This is one of those ideas that I heard about and thought, "why didn’t I think of that?!" and it is definitely one that is long overdue. Holly Bond came up with the idea for Bulldog Interactive Fitness, a high-tech fitness club geared toward kids 8-17, when her own son started to gain weight.
Startled by the staggering obesity statistics, Holly began to research this epidemic. Holly’s research consisted of informal chats with her kids, their friends and parents about all aspects of their lives. What she began to realize was that there was nothing on the market that appealed to their interests – video games, movies, music – and that the majority of the communication surrounding obesity and exercise was directed at parents, not kids.
Holly knew that these were smart kids and that the only way to motivate them was to speak their language and create an environment that was about them, not their parents. Empower these kids with options that were relevant and working out may seem more appealing.
Bulldog Interactive Fitness uses the very same machines that society blames for making kids fat to help solve the problem. As Holly says, "Bulldog Interactive Fitness combines the best of their world, with the best of our world". Bulldog sourced out exercise equipment that utilizes Sony PS2 and Microsoft Xbox to get kids moving. There is a rotating climbing wall, DDR dance machines, and a virtual reality training simulator.
So cool you want to join? No such luck. Bulldog only accepts members between the ages of 8 and 17. Although Bulldog is Nova Scotia based they will be opening franchises across the country soon.
Urbanmoms.ca is excited to welcome Holly as our Kids Fitness Expert. Holly will be a regular contributor to the Urban Parents section so keep your eyes open for information on keeping your kids fit and healthy!
Please comment below or email me with ideas for this section.
Jen