[Whiskey]

I'm just curious to know what you feel is important about the fitness in children, whether it be outdoor activities, or organized sports.
Would you join a gym aimed at keeping kids active and fit while having fun?
I'm interested to know the ideas on this, and would love some real honest responses!
Thanks!

[mama2riley]

My ds is a year and a half old and he LOVES to play outside no matter what it is. So I try to have a variety of activities for him to do outdoors. We play with balls, sidewalk chalk, trikes, blow bubbles... We also go for a lot of walks and stop at the local parks to play on the playgrounds. When he gets older if he is interested he can get involved in some sports, but I am not going to push anything. I may consider joining a gym for kids, but money would be an issue.

[Jaycobsmom620]

My son has always been really into different sports which I think is great, but we didnt really push anything on him. My DH runs a gym here and back around Christmas he added a class called KidFit and it has done great! There are a few different classes based on age and the kids do all kinds of fun things based around fitness. We didnt think it would do very well at first but it has really taken off. I like it because when you drop your kids off at the daycare so you can workout you know your kids arent just sitting around watching cartoons or something, they are actually being active as well.

[twinzplus3]

I would not consider joining a gym for kids. . .unless the terms were short term. Here's why.

I really think being outside in the fresh, albeit smoggy, air is better for them. It's more stimulating, and there is always space outside that can accomodate our large family. BUT during the winter months and when it rains a lot I would definitley consider going. So if the membership terms were flexible AND the activities/space were things that would accomodate the whole family as opposed to me just sending my child--then I would go.

There is an indoor gym in CT that my SIL goes to where they have cards and the more you buy at one time--the cheaper it is per visit. So for example, if you know the week is going to be rainy and you buy a week let's say it's $40 but for one day it's just $10, etc. You can buy memberships as well.

[Alejandros Mommy]

Here in Canada our Gov't has innitaited a tax rebate for those parents who have their kids in sports...It makes it so much easier to fork out $ knowing you'll get some of it back. That being said, I have Alejandro in Karate Mon and Wed and Swimming Tues and Thurs. I find that he loves it, has funa and it also helps to wined(sp?) him down at night. I also have found it has helped with school as he is a whole lot more focused and knowing that we will not let him go to his activities if he missbehaves at school

[mama2riley]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

I would not consider joining a gym for kids. . .unless the terms were short term. Here's why.

I really think being outside in the fresh, albeit smoggy, air is better for them. It's more stimulating, and there is always space outside that can accomodate our large family. BUT during the winter months and when it rains a lot I would definitley consider going. So if the membership terms were flexible AND the activities/space were things that would accomodate the whole family as opposed to me just sending my child--then I would go.

There is an indoor gym in CT that my SIL goes to where they have cards and the more you buy at one time--the cheaper it is per visit. So for example, if you know the week is going to be rainy and you buy a week let's say it's $40 but for one day it's just $10, etc. You can buy memberships as well.

ditto - outside is definitely better!

[MissyChrissy]

Playing outside, for sure. Organized sports are great too...IF the kids actually get to play. Sometimes there are too many kids, or the coaches have their favorites...obviously, it doesn't help the bench warmers