Source: Bandt
The YMCA has been dedicated to community health for over 150 years. In fact, did you know that they were the inventors of basketball and volleyball? True story! Now, YMCA Victoria has collaborated with creative agency McCann Melbourne to introduce its latest campaign, the “Playnasium”.
“The YMCA Playnasium turns your child’s happiness into your motivation for health. So take your tiny personal trainer to a YMCA Playnasium today”
Incorporating your child’s weight for resistance, the equipment has been designed to combine gym time with playtime, giving you the opportunity to have quality time with your child whilst keeping active. YMCA note that the “best motivation is happiness”, so you can imagine from their promotional information that there will be a tonne of fun for all involved.
There are three machines; the pull upsy-daisy, for shoulders, triceps and “giggles”; the row-row-row machine, an outdoor rower to “row row row your boat, gently tone the body”; and the pec-a-boo, a pectoral machine with a child’s swing for resistance. The equipment is designed for ages 0-7 years, so as your child continues to grow, so too does your level of strength.
Left to right: The pull upsy-daisy, the pec-a-boo and the row-row-row machine
Source: YMCA
The idea is genius and certainly bridges the gap between parents trying to juggle their health whilst raising their children. Peter Burns, YMCA Victoria’s CEO, has noted that more than half of Australian adults do not get sufficient exercise and that almost 25% of us will spend more than eight hours a day sitting.
“It’s great that getting fit doesn’t have to take you away from your kids. Plus, now the YMCA can introduce kids to exercise in a fun way, before they can even exercise.” – Matt Lawson, McCann Melbourne
Long term, introducing activity from a young age can help create a bond between parent and child, as well as create the foundations for an active lifestyle as children get older. Associate Professor Kylie Hesketh from Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition notes:
“Our research shows that active parents have children who are more active”
“Being active together has many benefits for a family’s health and wellbeing. Importantly it allows parents to model an active lifestyle to their children and provides a great opportunity for families to bond and have fun together.”
The equipment is currently being showcased around Victorian events for the next twelve months, starting at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick in Melbourne. The intention is to work with local councils to have permanent installations across the country. Let’s hope these roll out in time for next summer for some enjoyment in the sun.
Check out their promotion campaign here.
