Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Toddler gym equipment?
I came across a blog entry in the RW Daily about toddler treadmills. Yes, treadmills for those little tykes to combat childhood obesity. These treadmills first came out in 2006, made by the British company, Gymkids. This company also makes toddler and junior bikes, rowers, steppers, riders, etc. for kids ages 3-11. According to this Canadian article, the bikes even have read outs of time, distance travelled, and amount of energy expended! What young child needs to know that? Better yet, how is this going to help children develop good exercising habits?
This is when I think people need to be reminded of playgrounds, parks, fields to run in, all those sorts of things for young children, not exercise equipment. Children need to be children, not mini adults.
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13 comments:
That is just sick and twisted. Have you ever tried to get a 2 year old to do something she doesn't want to?
Are we trying to screw up kids before they're out of diapers?
you know what else is great for combating childhood obesity? turning off the tv and sending the kids outside to run around!
kids don't need work out equipment. they don't need regimented times to get on the treadmill. their parents need to stop plopping them in front of the tv with their movies and video games and feeding them sugary crap for after school snacks. kids don't just *become* obese.
My kid would love that. He's 3. We go to the gym and he's all I WANT TO RIDE THE ROWING MACHINE but I have to say no, honey, you go play with toys so I can do the rowing machine. Or we go run on the track together, if it's not too crowded (3 year olds don't run in straight lines and they stop randomly to look at things.) A treadmill would be easier on me, I could run at my own pace instead of at his.
We have snow on the ground for six months of the year here, so "go to the park" isn't always an option - pretty soon it will be dark when I pick him up, we were at the park until sunset last night and that sucks.
Plus, the park doesn't get *me* enough exercise, even if it's good for getting the kiddo to sleep.
And, emmy, seriously, kids have different weights, just like grownups. We stuff as much food as we can into our kid, let him watch a ton of TV and eat anything he wants, and he remains seriously underweight despite no medical problems specialists can find. Like adults, kids aren't puppets you create.
I would like to see the parent that successfully forces an unwilling toddler to run on that machine - even the kid in the picture looks like he's 4 or 5. If 2 and 3 year olds are using it, they like it.
Thanks for the perspectives. I'm still not keen on this idea. I think what gets me the most are the read outs. Kids do mimic adults and could easily say how they needed to X amount before getting off the equipment.
Rosa, what about indoor activities for your child?
wtf? yikes. my sis got her kid trying yoga...now that's cool
That is pretty creepy. I think it's setting kids up to be obsessed with heart rates, numbers, weight, etc...that's not healthy. Playgrounds are better.
Though, I must admit...if that treadmill came in adult size, I'd be all over it. The prettyyy colors. =)
Kyla, yeah, I agree yoga is cool. I think there are some schools using yoga now.
Gh bat, had to laugh about the colors of the treadmills. I guess you could always paint one?
Man, no kidding! Kids don't need exercise equipment - they need playgrounds, both indoor and outdoor, and fun activities that let them expend energy. I see this as a way for putting kids on the fast track to hating exercise. The treadmill lacks several things kids enjoy in other physical activities - imagination, creativity, fun, education, and overall stimulation. How quickly would a toddler get bored with this "toy?" Pretty fast, I'd wager.
Charlynn, I certainly agree with you. There really care be repercussions from these types of activities.
Hello friends,
Thanks for sharing your views about Toddler gym equipment. Many gymnastics offerings for toddlers are participation programs, which gives you the opportunity to work physical development and journey with explores the world with confidence.....
gym isn’t only thing that makes you a strong individual, but keeping up with Gym Etiquette too. While most of us use public gyms to work out on a regular basis, it seems still we could use a lesson on gym hygiene and etiquette. Gym Coupons
My kids grew up and made it through safely...thank God. I did however have issues with their fingers getting pinched in my rower, they learned eventually not to put their fingers in the rollers. Good information however..
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