Gyms go after a younger crowd

If adults get bored at the gym and have trouble finding the inspiration to get there, imagine the challenge of motivating kids, notes Brian Grasso, executive director of the International Youth Conditioning Association.

That's why putting some machines in a corner and designating it the kids' area or offering a couple of yoga or Pilates classes for youngsters isn't the right strategy.

"From a developmental standpoint, that's really inappropriate," Grasso says.

The main motivator, says Grasso and Pillarella, is fun. If kids aren't enjoying the activity, they won't stick with it.

Programming doesn't have to be fancy, but it has to be designed with the fun factor in mind.

Grasso says simply setting up an obstacle course so young kids can run, jump, throw, skip and climb — in other words, play — is one way to get them involved.

Or a gym might have a class with stations, where a child warms up with a few minutes on the bike, then stops to quickly put a puzzle together, then hops on the stair machine to climb Mt. Everest and then plays with props such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops and bean bags.

But of course, kids don't have to go to a gym to get fit.

"We have to embrace kids and parents being active together," Grasso says.

Exercising in the backyard, playground or park is fun time for the whole family, and it's free. Think Frisbee, baseball or kickball, inline skating, tag and hopscotch.

Pillarella recommends that parents limit TV and video game time, and set an example by getting everyone in the family involved in fitness.

"It's not about just driving your kid and dropping them off at the gym down the street," she says.

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