With childhood obesity a growing problem in America, many young people are fighting back by joining gyms to get and stay in shape. Children ages 6 to 17 are the second-fastest growing demographic of health club members, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. Adults can join in the fitness fun as well, with a variety of family-friendly gyms across the country. Knowing what features to look for in a gym can help you find the best fit for your family.
Youth in Action
In your search for a gym, look for facilities that have age-specific programs, with classes and fitness programs designed for young people. Young people require more supervision and guidance than adults, and have different interests than older people. Some gyms offer family classes with activities for children and adults, whereas others offer sport-specific training for young athletes or classes just for young people. There is a growing trend for sports-specific training for children from elementary school ages and older, according to IHRSA, as children learn to become better athletes while building confidence and valuable life skills.
Family-Friendly Features
Some family-friendly features that gyms may offer include child care, swimming lessons and children's activities. Some gyms offer arts and crafts classes for children while their parents work out, and other facilities offer group exercise classes for young people. A cafe or juice bar can also be enjoyable for the whole family, with options for healthy food and drinks.
Adult Programs
Some gyms are designed only for young people, and do not offer adult fitness classes. For a family-friendly gym, look for fitness centers that cater to adults and children. Some popular fitness options for adults include weightlifting machines and free weights, cardio machines and group exercise classes with offerings such as yoga, Zumba or step aerobics. Choose a gym that has classes and equipment to suit your fitness interests and goals.
Considerations
Children should not be left unattended at a gym. If there are no child care or youth classes, leave your kids at home. Young people need to be taught how to do each exercise in a workout, and learn when to stop, as they may become too enthusiastic and overdue it or become injured from improper techniques. Tell your children to stay in tune with their bodies and alert you if they experience any pain or exhaustion. Help your children find classes and activities they enjoy. Do not push your kids or force them into a class they do not like, as they will be more likely to quit and become turned off to exercise.
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