Gyms for children are growing in popularity
In the past, children got all the exercise they needed from simply playing outside.
But today, increasing numbers of kids are getting their exercise at children's gyms, often instead of outdoor play.
While the number of youngsters using gyms is on the rise, some parents are going a step further and hiring personal trainers to sculpt their kids' puppy fat.
Shokk, one of Britain's biggest junior gym companies, has installed gyms nationwide.
Junior gyms in the UK, mainly cater for children aged eight and over, although there is at least one which provides services for children as young as five.
The gyms, which may be increasing in popularity due to the rising numbers of obese children, contain kiddie-size equipment similar to that in adult gyms, although some are designed to work more than one muscle at a time, and give the body greater support than their full-size counterparts.
Shokk spokesman Kieran Murphy stresses that their gyms are designed to entertain children at the same time as giving them a workout.
He says the aim is not to convince kids that working out in a gym is the only way to exercise, but that activity of any kind should become a part of their lives.
For that reason, Shokk gyms provide coaching and information on a variety of other activities, such as football and baseball.
"One consideration is that there aren't enough young people playing outside, Murphy says. "But kids need variety, and they benefit from as many activities and as much exercise as possible."
Shokk facilities are often interactive, and include activities such as the Target Wall, where kids hit lights with their hand, or a bat or ball.
"There aren't any real negatives to it," Murphy says. "Most parents would much rather their young person was in a facility doing structured exercise than standing on a corner drinking cider."
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