Making Fitness a Family Affair: Youth Guidelines at the Downtown Athletic Club
The Downtown Athletic Club encourages members to use the Club as a family. The DAC offers a variety of youth programs and provides supervision for children during scheduled program time. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide supervision to and from each activity. They are also directly responsible in ensuring they follow Club guidelines.
To help young members navigate their fitness journeys safely, we have specific guidelines for Juniors (members 15 years of age and younger). These rules are designed to ensure that all members, regardless of age, can enjoy the Club responsibly. Whether it’s participating in Family Hours, scheduling a Junior Orientation, or progressing toward independent workouts, the DAC supports every step of your family’s fitness experience.
Youth Guidelines
Members 15 years of age and younger are considered “Juniors”. They must be accompanied in the Club at all times by an adult and may only use the Club during designated Family Hours.
Members 13-15 years of age are required to schedule a Junior Orientation with a personal trainer to learn the rules and use of equipment. Once completed, 13 year-olds are able to work out on the fitness floor and take Group X classes with parental supervision. Members 14-15 years of age can take Group X classes and workout on the floor without parental supervision, post Junior Orientation.
Members 16 and older are recommended to take a Fitness Consultation with a personal trainer before working out on the floor without parental supervision. A child ad-on does not receive an Annual Fitness Check (AFC), only primary account holders receive AFC’s.
Youth Guests
Each youth guest must be accompanied by an adult member during their visit. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests and the payment of any charges incurred by those guests. Guest fees are paid upon check-in, and are applicable to guests ages 5 and older. Members 16 years and older are allowed to bring guests to the club (their guests must be at least 14). A parental waiver is required for ALL guests under 18; their waiver can be filled out in person at check-in ahead of time or remotely, by calling the Club. The waiver must be signed by a legal adult of all guests under 18.
Locker Rooms
Adult locker rooms are for members ages 16 and older, with the exception of Sundays when children may use adult locker rooms with direct adult supervision – lower-level only in the women’s locker room. Junior and Family Locker Rooms are located on the lower-level. Towels are to be discarded in conveniently located towel bins and proper sanitary practices and attire is asked when utilizing the furniture.
Youth Areas
- COURTS: Juniors are permitted to use the racquetball, squash, and basketball courts, ping pong table, and pools with direct adult supervision during family hours.
- RESTRICTED AREAS: Juniors must be 13 years or older, and have taken Junior Orientation, to use the following areas: 2nd floor, weight room, cardio room, indoor track, and any other spaces that hold Group X classes or equipment.
- AQUATIC AREA: Aquatic Policies are further listed in the rules and policies.
Family Hours*
Monday – Friday | 2pm – 8pm
Saturday – Sunday | 7am – 7pm
*Gymnasium and Pool schedules supersede.
Check schedules for availability.
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The DAC’s blog content is not medical advice; it’s inspiration to live well.
Our community health club goes beyond a gym – in providing fitness, weight loss, strength training, aquatics and swim lessons, childcare programs, and group fitness including yoga, barre, Pilates, dance and cycling. Check the DAC blog often for more healthy lifestyle tips, recipes, and resources to support your active lifestyle! Click here, or email Janet at jpruiz@downtownac.com, for a free guest pass to experience the DAC for yourself!
