This made us laugh: McDonald’s wants your tykes to enjoy their happy meals and be able to work the calorie-laden feasts off at the same time. So they’re installing kiddie exercise areas in some of their units. They have a total of seven of them so far in California, Oklahoma, Colorado and Illinois. Will a few minutes of exercise really work off the guzillion calories that a normal kid would want to consume? They’re not exactly gonna be the ones ordering salads. Who are they trying to kid?:
The fast-food giant is piloting the McDonald’s R Gym, a new in-restaurant exercise area designed to promote physical activity among children ages 4 to 12.
But nutrition experts warn it will take more than a few extra minutes of play time to work off the ill effects of a burger and fries.
Separated into three age-appropriate zones, the R Gyms feature stationary bikes attached to video games, dance pads, basketball hoops, monkey bars, an obstacle course, climbing apparatus, and other games.
The toddler area has games designed to develop physical coordination and social skills. Another zone promotes physical fitness through fun play for children ages 4 to 8. The zone for 9- to 12-year-olds includes sports-oriented activities to promote aerobic exercise.
“Changing a playground is a cover for them,” said Jim Tillotson, professor of food policy and international business at Tufts University. “It’s an attempt to be socially responsible, as they have to be, but how effective it will be I question. Do you know how much you have to do to get rid of just 200 calories?”
McDonald’s cooks up fitness for small fry – Boston Herald
Tags: Restaurants
