Children at The Gym

I have never seen this young of a child working out at the gym.   It is very important for children to learn healthy habits for caring for their bodies by balancing appropriate cardio, and muscle development.  With younger children it is important to limit the amount of weight and reps they do with muscle building workouts to avoid damages to their bones and joints while they still have developing growth plates.
A good gym should have a trainer who is qualified to work with children and developing a plan for a healthy life as a young person.  The gym should be a place that children  are comfortable so that later in life the gym won't be an emotionally threatening place like the gym is for many adults.  All of this is very important with the many changes in our lifestyles.  A century ago everyone including young children were much more active.  They were busy with farming, gardening, and many other chores.  Even the common chores we still have were much more physically demanding (like the gym workout) because of the lack of electric equipment.   Plus everyone walked everywhere or rode a horse both of which were much more active than sitting in a car.
Helping the next generation understand the value of the gym at a young age will go a long ways to helping them have a positive view of maintaining their bodies.

The Simpsons - What's The Gym

You are probably as unfamiliar with the gym as Homer Simpson. I know that I am. Have you ever walked into the gym and seen all the shiny equipment with belts and chains and swivels and thought "there is no way I could ever do this". I think that donuts on the handles of the exercise bikes would make a great motivation. The gym does not motivate me. The gym makes me want to stay home on my couch and watch television. I think that people that stay home from the gym are missing out, but it would be great if someone would start a gym for people who don't understand all the equipment and look like they have never worked out in the gym in their whole entire life. I would encourage you to not give up. Maybe start with your first visit to the gym late at night or on a holiday, there will be less people and you won't be as embarrassed. Take the first step and just decided that even if you will never be the gym rat, you at least will be proud that you are spending some time at the gym and taking care of your body.