Body By Brandy 4 Kidz – an independent, not-for-profit children’s gym – has opened in the US, in Boston, Massachusetts.

It is the brainchild of Brandy Cruthird, a physical education teacher for Boston Public Schools and owner-operator of the Body By Brandy fitness centre and day spa.

Cruthird’s decision to launch the 4 Kidz offering comes in response to a 300 per cent increase in childhood obesity over the last three decades.

The 560sq m (6,000sq ft) 4 Kidz facility is located in the main Body By Brandy fitness centre.

It has been assisted by grants totalling US$170,000 (£91,500) from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Children’s Hospital Boston and United Way of Massachusetts Bay.