Kids happy to get in shape
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers NOW OPEN- Knuckleheads at 2080 Newbury Road will offer summer fitness camps for kids.

There's a new place where kids can be turned into joysticks and compete against each other as they wirelessly control video games on a plasma TV.

While Travis and Emily become human joysticks, Miranda, Jacob and Derek are racing each other on "digital trails" by pedaling stationary bicycles as fast as they can. Meanwhile, Daniel won't stop bouncing up and down on a trampoline-like device known as Airbounder, a hydraulic machine. He wants to beat the existing record.

This isn't merely a parent's dream about getting kids excited about exercising. It's a reality at Knuckleheads, a gym just for young people ages 8 to 15 in Newbury Park. Knuckleheads opened in April.

The colorful, well-organized facility has more than 2,000 square feet of fun for kids who like to have a good time- getting in shape and improving their health are bonuses, according to owner Dean Mercer.

"I opened Knuckleheads because I felt a need to address childhood obesity and inactivity," Mercer said.

The kids don't need to know about that. Important to them, however, is that the place has plenty of futuristic exercise equipment- - stuff that might even make older teens a little jealous.

Young people who are already athletic also find challenges. If they're into soccer, baseball, football or other sports, they can learn how to improve.

"We're tricking kids into exercise," Mercer said.

Memberships start at $29.99 and include a dog tag that welcomes kids with an electronic reminder of their past accomplishments. Ready to help them improve are adult trainers who teach members how to use the equipment and get a well-rounded workout.

This helps the kids.

The emphasis varies between cardiovascular fitness, strength, speed, agility, visual/spatial awareness, coordination and reaction time.

Knuckleheads may be synonymous with dumbbells, but there are no free weights at the facility.

The equipment is all fun and safe for children, Mercer said.

Summertime means more time for kids to visit the gym. It will be open from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Sundays are for private parties. Birthday parties cost $325 for two hours, accommodating up to 20 kids.

Beginning Mon., June 18, threeweek summer camp sessions will debut from 9 a.m. to noon. Double Play camp runs Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. Triple Play camp is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Overtime evening camp is offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The second session begins July 9 and the third session starts July 30.

Knuckleheads is at 2080 Newbury Road, Ste. C, in Newbury Park. Call (805) 4998700 for more information.