The Childhood Obesity Fight Is Ours

For how long, exactly, are we going to keep saying that a healthy lifestyle starts in the home? Before we realize, that is, that no matter how much and how long we say it, it isn’t going to happen. It’s unfortunate, but most parents aren’t helping their kids lead healthful lifestyles — not by example, anyway — and neither are the schools, so it’s up to fitness professionals to step in and do it for them.

Our publication has been talking about the need and opportunity to provide youth fitness programs at facilities for years, and I know many are doing so (see the stories on youth fitness on the FM website). But we haven’t yet scratched the surface of what needs to be done. Recently, a story appeared on the MSNBC website titled Private gym for teens aims to address obesity. It’s a great concept for a gym, especially in light of the fact that IHRSA reports that, since 2005, approximately 1 million kids ages six to 17 have worked out with personal trainers. Obviously, there is a desire by kids to get healthy. Unfortunately, even though this facility, Overtime Fitness, has been open for close to a year, it still isn’t turning a profit, and it is now opening its doors to adults to supplement its revenue stream.

What’s even more unfortunate is the criticism these types of facilities are receiving from some professions and organizations. For instance, the Overtime facility, once a virtual reality flight simulation center, features video games that inspire movement, such as boxing, dancing, jumping and bike riding. But critics contend that using video games “won’t necessarily compel kids to keep exercising as they grow up.” I say, get them moving, let them see what it’s like to be healthy, rather than obese and lazy. My guess is, in the long run, that’s the way they’re going to want to stay.

Another critic, Ann Cotten, director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore, doesn’t think it’s fair that kids who have money should be able to have a facility to work out in, while low-income teens “who are at highest risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma and other health problems” can’t afford it. Hey, we have to start somewhere! Sure, it would be great to have public- and private-funded facilities where all teens could benefit. But, let’s look at the business reality here. To their credit, the managers of Overtime are asking Google Inc. and other local businesses to fund scholarships, and the facility is waving the $109 fee this summer.

I hope this facility, and others like it, make it. And, I hope that those people who criticize these efforts to help fight the youth obesity epidemic are proved wrong, and thus silenced. If your facility offers youth fitness opportunities, I commend you for stepping up to the plate, and hope to hear what you’re doing so others may follow suit.