Fit Kids Inc. focuses on fun during workouts
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The kids are dragging the parents there, and the parents are dragging them out.

That is how William Vona, owner of Fit Kids Inc., describes the members of his gym.

A youth-only gym, Fit Kids Inc. opened less than two months ago at 7662 Transit Road and has already proven an amenity to families in the area.

"We have more than 60 members already; it has taken off fast," Vona said. "Parents are very surprised it's here and available for children to work out. They are relieved they finally have a place to come."

Fit Kids has all youth-size equipment, from cardio to resistance training machines. Members of the staff teach children how to isolate and use their muscles without overloading.

"They don't want to leave when they are done; it's fun, they don't feel like it's a workout," Vona said, adding that the children don't always realize how good a workout they are getting.

But the results show it. Vona said the gym measures percentage of body fat, and so far the loss in many of the members has been tremendous.

Vona conceived the idea of a children's gym about two years ago. A cancer survivor, he made a list of what was most important to him. After his family, it was his involvement in coaching and his community.

He also gained a stronger appreciation for health, and the idea for the gym came to light. Traveling around the country, he found vendors that build equipment for children.

Because the workouts are intended to be fun, Vona also incorporated interactive video games that have children riding bikes, dancing, jumping and doing various activities with the Wii video game system. A rock-climbing wall was also installed.

Classes are led by professionals in the community, including black belt martial artists, a boxer and a Buffalo Jills cheerleader.

Once school starts, the gym will be changing its hours to noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

For the next week, hours are 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The space is available for birthday parties, and "parents night out" events are also planned.

Children can join for less than $2 per day, Vona said.

For information, visit www.fitkidsincorporated.com or call 630-6900.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com