Kiddie gyms being set up for tubby toddlers

CHILD-sized gyms with weight benches, treadmills and rowers for those as young as three are being set up in family homes and childcare centres.

But mini-gyms for tots - the latest salvo in the fight against childhood obesity - have been criticised as going too far and potentially dangerous if not monitored, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Childcare centres are setting up gym rooms, some charging a small membership fee for toddlers, fitness equipment companies say.

One range by PlaySafe Kids includes a weight bench with 2kg weights, an exercise bike, pint-sized rowers, an air-walker, exercise pony and non-motorised treadmills.

Owner Angela Camardi said the main customers were childcare centres and parents of children aged three to five. "It's to encourage exercise and fitness," she said. "Everyone's worried about childhood obesity. It has to be supervised, and it's child-safe, so I don't see how that can be different from a (slippery) slide.

"Childsplay Fitness says its equipment is used by child-care centres, hospitals and the YMCA. Spokeswoman Malama Hatzis said it also helped children recovering from car accidents.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/kiddie-gyms-for-tubby-toddlers/story-e6f...