For Children, a Head Start On the Road to Fitness

The gym, which the owners call a "healthy lifestyle center," is targeted to children ages 7 to 17. About 50 children have joined so far, and most are 8 to 12, Nanas said. Some members are trying to lose weight, some are athletes who want to stay in shape and some have not yet found a sport they enjoy.

Membership costs vary and run about $100 a month. Membership includes a nutrition program and constant drilling about healthy eating.

"If there's something you can't read in the nutrition list, don't eat it," said Steven Androphy, Nanas's 10-year-old son and a regular at the gym. That's one lesson he learned in the ongoing nutrition course.

"No McDonald's," said 7-year-old Jocelyn Gritton, citing another lesson, as she pushed weights with her legs while sweat trickled on her forehead.

Jocelyn's mother, Lillian Brown, said her daughter recently turned her nose up at french fries because they are unhealthy. Brown described Jocelyn as a lover of books and opera music, saying the gym has turned her activity level up a notch.

On Monday night, Jocelyn did not want to leave until she danced to a Cyndi Lauper song while playing a video game.

Nanas said the gym's goal is to teach children healthy living.

"We are teaching them life skills they can bring with them," she said.