When the owners of My Gym in Ahwatukee Foothills talk about how they view success, they say it is not just about getting the kids in shape and teaching them about healthy habits. Another key component is building their self-confidence.
The local gym offers a wide range of classes, from cardio to "Super Hero Training" to "Super Tumblers." Parents can enroll their children in classes when they are as young as 6 weeks and all the way up to 13 years old.
David Dodge, who the kids call Mr. David, has been teaching classes for more than six years and knows they don't want the same old stagnant workout routines week in and week out. He knows you have to be creative and stay moving to keep their attention.
"We keep things moving and part of that involves modifying games, like adding an obstacle course to ‘Duck-Duck-Goose,' that they are used to playing," Dodge said. "We preach that they don't have to be the best. But if they try their hardest and do their own personal best, then they are successful."
During the week, My Gym offers classes from 9 a.m. to as late as 7 p.m. Each class is about an hour long.
They also offer after-school (including a two-hour camp for early-release schools on Wednesdays) and weekend classes and the space can be reserved for birthday parties on Saturdays and Sundays.
"Our focus is teaching kids at a young age that exercise is a daily routine," co-owner Amy Huffman said. "We think outside the box when it comes to classes and incorporating different things like sports, art and more. Anybody can do a fitness class, but to make it so they want to come, that's a little harder."
My Gym is a franchise with 262 locations across the globe. My Gym is located at 4142 E. Chandler Blvd. To find out more about the classes being offered, visit www.MyGym.com or call (480) 940-4967.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
