While parents are working out at the Cooper Aerobics Center in McKinney, Texas, their kids are getting a workout of their own. The center has created "The Corral", a kids' play area complete with interactive video games using both Nintendo's Wii and the Cybex Trazer.

"Both machines incorporate movement with game play. The Wii uses a wireless wand that lets kids do everything from play tennis and baseball to race a cow over rows of scarecrows. The Trazer uses a sensor on a belt buckle that gets kids to jump, dodge and throw in games where kids compete with a virtual soccer goalie and jump and reach to keep exploding bombs from falling on them."

Fitness director David McGarry said the idea for The Corral came as a response to growing childhood obesity concerns. He wanted to create something more than just a daycare center. So far, The Corral is a big hit among both kids and parents. Read more at McKinneyMessenger.com.

Labels: exercise, gyms, video_games

Overtime Fitness Inc., in Mountain View, California, is one of the only gyms in the country that caters to teenagers. Founded by Patrick Ferrell, Overtime offers traditional fitness equipment as well as activities that appeal specifically to teens.

"Overtime, which opened in September and still hasn't turned a profit, is entering the market as established chains are trying to get kids to become lifetime members. San Ramon-based 24 Hour Fitness just started 'Hoopology,' a summer basketball pilot program in the San Francisco Bay Area for boys and girls ages 8-17."

Currently, the company is considering asking local businesses to fund membership for lower-income teens. Read more at KSDK.com.

Labels: exercise, fitness, gyms