Another silly attempt to address childhood obesity

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

A British company has introduced a treadmill for kids — a brightly-colored mini-version of the contraptions in gyms and some people’s homes.

In less than a year, more than 120 nurseries and primary schools have purchased this product in the UK. The company (Gymkids) also makes miniature rowing machines and stair-steppers.

How are these products being promoted? — yep, as an approach to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic. The company says that the contraptions are fun to use and will help kids develop the exercise habit early in life.

What happened to playing? You know, climbing, swinging, tag, dodge-ball, four-square, and all the other activities that most kids find fun.

Does anybody really think that having kids walk on a treadmill will develop a life-long love of physical activity?

And, what about the impact on the kids self-esteem? Are the users of these products giving children the message that calories are bad things which must be burned off? That’s the belief of anorexia patients.

Here’s the surprising revelation which I share in my course — the only way to get people to participate in physical activity is to get them to do things they absolutely love to do.

The reality is that some people just love to run on a treadmill. They like how their body feels during and after the exercise and they enjoy the break from their hectic day.

However, I’m pretty sure that’s not true for a majority of the population — so why would it make sense to encourage them to do something they hate? No matter what the motivation level, what’s the chances they are going to keep up this activity for the rest of their lives?

Instead, people need to figure out what activities they love to do. And, isn’t that what childhood is all about — discovering what things you are good at and that you enjoy doing?

Sure, if a kid loves walking or running on a treadmill, they should be allowed to do it. However, I bet — if given the choice — few kids would pick this activity over doing something fun.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of The Straight Scoop About Childhood Obesity