Nov 4, 2009 9:00 am US/Pacific
More Parents Seeking Personal Trainers For Kids
With Fears Over Obesity A Constant, Families All Over Paying Professionals To Make Sure Children Stay Active
SCARSDALE, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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There seems to be a growing number of parents seeking out personal fitness trainers for their children.
AP
What's smaller than a couch potato but just as lethargic?
A tater tot.
And parents in our area are fighting the battle of the bulge -- even hiring personal trainers -- to get their kids in shape.
He's just 8 years old and he's got a personal trainer.
Jim Donohue of Fitness Blitz spends an hour each week with 14-year-old Sarah and 8-year-old Mark Dachinger at their home in Scarsdale, reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York.
"Considering that we have an epidemic of obesity in this country, getting kids involved in fitness, whether it's with a professional trainer or just running around on the playground, it really is the best thing for them," Donohue said.
Playgrounds still have their place, but more and more busy parents in the city and suburbs are paying trainers up to a hundred bucks an hour to improve kids' fitness.
"I have worked with some sedentary kids. The parents are like, I have to get this kid active," said Charlie DeFrancesco of Fit and Functional.
While parents worry about obesity and type-2 diabetes, body conscious teens are often worried about their weight.
"It's not something she thinks about, it's something we think about," Tamara Dachinger said.
Tamara Dachinger said hiring Jim the trainer really sent a message to her kids about the importance of physical fitness.
"I think that's a good foundation for the rest of your life, absolutely," she said.
Trainer Frank Valbiro has been working with 7-year-old Ian for a year to improve his balance and coordination. He said parents aren't just turning to trainers for help.
"Gyms around America are offering a lot more classes aimed for younger kids, for teenagers. Everybody's trying to provide for kids," Valbiro said.
Hoping they'll find fitness a real kick.
Experts say it's important for trainers to keep things "fun" and avoid putting too much pressure on the kids.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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