to Deni, the most important thing children learn from physical activity is the comprehensive development of physical strength, endurance, discipline, and mental well-being. This holistic development helps build a better individual. Her primary goal for the children in her classes is for each of them to feel successful. Even when facing difficulties, she wants them to know how to overcome challenges and the battles they face. Her favorite film is "Wonder", based on the novel by R. J. Palacio. Deni is motivated by the thought: "It doesn't matter if you're better than someone else. What matters is that you're better than you were yesterday."

Iva

Instructor

What teacher Iva loves most about working with children is their genuine energy and the pure joy with which they come to practice. They energize her and remind her how important it is to have fun, even when learning new skills. And when she sees their smiles after succeeding at something they've worked for – that's the greatest reward! Sports have always been around her; in kindergarten, she did folk dances and swimming, then rhythmic gymnastics in school, and finally, modern ballet for 9 years. There she learned the art of dance and her love for it. If she had a superpower to use during class, she would choose the power to instantly inspire children to believe in themselves – without fear or doubt. Self-confidence and assurance are key, especially when learning new things. Her goals for the children who attend her classes are for every child to feel accepted, confident, and developing at their own pace. Her aim is not only physical development but also to build in them a love for movement, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards challenges. According to her, the most important thing children learn when engaging in physical activity is that effort leads to results, that mistakes are part of the process, and that fun and discipline can go hand in hand. These are lessons that will serve them throughout their lives. Outside the gym, her favorite hobbies include dancing, walks in nature, music, singing, and creative activities like drawing. Anything that gives her inspiration and recharges her with positive energy. Her favorite motivating thought is: "Nothing is impossible."

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