Imagine a child-friendly exercise room with computer-generated devices that make kids look forward to exercising.
That’s the scene at Knuckleheads Gym in Carlsbad, which aims to create an exciting yet safe workout environment for children 5 to 15 years old. Designed for children from the nonathletic to the extremely athletic, Knuckleheads uses interactive equipment to encourage kids to exercise and stay fit.
“This gym is unique, because we have high-tech exercise equipment that combines video/computer technology,” owner Sunnye Sims said. “The children are having so much fun they don’t even realize it is good for them. I want to offer families a facility to bring their children where they can continue physical education programs and make it fun for the kids.”
Knuckleheads is a membership-based “drop off” gym. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The gym is open Sundays for private parties only.
Parents can either drop off their children or remain at the site. Personal trainers are available for private lessons and training.
“Today, many families face the dilemma as to how to continue the needed physical programs for children since some schools are cutting back physical education classes because of budget woes,” Sim said. “I have several friends that have been at a loss when that happened.”
Some of the interactive equipment includes fitness bicycles with brain games and PlayStation games. While kids pedal on the bikes, they watch PlayStation, but as soon as the pedalling stops, the game stops.
The TreadWall operates like a rock-climbing wall, and the SportWall lets children play with noodles, bean bags and balls. The Motivatrix instructs dance and cardiovascular workouts, while Dance, Dance Revolution is connected to a plasma TV and offers step-by-step dance training. Lightspace Play Floor is dodge ball played on musical squares.
Tommy Seilheimer VP of Exergame Fitness Adds:
“Sunnye has an amazing vision for keeping her community actively engaged by using technology driven fitness products. We were very excited when she approached us about implementing “Exergaming” in her community because that is “exactly” what we specialize in. Carlsbad California now has a fun sustainable place to keep their community active! We hope you stop in and get it a try!”
The gym also offers more traditional exercise equipment such as jump ropes, light weights, a personal trampoline and hula hoops.
For Jake Cassel, 5, of Carlsbad, Knuckleheads Gym is all about having fun and not about physical fitness.
“The machines are so much fun,” Jake said. “I like to dance and move around. The music is cool, too.”
Admission costs $15 per day, per attendee, and sibling discounts are given. The gym also coordinates birthday parties, team-building parties and fundraisers. Knuckleheads’ Kids Night Out program allows parents to enjoy a Saturday night while their children are supervised at the gym.
Celia Taghdiri is freelance writer.
Original Article