Fitness and family: How one local gym’s unique policy is shaping parent workouts

ABILENE, Texas — Many parents face the common challenge of balancing their workout routines with taking care of their kids. In a survey conducted by the International Health Racquet and Sports Club Association, 34 percent of parents said they would go to the gym if childcare was available.

Britini Tatum, a mother of 5 is a part of that percentage. She says The Performance Lab provides an option for her to work out.

“Them offering childcare is the reason why I am here,” Tatum said. “I haven’t worked out consistently in 15 years.”

The mother says The Performance Lab allowing her baby to tag along while secure in a stroller is the only reason she’s able to work on her fitness goals.

The gym’s owner Leo Simonetti says most gyms don’t allow babies to stay with their parent for insurance reasons.

“The beauty of having a class structure the way we do here is we can always designate an area for parents and their kids if they are secure in a stroller,” Simonetti said.

Parents can also secure their kids in strollers while pumping iron in the weightroom.

“In the weightroom, we do allow them in there as long as they’re away from some of the heavy equipment,” Simonetti said. “So, dumbbells and all of that. We are careful with what areas they are in.”

The gym owner says watching parents achieve their fitness goals is the biggest reward.

“They’ve mentioned that if we didn’t offer this, they wouldn’t be able to go to a facility,” Simonetti said.