If you have recently found yourself fretting over your child’s waistline, you are not alone. The youth of today are fatter than ever before, and parents are starting to panic. Why are our kids so big, and what should we do about it?

Childhood obesity has been described as an epidemic. It puts our children’s health at risk, making them more susceptible to problems involving their cardiovascular systems, endocrine systems, and even their mental health. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, and low self-esteem are just tip of iceberg when it comes to problems looming over heads of our overweight children.

It is ironic that both problem and solution to this heavy problem boil down to one simple equation. Energy In vs. Energy Out. When more energy is consumed than is utilized, result is fat storage. In short, our kids eat too much and do too little.

Energy In

The Problem: Parents today are busier than ever before, navigating through hectic schedules with convenient fast food restaurants lurking on every corner. Our kids are eating more fried, processed, and sugary foods than we did as children due mainly to convenience factor. These foods are laden with excessive calories that result in weight gain.

Deciding on your Needs

Since you are reading this I guess you would be more interested in weight training than aerobics, swimming and other things. Now those are important but it does not matter to some people whether there is a swimming pool available. You might not be concerned with number of aerobics classes held each day.

All you want to do is weight train. So choosing a gym that has a wide variety of exercise equipment is idea for you. Now if you are still not sure, you need to look for a location that has a variety of programs and exercise equipment. Maybe once you get started you can decide on your specific needs.

Shop Around

There are many fitness centers out there, too many to review individually. But keep in mind that they are not all alike. If you want to join, make sure to find a club that suits you. Do your homework and comparison shop–it will definitely be to your advantage. Here’s what to look for:

* Make sure it’s convenient to work and/or home. If it’s not, you won’t go.

* Request a free or guest pass to try out facility.

* Ask about qualifications of staff. Unless you already know what you’re doing, you want to work with professionals.

* Visit your choices during times you would most likely go to exercise and check for crowding conditions.

* Check out cleanliness of exercise areas as well as locker rooms and bathrooms. Make sure exercise equipment appears to be in good condition.

* Ask for operating hours and class schedules to make sure they fit your needs.

* See if child care is available on site.

* Talk to other members and see how they like it.