Gym for school age child

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on a school age child going to gym.

The reason I am asking is that I would like to join the gym, but struggle with finding time with work and the girls. A local gym has a few sessions per week for kids. This means I could get a workout and DD1 would be doing something herself. She really wants to do an activity like dancing, gymnastics or a martial art (DH wants her to do martial arts). The gym does have a creche that does take DD1 at her age, but all she would be doing is art work, or watching a DVD, so for less than $2 extra she can get some exercise.

I am torn about this. I suppose I hear the naysayers in my head that kids don't need a gym, that they should run around outside etc, but then I think if a gym is ok for me/an adult, then why not for a school age child?

If it's something she is interested in trying then i honestly don't see an issue with it.
It's just like any other 'sport' really, she would be getting exercise and some kids find things like that FUN, i would assume she would be with other kids of a similar age.
Can you ask to 'trial' it hun, see if she likes it, see if it works for you or if you think she's not ready for it yet?

It depends on the activity but DD1 does dance and gymnastics and loves it. Especially in Melbourne in winter I think indoor activities are essential as there is not enough daylight or warmth to do enough outside after school hours.

I grew up in Ballarat (so colder than Melbourne) doing gymnastics from aged 5 to 18 and it was greatly beneficial to me so I don't see any harm at all.

I personally don't see an issue with it. It encourages health and fitness. It promotes a healthy lifestyle.


I go to the gym several times a week. My daughter loves going to the gym (creche) and she loves to train "with" Mummy when I train at home. I see it as setting a good example for her through leading by example. I'm laying the foundations of a healthy lifestyle which she will hopefully build upon throughout her life.

DS and I do a child's exercise DVD together, so I wouldn't have a problem with him doing age-appropriate gym things.

He also rides his bike, runs around outside, dances, climbs... an exercise DVD is just one of our exercise tools. Just as I'm sure the gym is for your daughter.

Thanks ladies! Will check it out some more and see if I can put her in one lesson to see exactly what it is like. It is cheaper than other activities and has the added bonus that I am doing something, rather than sitting on the sidelines with a coffee ;)

If we go ahead I will just have to prepare for the backlash from MIL. She never puts on weight and cannot understand why people just don't go for a walk or potter in the garden for exercise :rolleyes:

That's easy Astrid ;) tell her it's about promoting cardiovascular health to aid in preventing things like cardiovascular disease, being active aids in preventing diabetes; both of which are on the rise in Australia. And (if your DD is doing something team related) it promotes team work. But above all, she's having fun :)

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gym for the school age children is not too good, the reason behind it is that the growth of the children is effected by the use of the gym equipment and techniques.

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Thanks Kyle - do you have any more info on that? I was under that impression that exercises were changed to suit children, more floor work and the main piece of equipment being a bike.

Its a great idea. Go for it. I cant see it doing any harm if used in a correct manner. The gym isnt just about weight training :) there are so many aspects involved that Im sure she would love.

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gym for the school age children is not too good, the reason behind it is that the growth of the children is effected by the use of the gym equipment and techniques.

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I'm sure they're no going to have the kids doing weights with the adults. The exercises will be specifically for kids. If youre worried check the trainer has a specific child exercise qualification.

Think about the kids that train for gymnastics, football etc I can guarentee it'll be less intense than that..

Aaaah, so skiving school sports is why I'm a six-footer, is it? I knew I was doing the best thing for me at the time.

I always went to the gym as a kid (my dad being a personal trainer at the time). The focus was always more on cardio and flexibility rather then anything weights based. There is nothing wrong with children attending a gym, provided that they are supervised. They shouldn't do anything involving weights with the purpose of body building - (ie, free weights are not a good idea). But most of the machines are ok on low weight settings, as part of an overall routine. Certainly nothing wrong with the cardio equipment (ie, treadmills, bikes, rower etc). Also depending on the gym, it isn't all about machines - many have classes and other types of fitness equipment (ie, rockwalls, gymnastic areas, etc). So long as the children are taught the correct exercises for their age, and how to use the specific equipment their program has been designed around - there shouldn't be any problems, and it is a great way to keep them active, keep yourself active and perhaps even kindle a love of physical activity that will last them through life.

As long as it's not weight lifting anything else she chooses to do is fine :)

My kids love coming to the gym with me! The bigger kids do a class which is just a whole lot of group physical games, no weights.