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Children think that the Ab Lounge is great fun.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States notes that about 16 per cent of kids are obese. Some entrepreneurs have responded by creating exercise programmes for them.

Locally, nutritionist Dr. Joy Callender states that standard programmes at the gym might not be suited to the needs of children.

"I don't have a problem with the gym assuming that the programme is tailored for children. But, they should do things like kick-boxing instead of weights."

Some local gyms, she said offer kick-boxing and jazzercise. "They love kick-boxing," the Kingston-based nutritionist noted.

"If they have specific programmes that's fine but the simplest, cheap and easiest way is to get children to go outside for skipping, netball, cricket and football with the neighbourhood kids. They will enjoy this and it will not appear like punishment."

Meanwhile, in the United States, McDonald's is replacing 20 of its less active PlayPlaces with the R-Gym, which features stationary bikes, monkey bars, climbing ropes and a mini-basketball court.

Fitness experts, including American Council on Exercise spokeswoman Debi Pillarella, lauded the fast-food giant for encouraging exercise but cautioned, "It is not recommended to ride a stationary bike while eating a Big Mac."

At In Motions Dance Studio in Kingston, where dance and tumbling (floor exercises from gymnastics) are offered, a representative said that these programmes are for fun, not for losing weight.

"We do not have a workout programme for children who are overweight. In such a case, we would recommend enrolling them in a sporting programme," like tennis, swimming, etc.

According to Joy Callender, a parent's best bet is to "lock off the TV and send them (children) outside to play."

Outlook team.