Title
Fitness Center & Track Age Recommendations
History
Survey Background
Sportsplex members and residents have requested staff to investigate changing two policies that are currently in place which administer age requirements for the walking track and fitness center.
Current Track Center Rules: Open to members and residents, ages 8-13 years accompanied by a parent during the following times. Monday - Friday 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. All additional times, use is limited to members and residents 14 years and up.
Current Fitness Center Rules: Fitness Center age requirement is 14 years and up. Sportsplex offers fitness opportunities for those under the age of 14 years on the second floor Fitness Center, under the supervision and direction of a personal trainer. Some examples of these classes are as follows: Youth Personal Training offered to kids 8-13 years old, Kids Fitness & More offered to kids 4-6 years old, Fitness Camp offered to kids 7-13 years old, and Kids Incorporated offered to kids 7-13 years old.
Staff created a survey for active members and track users to voice their opinions. The survey was located on site at the check in area on the second floor and in the registration office at the Sportsplex. This survey was offered to members and residents for two months. Staff also sent the survey through a Constant Contact email on 4/28/11 to the Sportsplex database which consists of 759 emails. Through the survey we captured input from 214 current Sportsplex users. In addition, staff surveyed local fitness facilities including LifeTime Fitness, Cardinal Fitness, Palos Health and Fitness, LA Fitness & Riviera Sports Club to better understand the practices in facilities with which we compete for members. (Results are attached.) Also included in attachments is an article providing additional perspective on strength training programs for children at fitness facilities nationwide.
Based on the attached results, staff is recommending the following change to the age requirement to utilize the Sportsplex fitness center and track:
- Permit members and residents, 8-13 years of age to utilize the track any time with adult supervision.
- Permit members and residents, 12-13 years of age to utilize the fitness center and participate in group exercise classes.
In both areas, a parent must accompany the youth member or resident at all times. In addition, mandatory orientation is required with a Sportsplex personal trainer to review proper and safe usage of equipment as well as an understanding of the appropriate personal behavior that is required in the facility.
On October 3, 2011, this item was reviewed and approved by the Parks & Recreation Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve residents and members 8-13 years of age permission to utilize the track as outlined in the staff recommendation.
And
To approve members 12-13 years of age to utilize the fitness center with restrictions as outlined.