Kidsfit: Empowering Learning Through Movement

In 1999, Ed Pinney, founder of Kidsfit in Huger, South Carolina, set out to motivate kids to move.  “I really wanted to make a difference. Kidsfit provides tools that help all kids develop balanced, active and healthy lifestyles,” said Pinney. 

 

Today, Kidsfit is the nation’s leading developer and manufacturer of youth fitness equipment. In addition to more than 70 different types of gym equipment and fitness products, Kidsfit has developed a kinesthetic classroom as well as learning labs to help kids, parents and teachers enjoy the many benefits of physical activity.

 

 

In its classrooms and labs, Kidsfit produces and installs colorful wall graphics, customized flooring mats and themed equipment designed to promote movement.  “We set up our rooms to be spaces that are full of energy.  Big, colorful graphics make a huge impact on students, teachers, administrators and parents,” he said.

In addition to printing directly on plastics such as nylons and acrylics, Kidsfit uses its UV flatbed to print on various papers and on wood. “We’ve really just begun to scratch the surface of what we can do,” said Pinney. “The printers really help us practice what we preach – learning kinesthetically in the classroom and in the labs.”

 

Pinney’s business model of “doing well by doing good” is working.  To date, Kidsfit has installed its kinesthetic classrooms in 46 states and across six continents. “We are now seeing the moment where our ideas, supported by scientific research, are having real impact. It’s a very exciting time,” said Pinney.