Club Industry's exclusive guide to children's fitness products.

Like adults, children’s obesity levels are at an all-time high. As members of the fitness community, it’s the health clubs’ duty to promote healthy lifestyles and exercise to our nation’s youth. Whether it be by offering children’s exercise programming, fitness equipment and products especially-designed for younger ages, or by selling and promoting kids’ health and wellness products in proshops and counter displays, fitness clubs can’t afford to ignore America’s youth. With school starting up again in the fall, now is a perfect time for club owners to make sure they have after school activities, programming and products available at their health club. In addition, if fitness becomes a family affair, member retention becomes that much greater. The youth market is an investment in fitness’ future.

Brewer’s Ledge
The newest addition to the brewer’s ledge line, Kidwall is ideal for kid’s play areas; it is safe, easy to operate, and tons of fun. Kids climb at their own pace. The company’s patented Natural Pace technology rotates the wall only when kids climb, staying one to two feet off the floor. Kidwall fits anywhere.

Brewer’s Ledge, 34 Brookley Road, Boston, MA 02130; (617) 983-5244; (800) 707-9616; fax: (617) 983-5261; sales@treadwall.com; www.brewersledge.com; www.treadwall.com

Fitastic Kids
Fitastic Kids Inc. offers clubs top-of-the-line fitness programs for children. These programs are full of activities, music for movement, activity cue cards, and health and fitness information with handouts. In addition, colorful, safe, fitness equipment compliment the programming. Fitastic Kids also features a variety of accessories, including balls, jump ropes, bean gags, strength bands, parachutes, and more.

Fitastic Kids Inc., P.O. Box 26311, Minneapolis, MN 55426; (800) 764-4408

Fitsright
FitsRight is a premier provider of fitness equipment uniquely sized for kids ages 8 to 15. Not only is the equipment appropriately sized and safe to use, it’s a lot of fun, states the company. Their weight resistance and cardio products help reduce sports-related injuries, improve overall fitness, and offer interactive recreation. In addition, FitsRight helps clubs in program development, offering them a few pieces to get started or setting them up with a comprehensive fitness center.

FitsRight LLC, Greenwood Village, Colo.; (888) 590-9070; fax: (720) 482-8189; FitsRight@aol.com

Gertstung Inter-Sport
Gerstung’s motto is “We develop the equipment that develops the child.” Since 1967, Gerstung has lead movement education programs for children, which teaches them fundamental physical activities while building self confidence and self awareness. The company has experience with their programs, curriculum and equipment through practical kid-testing in their 40,000 square foot school. In addition to programming, Gerstung offers rhythmic gymnastics and gymnastics training devices, as well as their preschooler-geared Little Gym-Thing.

Gerstung International Sport Education Inc., 1400 Coppermine Terrace, Baltimore, MD 21209; (410) 337-7781; (800) 922-3575; fax: (410) 337-0471; info@gerstung.com; www.gerstung.com

Kidzfit
Kids’ Pace is a comprehensive, non-competitive children’s fitness program utilizing equipment and activities designed specifically for them. The program is fun and exciting while providing both a strength and cardiovascular workout. It reportedly enhances self-confidence and socialization, and teaches the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

KidzFit International, 2015 Bird Creek Terrace #106, Temple, TX 76502, (254) 742-1300; (888) 497-1300; fax: (254) 742-1229; kidzfit@kidzfit.com; www.kidzfit.com

Kidsports
Kidsports provides a range of integrated children’s programming services to the health and fitness industry. From management consulting to training and development of staff, to the sale of proprietary lesson plans and equipment to health clubs, hospitals and recreational businesses, Kidsports offers fun and functional children’s fitness.

Kidsports International, 240 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608; (610) 372-6830; jreece@kidsportsinternational.com; www.kidsportsinternational

Sit and Be Fit
The award-winning video, “The Kids’ Workout,” produced by Mary Ann Wilson, RN, of Public Television’s gentle exercise program “Sit and Be Fit,” is recommended for ages 2 and up. Perfect for a club’s pro-shop or used in conjunction with its children’s fitness programming, “The Kids’ Workout” teaches coordination and dexterity exercises on a level that children can participate in. Winner of a Parents’ Choice Award, the video encourages a total body workout in youngsters, as well as promotes a lifetime desire for physical fitness. Included in the workout package are free egg shakers, which are small hand-held rhythm instruments used to improve cognitive function and motivate the hands to move equally.

Sit and Be Fit, P.O. Box 8033, Spokane, Wash. 99203; (509) 448-9438; fax: (509) 448-5078; sit.and.be.fit@sisna.com; www.sitandbefit.com

3rd Level Consulting
3rd Level Consulting offers complete feasibility analysis when considering adding children’s programming to your club. Reality-based consultations include program selection, program operations manuals and ongoing assistance. Services are 100 percent guaranteed.

3rd Level Consulting, 1875 Century Way Boise, ID 83709; (208)376-3641; fax (208)376-3646; fsahlein@3rdlevelconsulting.com; www.3rdlevelconsulting.com

Youth Fitness Solutions Inc.
KidzPower is a circuit-training workout for children ages 6-12 years old . The workout includes safe and effective resistance training and fun, exciting cardiovascular activities. Activities are non-competitive but challenging. Every child experiences success regardless of their athletic ability. KidzPower provides facilities the ability to meet a growing national trend and presidential mandate, while also improving the facility’s retention rate, increasing revenues, and improving the overall value of family memberships.

Youth Fitness Solutions, 1506 Judge Baylor Dr. #8, Belton, TX 76513; (254) 295-4140; yfs@vvm.com

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