ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (WCCO) — There’s a new gym in town that has people begging to go. The twist is that it’s very age-specific. That’s right, St. Louis Park is home to a new gym completely dedicated to children.

You won’t see the typical machines you see in most gyms at the KidsFit Club, a gym the Sabes Jewish Community Center opened for children ages 6 to 12. There’s cardio, strength building and interactive equipment.

“Part of our primary mission was to create a safe, comfortable environment for children to come and play, have fun and be active and fit,” said fitness director Donna Heck. “We wanted to bridge a gap between those kids who are not drop in daycare but not able to yet be in a fitness center.”

Each station is designed to keep kids engaged. Heck said the rock-climbing wall provides kids with “an amazing challenge.”

They’ve created challenges associated with things children see adults do, which Heck says makes them feel rewarded.

“I feel like I’m getting more brain power, and my legs are getting a workout,” said member Sarah Gronert.

The gym also has exercises for children’s minds, such as a set of posts that have targeted lights of color kids have to punch with a rubber ball. While they’re getting a physical workout, they’re also getting a mental workout.

“The key is to help kids understand why it’s necessary to move and be fit, but not in a way that’s threatening. Just in a fun, creative way,” said Heck. “There are parents who are saying their kids are constantly begging to come.”

The KidsFit Gym works to empower families to take an active role in the health and fitness of their children.

KidsFit Club is located in the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park and opens this Thursday. It’s $10 per child to use the facility.

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There’s a new gym in town that has people begging to go. The twist is that it’s very age-specific. That’s right, St. Louis Park is home to a new gym completely dedicated to children.

You won’t see the typical machines you see in most gyms at the KidsFit Club, a gym the Sabes Jewish Community Center opened for children ages 6 to 12. There’s cardio, strength building and interactive equipment.

“Part of our primary mission was to create a safe, comfortable environment for children to come and play, have fun and be active and fit,” said fitness director Donna Heck. “We wanted to bridge a gap between those kids who are not drop in daycare but not able to yet be in a fitness center.”

Each station is designed to keep kids engaged. Heck said the rock-climbing wall provides kids with “an amazing challenge.”

They’ve created challenges associated with things children see adults do, which Heck says makes them feel rewarded.

“I feel like I’m getting more brain power, and my legs are getting a workout,” said member Sarah Gronert.

The gym also has exercises for children’s minds, such as a set of posts that have targeted lights of color kids have to punch with a rubber ball. While they’re getting a physical workout, they’re also getting a mental workout.

“The key is to help kids understand why it’s necessary to move and be fit, but not in a way that’s threatening. Just in a fun, creative way,” said Heck. “There are parents who are saying their kids are constantly begging to come.”

The KidsFit Gym works to empower families to take an active role in the health and fitness of their children.

KidsFit Club is located in the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park and opens this Thursday. It’s $10 per child to use the facility.