How old should a kid be before using a treadmill or other cardio equipment?

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SoCal Dude

I have a friend who lives in a small town in the Upper Midwest. He and his wife have two kids, ages 8 and 6.

He told me that his kids were starting to get a little pudgy. The kids have PE class only once a week for 45 minutes.

Recess is indoors for at least 5 out of 9 months of the school year because of the weather. Their school has one gym, so the kids can't go the gym for recess because of PE classes. So they end up doing puzzles and board games instead.

The school doesn't have any after school sports for kids their age. The nearest YMCA is more than 20 minutes away in good weather, and very difficult to get to during the winter months.

He and his wife have a treadmill, but they think the kids are still too young to use a treadmill.

Any ideas on how his kids can get some regular physical activity during the cold weather months? Would a different cardio exercise machine (like a stationary bike) be okay for the kids to use?

Answer
Has everyone forgotten about playing OUTSIDE? Even in Minnesota, its reasonable to shag them out in the snow for an hour or so if they're dressed properly.

Jebus, we're raising a generation of hot house plants!!!

What age do kids typically start to learn to ride a bike?

Mikey's Mo

Sorry for such a silly question, but I'm just not sure.

I have a new toddler bike with training wheels for my niece. She is 2 now (3 in September). I'm not sure if she'll be able to start riding this summer, or if I should wait until her birthday or Christmas to give her the bike so she can ride next summer. Or, is 3 even too young?

Thanks in advance!

Answer
She can probably start riding now, depending on the size of the bike. You want a bike that is correctly sized. A child will go through several bikes. There is not a one size fits all. My kids are on their fourth set of bikes and they are 8 & 9. They began riding at 2 1/2. One was riding without training wheels at 3 1/2 and the other at 4 1/2.

I was without training wheels at 3 1/2 too.

It's easier when they are young. They have less of a fear. Only with age do we develop fear.

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