Good and bad in kids' fitness [news]

Toddler treadmills are part of a booming exercise industry aimed at children as young as three. Parents concerned over their children's waistlines can buy a treadmill or exercise bike for about $400 online. Similar child-sized gym equipment has drawn outrage overseas for the disruption it could cause to children's normal play routines, and New Zealand experts agree parents should encourage their children to play outdoors rather than resort to treadmills. The Fun and Fitness Treadmill is marketed as a toy to keep children aged three and older active. It includes a calorie counter. A child's exercise bike is also sold online for "budding Tour de France cyclists".