Before the elliptical, kids used to play, right?

After reading “The Gym? For Kids, It’s Different” (April 3), I was shocked with disbelief. The miniature machines are absolutely ridiculous.

Children should learn to exercise through everyday activities. They shouldn’t be put in some dingy gym, jogging on a treadmill, imagining that they’re running a marathon. This kind of training will teach children that their athletic abilities are confined within four walls, under a roof and limited to five machines. It’s true children have a desire to be like their parents; running alongside Mommy on the “grown-up” machine seems appealing. However forcing them into a gym will only strip them of their childhood. No swings, no playgrounds, no friends.

Instead of creating miniature adults, we should be guiding children toward a fun way to exercise. If an 8-year-old is too lazy to get up off the couch to play with his friends, what makes us think that he would commit to machines?

-- ALICE WONG

South Pasadena

*

Letters should be brief and must include the writer’s name, address and phone numbers. Internet writers also must include name, street address and telephone numbers. No pseudonyms may be used. Letters are subject to editing and condensation. Mention date of publication when referring to a specific article. Mail to Letters in Health, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; e-mail to health@ latimes.com; or fax to (213) 237-4712.