A nice story in the New York Times tells of teens going to the local gym to workout, hangout, and even get some homework done. 

Teenage memberships are up, with 3.4 million people ages 12 to 17 belonging to gyms in 2005, up from 2.6 million in 2002, according to a report from American Sports Data Inc. and the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. The addition of classes for teenagers at many gyms, including cycling, hip-hop and conditioning, has helped increase the numbers.

For teens, it is not so much about the workout, it's about having a cool place to hang out with peers and having fun.  That's why these teen gyms offer games like racquetball, foosball, and squash, rock climbing and dancing video games; they are fun workouts.

This is a challenging concept for gym owners. 

The question remains whether teenagers will exercise as much as surf the Web. Jonathan Kaye, 29, a personal trainer at Overtime Fitness, said he has had to pry teenagers away from the computer monitors.

Or will teenagers use unsupervised time to flirt? The Pacific Athletic Club in San Diego closed its teenage lounge in 2002. "From what I hear, there was a little bit of making out going on," said Erin Adams, a receptionist.

There are other pitfalls to having coming-of-age clientèle. To avoid what Kevin Kane, the general manager of the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco, N.Y., calls "roaming packs of teenagers," the club's code is posted throughout: No groups larger than four. No raising your voice above the level of conversation. No cellphone usage.

The staff is encouraged to punish misbehavior with eviction for the day.

"One teenager is wonderful," Mr. Kane said, "but three or more is a pack."

Unfortunately, these thoughts are very real and need to be taken seriously for the safety of the teens.  But, I'm thrilled to see kids at a gym instead of on the streets looking for things to do or sitting on their butts in front of the TV eating junk food.

Frankly, I think this is a great place to instill healthy habits for life.  We should give the kids a chance with some  quality instruction and motivation, and let them keep this knowledge for a lifetime.  Even if they're not exercising vigorously now, they will obtain a wealth of knowledge for when they are ready. 

Good habits can last a lifetime, let's get them involved.