A Motivator for Young Children to Exercise

During Family Camp this summer at Victory Junction, the parents had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a discussion session with the TMA Medical Advisory Board Physicians and to ask them questions.  One of the issues stressed by the doctors was the importance of using exercise bikes to keep the muscles strong and healthy.  I described an approach we were using with our son, Riley, and the doctors asked me to share this information with other parents.  Riley is seven years old.  We use a pediatric-size exercise bike that hooks up to a TV/DVD player.  When the child is pedaling, they can watch TV or a movie.  If they stop pedaling, the TV goes black.  They can still hear the TV; however, they cannot see the picture.  Once they start pedaling again, the picture reappears.  The name of the bike is “Gamer Cycle” and can be purchased on the following web site: www.gamercycle.com.  You might also try looking for the bike on eBay.  This approach works really well for our son, and it might also benefit your child.

Kristi Blee
Lakeville MN