Children encouraged to join the gym
Wed 02 November 2011
Mary Trust, Bachelor of Communication
A Sunshine Coast gym is challenging traditional gym culture by encouraging children as young as eight to become involved in its fitness programs.
Most gyms on the Sunshine Coast limit membership to people over 14 years old, in line with recommendations by national health and fitness industry association Fitness Australia, but Flinders Fitness gym at Buderim’s Matthew Flinders Anglican College is setting new standards in child fitness.
Gym manager Miguel Rojano welcomes children aged over eight into his gym, citing the benefits of establishing regular exercise routines for young people.
With a bachelor degree in science (sport and exercise) from the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a masters in exercise science (strength and conditioning) from Western Australia’s Edith Cowan University, Mr Rojano is well placed to understand the positive impact of an early start to exercise and strength training.
Mr Rojano was adamant that instilling fitness habits at a young age was essential in trying to combat rising obesity rates.
“Kids aren’t riding bikes or playing outside as much as they used to,” Mr Rojano said.
“Then they lose interest in sport or don’t get selected for the team, so they can be left with very little regular physical activity.
“If we can get children into the habit of coming to the gym and training regularly, then by the time they reach adulthood it’s a normal part of their routine.”
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed being overweight and obesity was a major health concern nationwide, with 25 per cent of Australian children aged 5-17 overweight or obese in 2007-08.
The ABS data also showed obese children were more likely to stay that way into adulthood, and had an increased risk of developing short and long-term health conditions.
In line with national statistics, the Queensland Government’s 2008 Report of the Chief Health Officer found Queensland faced an epidemic of overweight and obesity in both children and adults.
The report showed obesity prevalence in Queensland was projected to increase dramatically, with current trends indicating a rise from 0.6 million obese Queenslanders in 2006 to an expected 1.4 million in 2025.
Experts concurred that action had to be taken to reverse this costly and unhealthy trend, with regular exercise a vital part of addressing the issue.
University of the Sunshine Coast post doctoral research fellow Dr Mark McKean agreed that an early start to fitness was essential to counteract Queensland’s increasingly sedentary population.
Dr McKean said there was a lot of evidence to support the value of children taking part in strength and weight training from an early age.
Dr McKean said he was strongly in favour of children aged between eight and 14 becoming involved in well-designed fitness programs at gyms.
“It’s a very positive thing and I see a lot of value in it,” Dr McKean said.
“I’m all for letting children come into gyms but there are a number of implications.
“Children of that age need to be provided with very clear guidelines; they need good instruction and they need to be constantly provided with feedback.”
Dr McKean said there was a lot of anecdotal evidence suggesting it was dangerous for children to use gym equipment, but this perception was incorrect.
Much of the criticism was focused on children using adult-sized gym equipment, with concerns many of the weights and machines were unsuitable and unsafe for young children.
“A lot of the negative comments about children doing weight training are scare-mongering because people don’t know any different,” Dr McKean said.
Both Dr McKean and Mr Rojano were certain that issues regarding safety could be counteracted by competent supervision.
Mr Rojano said children needed to be taught to respect the gym environment and other gym users.
“The kids are here to have fun but it’s definitely not playtime,” Mr Rojano said.
Instruction and guidance were essential elements of gym work for children at Flinders Fitness, where younger members work with trainers individually or in small groups.
Although strength, co-ordination and fitness were major benefits, Mr Rojano said children gained more than just physical fitness and health from working out.
“It’s not only the physical aspect,” Mr Rojano said.
“I aim to instil confidence and self-motivation in children, particularly those that think they’re no good at sport.”
Mr Rojano said there was no place for bad language, bullying or disrespect in gyms where children were members.
“It’s also about educating kids about respect and consideration of others,” Mr Rojano said.
At Flinders Fitness, children had the same rights and responsibilities as adult members, which Mr Rojano said both educated and empowered children.
The increasing membership of Flinders Fitness, along with growing interest in its children’s programs, reflects the success of Mr Rojano’s initiatives to encourage youth fitness and self-esteem.
It now remains to be seen whether more Sunshine Coast gyms will open their doors to children, encouraging young Queenslanders to prevent obesity and embrace a lifestyle of fitness and health.
Image(s) designed by Mary Trust