Kids and Exercise

In the "old" days many children used to exercise by simply playing outside with each other whether it was a ball game of sorts, playing hopscotch or even hide and seek. Obviously times have changed but what I found really interesting was an article in the Mercury News San Jose California  paper a few weeks back wrote an interesting article. It was about how parents are getting trainers for their children!

It makes some sense since statistics say that 20% of U.S children are overweight, and let's not forget the competitive edge parents want their kids to have in sports and self-esteem. And I have to say it might be a safer place for children to get activity since neighborhoods have changed so much.

What is especially good, states one of the trainers, "...is that kids have a much more appreciative attitude with little results compared to adults who want more of  immediate gratification with their progress."

In my opinion if you have that kind of money to spend for your kids go for it but you also have to be the example to your kids by exercising yourself. And don't forget how nutrition fits into the big picture. Better yet isn't there a way parents and children could do this sort of thing together with family outings (especially in the summer months) or with all the Wii programs or even exercise videos available wouldn't that work as well?

Readers what are your thoughts on this?