EL PASO, Texas -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention almost 65 percent of Americans are either obese or overweight. That involves having ten to thirty extra pounds and that's why the YWCA in El Paso has teamed up with the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation to create a family workout plan.

While moms and dads work out in the gym, their kids are down the hall working out as well. Ten-year-old Santiago Reyes likes the idea. "I just think it is better than watching TV in the morning and it also gets me in shape," said Reyes.

Reyes and his sister Paola are among several children who participate in what's called the Yw-Zone kid's exercise program at the YWCA. For one hour, several days a week the kids do everything from cardio fitness to strength training and just like mom they have their own equipment, but it's "kid size." Ultimately though it's both child and parents who benefit.

"Most parents worry about leaving their kids in a place that is not safe or they feel guilty that they are taking the time away from their kids and leaving them at home or at day care. This way they have that relationship in common. They know the importance of exercise and they can work out together even if they are apart," said Diana Hastings, YWCA fitness director.

The YW-zone program is offered at all five YWCA locations in El Paso. The exercise classes coincide with mom and dad's workout sessions. YWCA coordinators call it family exercise made easy and the benefits are long lasting. "Developing healthy habits early, can eventually lead to healthy habits later on in life as well," said Hastings. According to the CDC, about 80% of people who were overweight at 10 to 15 years old were obese when they were 25 years old.