Fitness machine for child gamers

I’ve just read this interesting story. A machine has been invented to encourage children to do some physical exercise … while playing computer games.

The Step2Play step exercise machine is linked directly to the child's console. The game's controller will pause if the child slows down or can’t keep up a pre-set rate of exercise. Two children can play and exercise at the same time provided that they have different steppers and controllers.

Physical inactivity and obesity often come together. Children aren’t as active as they should be. There has been a rise in obesity in the developed affluent world because we haven’t been able to prevent children choosing inadequate lifestyles. We have lots of sports and outdoor activities and games. However, they don’t appeal to everybody. Therefore, a games machine can be a solution.

Dr Ian Campbell, medical director of Weight Concern (Weight Concern is a registered charity dedicated to fighting the UK's obesity epidemic), said the device would be useful.

"I don't think this is a bad invention, but I don't think it's ideal. We know children are not as active as they need to be. Anything that encourages them to exercise has to be helpful. However, how sad that we have to bribe children into physical activity. It would be far better to encourage an increase in physical activity across the board, at both school and at home. And it might be an idea for parents to limit their children's access to the computer."

To know more about this story read the BBC text here.

Give this topic some quality thinking time!
Do you agree with Dr Campbell when he said: "…we have to bribe children into physical activity." and when he came up with this idea for parents "to limit their children's access to the computer?"
Send me your comments.