Spectrum Clubs introduce "TeenFit" program

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 1998 by Nina Gordon, Melissa Jarvis

The Spectrum Clubs of Southern California, a division of The Sports Club Company, realized there was a lack of facilities and programs for kids to learn about and participate in physical fitness. Consequently, they introduced an innovative new program for teens called TeenFit. Designed to provide health, fitness and nutritional guidelines exclusively to teenagers between 13 and 17 years old, TeenFit aims to instill a "fitness as a lifestyle" philosophy in young adults.

Teens can join the Spectrum Clubs through a special TeenFit membership and learn exercise techniques, anatomy, safety guidelines, injury prevention and gym etiquette in a supervised gym setting. "There is a real lack of programs and facilities for teenagers to learn about and begin a lifelong physical fitness program," says Nanette Pattee Francini, executive vice president and co-founder of The Sports Club Company. "I personally know many teenagers who want to join a health club. Not only do the Spectrum Clubs want to accommodate the kids who are already interested in fitness and/or sports, but we feel we can fill the gap left by the deletion of so many physical education programs in the schools, and help educate and motivate teenagers who are physically unfit or overweight."

TeenFit members undergo a health and lifestyle screening. Based on this information, a personalized workout is designed to suit their needs and age group. They are then issued color-coded program cards to carry on the gym floor to facilitate proper supervision. "We want to create a fun and positive environment for these teens so they can develop a fit, healthy lifestyle with their peers and take it outside the gym," says April Morgan, aerobics and fitness director for The Sports Club Company.

According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, "Parents, kids and experts decry the lack of programs and professional help available at elementary, junior and senior high schools. A child cannot join a health club or sign up with Jenny Craig." The TeenFit program is one step toward making long-term changes. Ultimately, Spectrum Clubs aim to educate teens with in-school health and fitness lectures.

In addition to the newly opened Spectrum Club in Valencia, California, there are five other Southern California Spectrum Clubs in Agoura Hills, Santa Monica, Water Garden, Howard Hughes Center and Manhattan Beach. For more information, contact The Sports Club Company at (310) 479-5200, or fax (310) 479-8879.

Nina Gordon and Melissa Jarvis are Freelance writers based in Westwood, California.