(Actually I'd like to ban the ubiquitous TV's in the workout area of the club, but I'll settle for saving our kids.)
I like my 24 Hour Fitness club. It is convenient, priced fairly, and it has childcare provided by lovely and well-intentioned young women--a huge benefit to parents!
But...24 Hour Fitness makes its money by trying to get people to sign up and
workout, presumably to increase their health and fitness. So, why does it
have TV monitors in its Kids' Clubs?
I am starting a campaign to encourage 24 Hour Fitness to align with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on TV viewing for children by banning videos and TV in their Kids' Clubs at all locations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that children under the age of 2 should watch NO television
(that also means videos, computer downloaded movies, Netflix, and video
games). Furthermore, children over 2 should watch no more than 2 hours
per day.
Most of the children in the Kids' Club at my gym are under 2, and those over 2 are getting almost 50% of their weekly maximum if their parent works out 5 days a week.
I don't want to choose between my health and my child's. Please see this new report just out today...
If you want to do something....
- Join my group on Facebook. I'll provide updates and ideas as well as progress on our campaign.
- If you are a 24 Hour Fitness member:
- Talk with your club manager and let himi/her know how you feel.
- Befriend the childcare workers. Ask them what the policy is in your club regarding the videos. Ask them if they are willing to turn off the TV. You'll get some interesting responses and in some cases the opportunity to share some information.
- I plan to make a post-card sized handout to share with parents I see at the club to encourage them to voice their opinion. I'll supply it here when it's ready.
- Send a letter to:
Member Service Dept.
PO Box 2689
Carlsbad, CA 92018
- Send a letter to:
24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc.
12647 Alcosta Blvd., 5th Floor
San Ramon, CA 94583
- Please let me know if you take any of these actions (or any others), so I can keep a count. You can e-mail me through this blog or post it on the Facebook group.
Go Cindy go!!!
Posted by: JaneWild | May 05, 2010 at 01:36 AM