Big Gyms are Thinking Small

For parents in the middle, like Joanne Bennett, whose kids are neither sedentary, nor without recreational options, exercise classes are more of a pre-emptive measure. Bennett hopes that an early emphasis on fitness might help the whole family avoid those dreaded extra pounds later. "It's so easy for kids to sit down in front of the TV and do nothing," says Bennett. "I don't want it to be that way for Caitlin. I want her to grow up and be excited about exercising." And the fitness industry does too.

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