Gym for Kids?

First of all I am glad your kids are enjoying sports! I am a gymnastics coach as well as junior high teacher and I can tell you many kids are not active enough. I am concerned that you feel they are ready for light weight lifting. Why? For more muscle tone? Junior high kids don't need muscle loading unless the sport they are in demands it, and then the coach will usually take care of it. If you simply feel they should gain muscle you need to look at your reasons. You are treading on dangerous territory. It's more about what THEY think and your judgement can send them into all sorts of difficult thoughts. If they have come to you and expressed interest, I would send them back to their coaches and have them handle it. If it's solely you noticing, I would keep it to myself. Kids that age have enough to worry about. Usually in high school PE they get their first lessons on weight equipment for health. This is appropriate to match their development. They need to be more fully grown before stressing any growth plates. Perhaps add in some fun activities that will work different muscles... rock climbing for the runner and roller blading for the wrestler. Mix it up for interest and health!

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J.,
i have heard that children should not do weight training. their muscles are not yet developed enough. check into this before you make a decision.

Actually, any gym is fine. It depends on the PERSONAL TRAINER. there are actually teen certifications for trainers to get. So get on the phone to the gyms around the area and find out if any of the trainers are certified to work with young adults. I work out pretty religiously and looked in to getting my certs, but then got preggo and kinda got derailed. I would say that at their age their own bodies make the best weight source.

Try your local YMCA. But it sounds to me like the exercise they get thru the sports they're involved in should be plenty. You could add in some ab exercises if you really want but it seems like they have a pretty good fitness routine & you've done a great job instilling fitness in them at a young age.

Try your local YMCA......they are awesome and very family friendly!

Two places you might want to look into are F.I.T. at Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos. I'm pretty sure they have classes for teens. Also Hiruko Center at Loyola Corners in Los Altos is a wellness center that teaches tae kwon do and has teens classes. The instructors are excellent. My 9 yr old and 4 year old take classes there and I have been very very happy with the center.

R.

Check out the community centers in your area. I use the gym at Camden Community Center and they have a LOT of activities for kids. Not sure about actual fitness center stuff. Have you checked out the YMCA?