Develop good habits early
KIDS GYM: EXERCISE GEARED TOWARDS CHILDREN BOOSTS SELF-ESTEEM AND SOCIAL SKILLS
Obesity is problem in South Africa, where inactivity is becoming norm.
As a fitness mum, and someone who understands the benefits of exercise, it made sense that when the Kids Gym opened a branch at Cedar Square in Fourways, I had to pop in and check it out.
Many children take part in sport at school but that doesn’t provide them with the extra benefits of a kids-specific gym for strength and development.
Besides the advantages for the body, exercise boosts their self-esteem, confidence and develops their social skills.
Just as an adult would swim, cycle and run, I also pop into the gym for additional training to improve my strength so I can take part in outdoor activities with more ease.
The other thing that affects us as adults in South Africa is the level of obesity.
Many people are moving less, driving more and making excuses not to exercise due to work stress, leading to increased obesity levels. This is rubbing off on our kids.
According to recent reports, the number of SA children suffering from obesity has doubled in the past six years.
Unlike some years ago, when kids could run around the neighbourhood unsupervised and easily develop agility, core strength, upper-body strength and general flexibility, this is not the case anymore.
Not many kids have this opportunity and to help supplement this, the Kids Gym has set up a fun, interactive, activity-oriented and safe environment for them to do what kids do, which is to run, tumble, swing and climb over things.
The facility caters for children aged 18 months to 15.
Unlike a traditional adult gym, the Kids Gym focuses on the children learning to best utilise and control their own body weight through fun-filled, life-enhancing activities, all in a completely nonjudgemental environment.
The training sessions are 60 minutes long and the kids are divided into age groups.
Age-specific classes:
Kids Gym tots (18 months to three years). Mini movers (three to four years). Fit 5s (five years). Hot shots (six to eight years). Warriors (nine to 11 years).
Other classes:
Tumbling (four-plus years). Aerobics (five-plus years). Ninja Zone (three to 13 years). Functional Fitness (12 to 15 years). Kids core strength (five-plus years). Personal training (five-plus years). Home school (four to 15 years). Special needs (all ages).
The six activity zones that help improve balance, coordination, strength, flexibility and rhythm:
Ninja Zone. Ball Zone. Jumping Zone. Fitness Zone. Balance and Hanging Zone. Rhythm Zone. The classes are supervised by people who are trained to handle kids to ensure their safety.
What I really like about the facility is that, as a parent, you have an option to sign your child in for the hour and go shopping in the centre or pop into the adult gym.
Alternatively, you can sit and watch your child have a good time with his or her peers from the viewing deck, or grab a healthy snack or beverage at the Ninja Bean Café in the facility.
There are a variety of packages. From three, six or 12-monthpackages to a walk-in option where you can pay as little as R125 per session.
For more info, please visit www. thekidsgym.co.za
Classes are supervised by people who are trained to handle kids. Letshego is a qualified biokineticist and co-founder of PopUpGym. Follow her on Instagram: @letshego.zulu Twitter: @letshegom Facebook: Letshego Zulu