Warning over gyms for tubby tots

Experts are sounding warnings over gyms for babies which have opened in Australia. Photo / Thinkstock

Gyms for tubby toddlers have started popping up across the ditch, however some experts are warning they could be dangerous.

Childcare centres across Australia are setting up gym rooms, the Herald Sun reports, with some charging a small membership fee.

One gym set range, made by PlaySafe Kids, includes a weight bench with 2kg weights, an exercise bike, rowing machines, air-walkers, an "exercise pony" and non-motorised treadmills.

PlaySafe Kids owner Angela Camardi told the Herald Sun most customers were childcare centres and parents of 3-5-year-olds.

"It's to encourage exercise and fitness, everyone is worried about childhood obesity," she told the paper.

However child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said children should not be in gyms.

"Children should be running around playing in the mud, sandpits and jungle gyms," he told the Herald Sun.

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology senior lecturer in physical and sport education Peter Meaney told the paper he could see no benefits for toddlers using the equipment and feared there could be injuries if the equipment was misused.

- NZ HERALD STAFF