Toddler Aerobics

I have to say I was appalled this week at the news that tv channels plan to introduce toddler aerobics to reduce obesity in children.

Obviously exercise is extremely important to kids, but to suggest that the most appropriate form is a mini mock up of adult institutionalised classes really worries me.

People who go to aerobics classes are normally those who don't have the opportunity for enough natural exercise in their lives.

They specifically make a trip to a gym or a leisure centre, to ensure that half an hour or an hour of their day is dedicated to calorie burning, normally for cosmetic or health reasons.

Now I'm not saying this is wrong - at the moment while I train for my Iron Man I'm in the gym six days a week.

What I do think is wrong is that at an early age, the aerobics and gym phenomenon is being imprinted on children's brains as constituting 'exercise', and constituting 'healthy'.

Gyms were created for busy adults with busy lives. They cram the activity which you could normally do in your day, and years ago would have done, into a quick fix capsule of time.

Aerobics classes are for those who find it hard to inspire themselves to exercise.
Those lacking the inspiration to perspirate simply need to get themselves to the class, after that the instructor takes control.

Rather than teach children that this is the way to stay active and healthy, we need to inspire children from an early age to naturally include activity in their lives, and to inspire themselves to exercise.

At two or three activity should be toddling around a park, walking by the river to feed the ducks, flying a kite. It should be learning to ride a bike, or parent and baby classes at the local pool.

Activity should not be plonking the child infront of the telly and hoping he or she dances along with the presenter.

Whilst the media is still desperately trying to reduce the blame it receives for child obesity, aerobics classes are only a quick fix, and they will come at the cost of potentially warping a generation of children's perceptions of exercise and healthy behaviour even more.