Xtreme Fun and Fitness Offers ‘Exergaming’ for All Ages

Do you have a child who loves video games? Ever worry that the only parts of his body getting a workout are his thumbs? Let’s face it, video games are addictive and fun. How can jogging around the neighborhood or working out at the Y compete?

A new Fishers fitness center has the answer. As the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Xtreme Fun and Fitness does just that.

This family-friendly gym is built entirely around “Exergaming” — which means you can get a workout while playing some super-cool video games. Kids who love gaming often sit down at an “eXerbike,” start pedaling rapidly to accelerate speed for their on-screen car, and get a workout as a byproduct to their entertainment.

“They’re so focused on getting around the track that they’re pouring with sweat, and they don’t realize they’re actually exercising,” said Xtreme Fun and Fitness Owner Judi Cooper.

That’s the idea behind everything at Xtreme Fun and Fitness, which boasts that it is Indiana’s only “Exergaming Club.” The facility at 14069 Mundy Drive (just off of Ind. 37 at 141st Street) is painted in bold green and purple and features the latest in Exergames, like DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), Makoto & Lightspace.

Lightspace Play is sure to engage young children, as well as teens and adults. The large, light-up mat features a number of different games and activities, for one to five players. Younger kids might like to make music or animal noises on the mat, while older teens may enjoy dodgeball or ping pong.

A separate room is devoted the Sportwall, which can be used for sports training drills or for group fun. It’s a favorite at birthday parties, where kids can run relays, trying to hit the lights with their hands, feet, pool noodles or balls.

“All this equipment is so indestructible,” says Cooper, who left the mortgage industry to open Xtreme Fun and Fitness in January and can now cross off one of the big things on her “life list.”

All of the Exergaming products were provided by an American company called Motion Kids. Motion Kids specializes in kids interactive fitness products and can be seen in many YMCA's and Schools around the United States

Inspired by the idea of helping kids (especially those with juvenile diabetes, like her 13-year-old son), Cooper wanted to make fitness so irresistibly fun that kids would beg to go work out!

Most kids aren’t ready to leave by the time their parents are there to take them home. But there is a remedy for that at Xtreme Fun and Fitness, as well. Cooper and business partner Susan Pawlosky serve up 100-percent fruit smoothies by Dr. Smoothie in the Xtreme Cafe, located at the front of the club. The promise of this yummy treat — which just happens to be healthy — is enough to get most kids going!

Club membership is $29.95 per month, with discounts for additional family members. Walk-ins are welcome for $15 a day. Xtreme Fun and Fitness also offers birthday party packages, kids night out and corporate team-building events. For more information, visit them online at www.xtremefunandfitness.com or call (317) 776-2300.