In an effort to promote fitness habits among children, Marietta Boot Camp and Fitness in Reno, Nevada, has created new classes designed to help kids get in shape - and stay that way, Marietta Times reports.
"We have grown by leaps and bounds," Jennifer Deem, owner of Marietta Boot Camp and Fitness, told the publication. "I just love my job. I love that I get to do this every day."
Adult participants at the facility can get their physical activity for the day through a boot camp, zumba, turbo kick, wellness coaching, group fitness or hip hop hustle class. An added bonus is while moms come in to workout, they are also able to take along the kids, who get in exercise of their own.
Deem reports that when she opened the doors to her fitness center three years ago, she noticed that some parents would miss a week here or there because they had no one to watch their kids. This is when she decided to start workout routines designed for little ones aged 3 and older.
"This is something we've added because [lack of child care] is a big reason why a lot of people aren't able to attend exercise classes," Deem told the newspaper. "Some area exercise facilities offer child care, it isn't geared toward fitness."
At Deem's fitness center, kids get to learn about the importance of working out. According to the source, the Kid Fit program gets youngsters' hearts racing by having them go through a fun obstacle course, play fitness games and learn about warming up their bodies and the relaxing nature of yoga.
Joy Frank-Collins brings her two sons, ages 8 and 9, to the facility to work out, and she said they get in more exercise here than they did before.
"It makes it feel like it's less self-indulgent because they are getting exercise as well," Frank-Collins told the news outlet. "Before Kid Fit they would be home playing video games. I can see a difference now. My 9-year-old looks leaner and my youngest has lost three pounds, which he needed to lose."
Although such workout facilities can be a great way to get the whole family into exercising, parents can still help their kids get in the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity at home. Parents might want to take their tots for long walks through the woods or allow them to climb
commercial playground equipment at local parks to stay healthy.