Earlier this year, we reported on NexGym—a youth fitness franchise that keeps youngsters moving through video game-inspired workouts. It turns out they're not the only players capitalizing on kids' fitness by incorporating video games. Canadian Bulldog Interactive Fitness and Colorado's XRKade are getting in on exergaming, too.
Bulldog Interactive Fitness founder Holly Bond was inspired by her own son's childhood battle with weight—a problem she realized affected not just his health, but also his self-esteem. That's why it was such a priority to develop fitness solutions that didn't leave fun out of the equation. Children ages 3 and up can take advantage of PS2 game bikes, Dance Dance Revolution machines, simulated mountain-climbing treadwalls, circuit equipment and much more, including camps, classes and special team training programs. Customers can purchase single session passes or memberships in increments of three months or a year.
Denver-based iTech Fitness launched XRKade with the same idea in mind of making fitness fun for kids by building on activities that already interest them—namely video games. In addition to consulting with a team of seasoned experts and industry professionals, iTech created an XRKade Jr. Board of Advisors ranging in age between 9 and 16 years old. The result? Fitness centers that feature the latest in virtual cycling, snowboarding, climbing, dance, tae kwon do and more. In fact, they might easily be confused as cutting edge video arcades rather than exercise facilities—which is precisely the idea.
Franchising and licensing information for both companies is available online, but clearly this is a concept that can be replicated or adapted. An obvious next step might be to let adults in on the fun. It's hard to imagine exergaming not quickly gaining popularity at any gym—even in office parks or senior living facilities, where a virtual climb through the Alps or boxing match might be just the ticket to inspire a newfound love of fitness!
Websites: www.bulldoginteractivefitness.com — www.xrkade.com
Contact: info@bulldoginteractivefitness.com — info@xrkade.com
Spotted by: Darren Baxendale
Check out www.xrtainmentzone.com and xrtainmentzone.blogspot.com as well! We're a family fitness and wellness center where our members range from 6 to 86 and we have a full demo kitchen where we teach our nutrition and cooking classes.
As the Founder of Bulldog Interactive Fitness, the very first interactive fitness facility excusively for youth in North America, I couldn't help but write in to tell you all how wonderful it is that the obesity and inactivity of our youth is finally being recognized and taken seriously.
At Bulldog, we promote self-esteem, and a by-product of that is a healthier more engaged child. After opening 8 clubs across Canada with four more opening in the next few months, and Florida opening in January, we are very excited at the growth that we've experienced and the media attention from all over the world. Currently, we are negotiating with Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, Bruges, UK, Australia, Singapore and Dubai.
Our facilities have interactive equipment, full gymnasiums for old-fashioned fun and sports -- we are opening a 10,000 sq.ft. Bulldog in Guelph, Ontario, Canada on November 17th that has two full gymnasiums, a teen room and a full kitchen that kids can learn to cook.
Bulldog Interactive is the first and the fastest growing youth interactive franchise in the world. Our mission is to teach kids that exercise and nutrition is fun -- find what you love to do and do it -- go be the best you can be...be a BULLDOG!!!! For franchise information, please go to our website: www.bulldoginteractivefitness.com
Holly Bond, Founder
Although you both have great ideas and are working towards a healthier population there have been several studies indicating video game workouts may not provide enough exercise to induce weightloss or increase fitness levels. A holistic approach should still include "traditional" exercise based on ACSM's, NSCA's or any other organisation's guidelines and presciptions for children, and a balanced nutrition program.
Wayne,
Physical Forte Pty Ltd
I remember when kids fitness was on the curriculum at schools. Sad that the neglect of physical ed in schools has spawned a whole sector. I would like to see these businesses pitch their fitness centers back to the school boards. Kinda like how the cafeterias are outsourced but still within the school confines.
I am a 15 year old girl, and 2 years ago I had developed an exercise addiction that nearly killed me due to playing video games while on elliptical trainer. Now I understand this is rarer than, say, obesity; but the combination of the focus projected on to the video game and subsequent mental detraction from the physical exertion can present serious problems for a young child with an already high pain threshold. I am by no means condemning the business, just informing people as to what could occur without proper monitoring of the children accessing the facility.