The 6 best junior gym memberships in Cape Town

• Location: Planet Fitness has six clubs in Cape Town, including De Waterkant, Cavendish, and Durbanville
• Cost: Teens under 18 train free with their parents’ membership, starting at R400 a month

The US-based franchise has been anticipating the rise of Gen Alpha participants, so it’s only natural that its South African outlets are rolling out the red carpet. The Teens Train Free programme (13 - 17) allows older kids to use gym equipment with age-appropriate restrictions.

• Location: Durbanville, Pinelands, and Llandudno
• Cost: Trial lessons start at R220 per child

Gym Wizards Kids Gymnastics and Parkour was established especially for the little ones. No adults allowed, unless you’re a parent or coach. The gym has gymnastics, tumbling, parkour, and fitness lessons specifically for 4 - 13-year-olds. One of Gym Wizards’ specialities is Ninja Parkour. It combines gymnastics, martial arts, obstacle course training, and freestyle movement. Now I want to try it!

Time Out Tip: Gym Wizards is a member of the South African Gymnastics Federation and the Western Cape Gymnastics Association. Translation: Your kids are in good hands.

• Location: Unit 5, The Island, 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland
• Cost: The monthly all-access pass is R460 for children under 18, and does not include rental gear

A climbing gym, CityRock is particularly useful for energetic little bugs who love exploring height-wise. There’s a Kids Top Rope Introduction Course Level 2 (ages 9 - 12). They learn top rope climbing techniques and basic safety procedures. CityROCK also offers kids’ bouldering courses. Following completion, they’ll be allowed to access the adult high climbing and bouldering sections.

• Location: Only available at select Virgin Active gyms
• Cost: Children under 18 can join Virgin Active for 50% off the standard monthly fees if you use the Vitality gym benefit. Standard Club V-Max memberships start at R240 per month

Catering for ages 8 to 13, Club-V Max facilities are available at 22 Virgin Active clubs across the country. Kids must be under their parents’ supervision. They have access to specially selected cardio equipment. Participate in a selection of age-appropriate group exercise classes. Swim in the club’s leisure and lap pools. Use our squash courts (club-specific) and the stretch areas.

Time Out Tip: Club-V Max camps take place during school holidays and run daily from 9am to 1pm. For four hours, no video games, no phones, screen time. Just good ‘ol fun and games.

• Location: 60 Blaauwberg Road, Blouberg
• Cost: Packages start at R1 000 per month

A private training facility in Blaauwberg Sands, Fitbae inc. is owned by qualified personal trainer and nutritionist Emma Scholtz. While training young athletes, the focus is on safe muscle development and strength work. “The training is much the same as what we would do for full-time professional athletes, just on a smaller scale because we have limited time with the youngsters due to schooling and because we need to be strategic with their body’s growth phases, etc,” says Scholtz.

• Location: Boundary Road, Newlands
• Single membership: From R1045 per month

What started as a concept to develop sporting greats in South Africa has become a functional fitness centre that welcomes everyone. And no, you don’t have to be an athlete or sports star to enjoy its facilities. From yoga to boxercise to dancing, there’s a class for all ages. There’s even a High Performance Centre (HPC), designed for guided athletic development for children who participate in sport. How’s that for aspiring to sporting greatness?