by Sasha Reddy
At 12, 13, and 14 years old, your kid is still a kid. But they are old enough to start craving a little independence from mom and dad – and they actually… almost… maybe seem responsible enough to earn it. By popular demand, HAC has introduced two new programs intended to capitalize on that craving by better familiarizing preteens and young teenagers with the gym and inspiring a life-long love of exercise.
Group Fitness
Starting in January of this year, HAC’s group fitness policy changed, opening up new opportunities for members previously too young to participate in classes. New in the new year, members ages 12 and 13 can participate in any of our free, land-based group fitness classes with a parent or guardian. Pilates with mom, cycling with dad, Gentle Movement with grandmom – for the first time, HAC’s full library of over 175 weekly group fitness classes is available for even more members to try. And, of course, if the adult classes don’t interest them, kids can participate in any youth group fitness class from age seven up until age 15.
Kids in Training
Just a few weeks later, in February, the Kids in Training program was introduced – or, in a way, reintroduced. Back in 2013, the HAC personal training department debuted the Teens in Training program as an initiative to funnel more young members into personal training and get them excited about working out. Over a decade later, the original concept has been re-imagined into a new program that provides 12 and 13-year-old members the tools and freedom to work out independently before gaining access to all equipment on the fitness floor and in the weight room at age 14.
Here’s how it works: parents can book a 1-hour equipment review appointment for their child to meet with a member of HAC’s personal training team. During the session, the trainer will review a set of designated pieces of equipment on the main fitness floor with your child, talking them through the purpose of each machine and educating them on how to make adjustments for their own height and body proportions, how to set their working weight, etc. With the equipment review complete, your child will be able to use those machines on the fitness floor independently as long as their parent or guardian remains in the area.
HAC Member Susmita Bandyopadhyay and her son, Ashmit, participated in the equipment review session together when the program was introduced. Here’s how things are going since their session.
Honestly, it is a great initiative for kids and parents both. In my experience, it has made a significant difference. Prior to Ashmit’s training with Wylie, he was on the verge of discontinuing his membership. However, since participating in the program, his motivation has soared, and he eagerly attends HAC nearly 4-5 times a week to complete his workouts. Not only has he become more consistent in his gym routine, but he has also taken the initiative to engage with other boys, coordinating workout sessions together. Some days we both workout and some days he is with friends while I am there in the area. I’ve even recommended the program to two other mothers based on our positive experience. Therefore, I endorse its continuation, as it undoubtedly enhances the gym experience for young members like Ashmit.
– Susmita Bandyopadhyay
