Wanda Burt, of Columbia, wants to make sure her 11-year-old daughter Shannon is physically fit and aware of food nutrition guidelines.
But she said she?s had difficulty finding a place for her to use exercise equipment and take classes.
“There are just so many restrictions with the adult clubs,” she said.
That?s not the case with Fitwize 4 Kids, part of a national franchise gym in Columbia geared toward children ages 6 to 15, which held its grand opening last week.
“She loves Fitwize, and she probably goes four times a week,” said Burt.
Todd Garner, a fifth-grade teacher at Atholton Elementary School, and his wife, Susan Foster-Garner, who works for T. Rowe Price, a financial services company, opened the business because “we love working with kids,” he said.
“I have kids in my class who can benefit from a place like this,” Garner said.
As obesity rates among children across the country continue to climb, Garner said his business helps tackle the issue.
“In the last 20 years, kids are playing video games more, and PE [physical education] in school has diminished. All those things have led to less and less physical activity,” he said.
At Fitwize, children who join for a membership fee participate in a 45-minute circuit workout that involves warm-up, cardiovascular and strength training.
Warren Gendel, founder and CEO of Fitwize, which is based in Navoto, Calif., began franchising the company last year. He said 20 gyms have opened nationwide and one opened in Australia.
“My background has been very extensive in physical fitness, and I wanted to help the community that I live in,” he said.
Gendel said it takes about $180,000 in startup and operating costs to open a Fitwize business.
“We?re doing selected growth,” he said. “We want owners to share the same passion and vision that we have for kids.”
Fitwize 4 Kids
Located at 6925 Oakland Mills Road, Suite S, is open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The gym is closed on Sundays. For more information about membership fees, call 443-312-2173. Additional information about Fitwize is available at www.fitwize4kids.com.
