When I first read the headline of this article, I expected it to be over the top. Hiring personal trainers for kids? I envisioned pushy parents who wanted their children to be the best in their sport, or who were unhealthily obsessed with perfect bodies. But once I read it over, I realized that -- as with anything -- some parents may take it to the extreme, but that some children may really enjoy time spent with a personal trainer.

One parent in the article hired a personal trainer to help his teen learn how to properly lift weights. Because his teen was lifting anyway with his friends, his father worried he may get hurt. Other parents hired trainers to help their kids in their sport or to lose weight, and experts say a personal trainer can be a part of helping kids learn to safely love an active lifestyle.

Regardless of the reason behind hiring a personal trainer for your child, a few steps need to be taken. Trainers should be certified and be experienced with kids. Talk to your pediatrician, and wait until your child is mature enough to work with a trainer. Most important, I think, is that your children enjoy the exercise and have fun, because that's what will hook them on fitness for the long haul. Check out the full article for more advice on choosing a trainer.