12yo at the gym?

[Anonymous]

DD is very athletic, plays a club sport, but has tons of energy so wants to work out even more. Our gym allows 12yos to join with parental supervision. Would you have any qualms about this? She is tall so at a quick glance might appear older than 12. I have no concerns about over exercising or eating disorders or anything like that. She just wants to use cardio machines, and we don’t have any in our home. Sometimes she jogs around the neighborhood but it’s hilly and Mom and Dad can’t keep up.

[Anonymous]

I was wondering about this for my child too. I don't see an issue with it so long as she's mature enough to behave and follow the rules. It's the little kids that nobody wants running around or whining.

[Anonymous]

I let my kids join young and by 13 one of mine was in CrossFit classes with me. It’s so great that your kids want healthy pastimes. Good habits start young.

[Anonymous]

I used to go to the gym with my dad when I was a young teen. We would run on the track together and he taught me to properly lift weights. I have fond memories of it. There was never any pressure to go, but always an open invitation.

[Anonymous]

I have a history of eating disorder and orthorexia so I would not encourage my daughter to work out for working out’s sake at that impressionable age. 12 year olds simply do not need to work out in a gym like that and should be exploring interests. My problems started with workout videos at home when I was in middle school. Instead I would encourage her to find another activity to participate in. My two cents; just be careful.

[Anonymous]

I think my DD started working out at Onelifefitness with me when she was 11. She had to complete several personal fitness sessions first, then she would work out with a bracelet so the staff knows. She took a break during the pandemic but now is 14 and runs on the treadmill mostly. I think it's great.

[Anonymous]

Could she not jog around the neighborhood on her own if mom and dad can't keep up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a history of eating disorder and orthorexia so I would not encourage my daughter to work out for working out’s sake at that impressionable age. 12 year olds simply do not need to work out in a gym like that and should be exploring interests. My problems started with workout videos at home when I was in middle school. Instead I would encourage her to find another activity to participate in. My two cents; just be careful.

It would make me nervous too. I would try to talk to her a little more about it and find out what the motivation is, especially if she has access to social media.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is very athletic, plays a club sport, but has tons of energy so wants to work out even more. Our gym allows 12yos to join with parental supervision. Would you have any qualms about this? She is tall so at a quick glance might appear older than 12. I have no concerns about over exercising or eating disorders or anything like that. She just wants to use cardio machines, and we don’t have any in our home. Sometimes she jogs around the neighborhood but it’s hilly and Mom and Dad can’t keep up.

Why would a 12 year old need Mommy or Daddy to jog with them? It doesn't sound like she's disabled.

[Anonymous]

All of my teens go to the gym. They all started at 12 and it helps build good, healthy habits.

None have had any issues and I have one DD who is tall and looks older.

[Anonymous]

I think it is fine. When we go to hotels, my 12 yr old likes to wake up with me and go to the fitness room. She loves it and thinks it is fun- and doesn’t work out very hard. Just some walking and light weights. But I am glad she finds joy in it and I hope it is building heathy habits for adulthood. She isn’t old enough to go to our home gym yet, but when she is, she will be welcome to join whenever. We don’t talk about weight or body shapes, just in staying strong and healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a history of eating disorder and orthorexia so I would not encourage my daughter to work out for working out’s sake at that impressionable age. 12 year olds simply do not need to work out in a gym like that and should be exploring interests. My problems started with workout videos at home when I was in middle school. Instead I would encourage her to find another activity to participate in. My two cents; just be careful.

You’re projecting. There’s nothing in the OP about parents encouraging gym going. Most kids on modern club teams are already getting a lot more exercise than workout videos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a history of eating disorder and orthorexia so I would not encourage my daughter to work out for working out’s sake at that impressionable age. 12 year olds simply do not need to work out in a gym like that and should be exploring interests. My problems started with workout videos at home when I was in middle school. Instead I would encourage her to find another activity to participate in. My two cents; just be careful.

You’re projecting. There’s nothing in the OP about parents encouraging gym going. Most kids on modern club teams are already getting a lot more exercise than workout videos.

Exactly. She’s getting plenty of exercise. Why does she want to exercise more? It’s a good thing to understand the motivation.

[Anonymous]

Is this a family type gym or more for singles? It would matter to me.

[Anonymous]

Your gym says she must have parental supervision. Are you willing to go and supervise? That would be my only issue.

My son has wanted to join one particular gym for years but it’s not that convenient to where we live and I know I don’t have the time to drive there and stay so that’s why I won’t do it. If this is a gym you go to anyway then yes, I don’t see any harm.