Years ago, I thought, Why doesn’t the gym have a kids’ gym attached? From Health Club Industry Sees Growing Market:
The childhood obesity epidemic combined with cuts to schools’ physical education budgets has inspired commercial gyms and health clubs to launch programs aimed at those under 18. The idea appeals to kids, and also to parents looking to help their children develop a healthy lifestyle or improve their chances of winning an athletic scholarship or a spot on a sports team.The programs are a growing source of revenue for the health club business. The number of gym members under the age of 18 rose 29 percent to 4.5 million in the five years ended in 2003, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.
Kim Hreha started Cardio Kids in September of 2003 because clients at her other gym, Ladies Workout Express, said their children weren’t getting enough exercise at school, and the mothers also worried about the kids playing outside after school without supervision.