In-Shape Health Clubs is taking a stand in the fight against childhood obesity.
The 32-location health club chain – that includes a Manteca location on East Yosemite Avenue at Pestana Avenue and a Lathrop location on Harlan Road - has replaced its Kids Club movies, cartoons, and TV programming with exercise DVDs for kids.  
“If a TV is on in one of our Kids Clubs, it should only be showing kids how to exercise,” said Steve Saxton, In-Shape Vice President.  “We encourage our adult members to exercise regularly; why not extend that encouragement to their children when they’re in our clubs?”
The DVDs In-Shape will be featuring include Denise Austin’s Fit Kids, Kick To Get Fit Jr. For Kids, Happy Healthy Monsters, Elmocize, and others. Content is suitable for all ages and will be rotated regularly or as requested by members.
In-Shape offers Kids Club babysitting in 27 of its 32 California locations, watching over thousands of children each month while their parents utilize club amenities like cardio equipment, group exercise classes, and swimming.  
“Most of our Kids Clubs already offer space mazes, soccer and basketball courts, Dance Dance Revolution, and arts and crafts; however, we’re still seeing some children watching TV and remaining inactive and we want to change that,” said Saxton.  “We want members to know that we are committed to being part of the solution to this epidemic.”
Childhood Obesity Statistics
•16% of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese, a number that has tripled since 1980. Another 15% were considered at risk of becoming overweight.*
•Over the past three decades, the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years.*
•Obesity-associated annual hospital costs for children and youth more than tripled over two decades, rising from $35 million in 1979-1981 to $127 million in 1997-1999.**

In-Shape Health Clubs is ranked one of the top 20 health club companies in the United States and owns and operates 32 locations in California.  Founded in 1981 with one club and a vision for helping people stay healthy and have fun, the company has exceeded expectations and is primed for growth.

 

A full list of locations and company information can be found online at www.inshapeclubs.com.