Welcoming Preteens and Tweeners to the Gym

April 17, 2009

“…the idea of kids in the gym is gaining support among pediatricians and fitness experts…Gym workouts are a healthy, entertaining opportunity for some parent-and-child togetherness.”

— Taking the Tweeners to Mom and Dad’s Gym
The Washington Post, Jacqueline M. Duda, 4/14/2009

On Tuesday this week I saw an article in our local paper, the Washington Post, that talked about how some gyms are opening their doors to preteens and tweeners. This is not necessarily new idea, but it is an idea that is being adopted by more and more gyms in an effort to allow parents and their children to work out together.

Joining the Trend
The article notes that a few gyms, like Gold’s Gym and the Washington-area YMCAs are expanding this trend. They are buying into the idea that if parents are allowed to bring their preteen and tweener children to the gym, the adults themselves may be more likely to attend the gym regularly. Parents will become more invested in going to the gym because parents and children motivate each other to exercise.

Making the Investment
Of course, some of the investment includes training children on how to use the equipment, having equipment that can accommodate preteens and tweener sizes, and supervising parents/children to make sure they are following the rules. Clubs also need to make an investment in member management software that will create family memberships, and have the flexibility to change family memberships as the family grows and family attendance fluctuates.

The effort, though, can be well worth it since a family-friendly environment can translate to higher member retention and a happier overall atmosphere in the club. It gets the family together and makes good business sense.