KidstartsT - the Kid Fitness System

By Barbara Day

With so many of our kids becoming overweight due in part to a sedentary lifestyle, one company has come up with a kid-friendly fitness system. I saw the KidstartsT equipment recently at Scheller's Fitness & Cycling in Middletown. The equipment is a good idea for kids who want to copycat their active parents' actions. What a good way to encourage the kids to get a jump-start on active lifestyles.

Then, it happened. I was watching 20/20 on ABC News, and John Stossel did his "Give Me A Break" segment on these pieces of fitness equipment. He slammed the company for daring to sell these products. Good Housekeeping had suggested the segment to 20/20.

Stossel claimed that the children couldn't figure out how to use the equipment and no kid used the equipment for the recommended 20-minute span. Did he really expect a child aged 4-8 years old would do anything for 20 minutes at a time (except watch TV or play a computer game)? Most adults don't exercise for 20 minutes at a time. However, studies have shown that if you do interval training - that is be active in 10-minute increments three times a day - that is sufficient to help you become fit.

Stossel claimed that the equipment was too hard to put together. I can remember my husband putting together kids' toys late at night (and you know when this occurred) and having the same problem with many of the toys that were heavily marketed on TV and very costly.

I agree with Stossel that this equipment is not useful for some children. If the parent is sedentary and buys this equipment for their children, what do you think is going to happen? Nothing. Parents lead by example. I think this equipment would be more appropriate for children whose parents can spend some family time making this activity fun. I could envision a parent running in place while the child is walking on the treadmill or using their stationary bike while the child is using theirs. OK, stick the equipment (and child) in front of the TV while they are watching their favorite TV show.

With that said, my personal first choice for activity would be outside, but this equipment might be useful in the winter, when it rains and when it's dark. But, hey, those are the scenarios during which I use my indoor gym, too.

Stossel claimed 20/20 paid $125 for the stationary bike (locally it retails for $79.99) and $130 for the treadmill (locally it retails for $89.99). How many times have parents paid for expensive toys that never get used? Way too often!

Stossel interviewed numerous experts on kids' fitness, and they all said that kids like to have fun and "that outdoor activities with friends and family are more likely to get the kids excited about fitness than toy exercise equipment."

If that's the case why aren't these kids outdoors playing all the time? Because they are indoors watching TV and playing computer games. Sure, the great outdoors is the answer, but the real issue is getting our kids outside to play and be active. These experts are the same ones who claim that sports are the answer. With all the sports out there, why are there so many out-of-shape, overweight children? Many children shy away from sports because often the sport teams are not fun and they are stressful for the children. In fact, coaches and, yes, parents can take the fun out of sports because the emphasis is on winning at all costs.

Ultimately you have to decide what strategies will work for you and your children.

KIDSTARTST

Start Walking TreadmillT. Kid powered, so it's safe for the youngest runner. This brightly colored treadmill is perfectly sized for children. There is no reason why your child can't run on a cold and rainy day. The Start Walking Treadmill will let your kid stick to a cardiovascular exercise program year round. Includes: Kid-powered treadmill belt and electronic readout. Retails for $89.99.

Start Lifting Weight Training SystemT. Weight training takes concentration and patience, strength and stamina. This kid-sized exercise bench and foam-covered weight set will let your child work on their endurance and strength. Plus, the unique design allows your child to work both the upper body and lower body. Includes: weight bench, one barbell, six individual weights. Retails for $69.99.

Start Pedaling Fitness CycleT. Bike riding is one of the best exercises for leg strength and flexibility, and it offers overall cardiovascular benefits. This kid-powered stationary cycle will let your child reap all the benefits of riding a real bike. Sized for a child, this brightly colored cycle can help teach your child about health and fitness. Includes: stationary cycle & electronic module read-out. Module use 2 "AA" batteries (not included).

These KidstartT products are found locally at Scheller's Fitness & Cycling in Middletown.

Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N., is the publisher and nutrition editor of KHF and a runner, cyclist and hiker.