Although schools are looking to reduce childhood obesity, that often involves reducing meals rather than increasing exercise, Sassower said. With the way that schools schedule classes, sometimes kids get only two periods of gym per week.
"They should have their hearts pumping, and they're not getting that," Sassower said. Kids who don't participate in athletics or after school activities don't have an outlet to engage in proper fitness. "This is a way for them to release their energy, instead of spending their time on iChat or their iPhones."
They found a space located in Bilanco Personal Fitness at 4 Manhattanville Road in Purchase. The Momentum studio is for kids ages 10 to 16. They also run Momentum Jr. at preschools and day camps for kids ages 3 to 8.
"We wanted to make fitness fun. We found a lot of kids were working out with personal trainers, but we don't think exercise should be forced," Hoberman said. The two asked around and found out what types of exercise classes kids would enjoy, as well as provide a great workout. Classes include a spin class called Cycle Beatz, Zumba, boot camp for boys and booty camp for girls.
In addition to being certified trainers, all of the instructors at the studio have experience working with children. Sassower and Hoberman wanted to make sure that not only could the instructors get kids into shape, but also help teach them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
"Our instructors teach them the proper way to work out," Sassower said. "In our boot camp classes, they make sure the kids are getting their form right, because without that instruction they could be doing something the wrong way and end up hurting themselves."
The studio opened Monday, and they have already received a lot of positive feedback. Some students have been coming back every day, and parents have already signed their kids up for monthly classes. They said that in the future they are planning on adding more classes such as yoga, Pilates and a running program.
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