Children need an hour of physical activity each day to stay active and healthy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, convincing your child to turn off the TV or computer and head outdoors to play can be difficult. Although weekly ballet or karate lessons can provide children with some regular physical activity, many kids still need more exercise to meet the CDC's requirements. Health clubs with classes and equipment specifically designed for children can help sedentary children get the exercise they need to stay lean and healthy.
Significance
Children today often lead sedentary, scheduled lives, in which they lack both the time and opportunity for free play. Instead of sending children outdoors to ride their bikes or to play ball with neighborhood kids, many parents send children to classes or schedule playdates. In an effort to ensure their children get the exercise they need to stay healthy and active, many parents are turning to health clubs aimed at children. According to The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, children ages 6 to 17 are the second fastest-growing demographic for health clubs.
Benefits
Working out regularly can help protect children from obesity --- a health condition that can make children susceptible to adult health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Classmates might also tease overweight children, which can negatively affect their self-esteem. Celia Kibler, the founder of the Funfit fitness chain, explains that well-designed children's gyms can provide a safe, climate-controlled, properly supervised environment for children to engage in physical activity. Children's gyms also make an effort to make fitness fun for children by offering such kid-friendly perks as stationary bikes that connect to video game terminals or hip-hop dance and yoga classes.
Disadvantages
Health club memberships for children can take a toll on your monthly budget, with many costing between $50 and $100 a month. Health club workouts might also take the place of many of the more natural free play activities that children have done for centuries, like playground games or kickball. Dr. William Dietz, director of the C.D.C. division of nutrition and physical activity, in a Jan. 22, 2006 "New York Times" article, expresses concerns that health clubs for kids over-emphasize physical activity instead of focusing on nutrition and other lifestyle factors.
Tips and Precautions
Even if you cannot find kids' health club in your area, you can still help them be healthy and active -- even in cold weather or extreme heat. The American Council on Exercise recommends taking kids to the gym with you for a workout. Even gyms not specifically designed for kids often have classes or activities they can do. You can also buy a variety of youth-fitness products, such as at-home yoga kits, kid-sized treadmills and exercise video games, which children can do in their own homes to boost their fitness levels.
References
- New York Times: Playtime at the Health Club
- CBC News: Health clubs, exercise equipment for kids take over from play time
- American Council on Exercise: Tips to Keep Kids Moving and Healthy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity Guidelines for Children
- The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association: 2011 Trends for Fitness Clubs
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