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After the Surgeon General called for children to work out and become physically fit, a group in Ogden set up the state's first family gym with equipment designed just for children.
We're familiar with the traditional fitness gym designed for adults. But at 83 N. Harrisville Rd. in Ogden, you'll find what is called the Family Total Health Club. In one room, small children exercise mind and coordination skills. Through the doorway, slightly older kids work out on all sorts of equipment designed just for them.
Co-developer Kelly Condie said, "The hydraulic set that we got is specifically designed for children. So, it's smaller and is based off hydraulics so it works against the resistance of the children themselves. This way it helps build up muscles."
There's also a climbing wall and obstacle courses. Fitness workers guide the children in specific activities. Through another door, there's mild sports competition, again designed to keep children active while having fun.
"There is no TV, no video games," Condie pointed out. "Instead, we encourage the kids to be physically active in activities that are fun. So, regardless of whether or not they are athletic, they can come here and get the kind of physical activity that they need each day."
On the other side of a wall, parents have their own fully-equipped adult gym. They can keep an eye on the children via a TV monitor.
"To give a place where the whole family can feel united, so that when they all come to do activities together, they can build unity and common bond within them," Condie said.
In addition to pairing off in teams for some activities, some of the children can combine exercise with dancing and music. There's also instruction on nutrition and ways to combat obesity.
The Condies plan to open the children's gym for special afternoon activities, even for those whose parents have not bought into the club membership program.
E-mail: eyeates@ksl.com
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