Is It Okay to Bring Your Kids to the Gym?
Exercise is good for kids, but here’s how to decide if the gym is the right place for them.
Physical activity is as important for kids as it is for adults. Many kids naturally move as they run and play, but with an emphasis today on more sedentary activities, such as playing video games and streaming media, it’s becoming harder than ever to get kids to move as much as they should.
It is recommended that kids get 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. This should include aerobic, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities. Exercising as a family is one way parents can model healthy behaviors and encourage kids to be active, but is it okay to bring kids to the gym?
The question of whether or not a child belongs in a gym environment depends on several factors. For one, you need to see if your gym allows children under a certain age to be there. You’ll also want to inquire whether there are classes set up for children so they can do age-appropriate activities with other kids their age. If you want to work out with them at the gym (and they’re allowed to be there), it’s a good idea to think about the types of activities that are appropriate, depending on their age.