Maybe you were the fat kid who got made fun of in grade school, or maybe you were the mean kid who made fun of the fat kid. Either way, you're an adult now and hopefully realize that people of all body types deserve to be treated kindly. You probably also realize that it's just as hard for kids today as it was for you then. In an effort to keep bullies everywhere at bay, more and more concerned parents (and kids) are working to prevent, and oftentimes overcome, this debilitating physical condition.

That's where Fitwize 4 Kids comes in. Fitwize is a childrenâ€^TMs gym franchise started in 2004 with 15 locations in the U.S. and Australia. While Fitwize provides a host of workout programs and fitness plans (including a "Curves" circuit training and "Weight Watchers" nutrition classes) designed to get kids in shape. Fitwize inspires even the most hesitant youngsters with gift incentives like footballs and journals awarded for continued participation. Fitwize is acting as a health catalyst for families around the country by providing a safe place for kids to play at a price that parents can afford (monthly membership is about $50).

More so than helping kids lose weight, Fitwize is working to change lifestyles. They want kids to be imprinted with healthy eating habits, and the self-discipline they need to exercise regularly on their own. The Fitwize experience transcends that of a normal gym by building trust and comradery between nutritionists, trainers, parents, and kids. It's also a place where kids who aren't normally comfortable with other kids can feel at home. At Fitwize obese children aren't alone, they have a host of peers going through the same process they are, one step at a time. While Fitwize encourages kids to feel good about themselves, they also have high expectations and push their clients just as hard as a normal gym would. Rigorous exercise routines on ab crunch machines stair climbers leave little time to feel sorry for oneself.