The Shrinking Landscape of Gym Child Care: A Growing Concern for Parents
For many parents, the ability to exercise is inextricably linked to access to reliable child care. However, on Long Island and across the nation, gyms are increasingly scaling back or eliminating on-site child care services, leaving parents with fewer options and raising concerns about the future of accessible fitness.
Jean-Marie Buonomo, a mother of three from Merrick, Modern York, experienced this firsthand when Crunch Fitness in Bellmore threatened to cancel its Kid’s Crunch service. “Child care is not a perk for families; it’s an essential need,” Buonomo stated, emphasizing the importance of these services for parents’ well-being.
A Trend Towards Wellness and Revenue Generation
While Crunch Fitness ultimately decided to downsize rather than eliminate the Bellmore location’s child care center, the situation highlights a growing trend. According to Cody Conway, program administrator for FitPak, a nationwide provider of insurance for fitness clubs, gyms are re-evaluating the cost-benefit of offering child care. “Kids clubs have predominantly been a free amenity offered to give single and other parents a chance to work out,” Conway explained. “But the industry is changing and moving to more wellness.”
Gyms are increasingly prioritizing revenue-generating services like cryotherapy, cold plunges, and specialized fitness classes, often requiring the space previously dedicated to child care. The shift reflects a broader industry trend towards boutique fitness studios and a focus on attracting members with cutting-edge wellness offerings.
Local Impact and Parent Concerns
The reduction in gym-based child care is particularly noticeable on Long Island. Several LA Fitness locations have closed their kids’ clubs since the pandemic, and Crunch West Babylon recently renovated its space, eliminating the child care room altogether. Gabriela Rivas, a mother of three, was forced to freeze her Crunch membership when the West Babylon location discontinued its services, ultimately joining a Crunch location further from her home that still offered child care.
“It’s definitely my only outlet,” Rivas shared. “Everything I do is for others, for my kids and my husband, and then during the day for my work. It’s literally the only time I do something for myself.”
National Perspective and Industry Data
Despite the local challenges, national data suggests a slight increase in the availability of on-site child care at U.S. Fitness clubs. According to a 2025 report from the Health & Fitness Association, approximately 56% of clubs offered child care in 2024, up from roughly 46% in 2018. However, this national trend doesn’t necessarily reflect the experiences of parents in specific regions like Long Island.
Outside babysitting services can be costly, averaging around $20 per hour according to Care.com, further exacerbating the challenges faced by parents seeking affordable fitness options.
The Future of Gym Child Care
Lewis Breslau, owner of multiple Crunch Fitness locations on Long Island, acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and employees. While initially considering a complete closure of the Bellmore Kid’s Crunch, he ultimately decided to reduce the space rather than eliminate it entirely. “We are going to keep the Kid’s Crunch, but make it a smaller space,” Breslau stated. “Our own employees bring their children, so closing that particular location didn’t feel right. I feel better about it.”
The evolving landscape of gym child care underscores the need for fitness centers to balance revenue generation with the essential needs of their members. As parents continue to prioritize their health and well-being, the availability of affordable and reliable child care will remain a critical factor in their fitness choices.
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