Drunken Bungle Whore

Just wondered what thoughts were about the article below (from Sky Website). I can see both sides of the argument - if parents aren't inclined to go running around in a park with their kids, then surely it's good for the kids to get some sort of exercise? But then again, will it lead to a healthier approach to eating and exercise, or simply lead to more kids obsesing about image?

BRITAIN'S FIRST KIDS GYM


The Kids' Gym at the Magnum Leisure Centre is already proving hugely popular - with 500 children having signed up.

The gym boasts candy-coloured equipment with lights that flash when anyone needs help.

Warm-up sessions include games of hopscotch and tag and instructors, specially trained in children's development, are always on hand.

The number of obese children in Britain has tripled in 20 years.

And with 75% of Britain's adults over-weight, and 22% clinically obese, health campaigners are keen for children to embrace healthy eating and exercise.

They hope introducing children to exercise at the gym will start a pattern for life.

However, some experts do not believe it is necessary.

"Children don't need special instruction like this at a gym," University of Kent sociology professor Frank Furedi told the Daily Mail.

"It's a waste of time compared to the advantages of interacting with your kid and spontaneously messing around. "You don't need to have a PhD in child development to take your child by the hand, go to the park and run around a bit."

Power Junkie

iTrader: (1)

sound's like a good Idea.. anything to give them the right sort of exercise is really good.

milo

it'll be a fad for most kids who bother to use it.

kids who want to get fit, get fit, regardless of whether they have a kids gym or not. they'll be the ones ALREADY lifting weights, playing football, tennis, jogging, cycling, doing martial arts etc etc.

kids who dont want to get fit, won't.

a kids gym wont magically stop fat kids cramming an extra piece of pie into their fat gobs.