As children get chubbier and chubbier, finding ways of motivating them to exercise becomes more and more important.
Rich and Sheri Schmelzer and Alexandra O’Leary have taken the approach of creating their GeoPalz pedometers, that record how far children walk, so they can then redeem their miles for free prizes and awards on the company’s website. As anyone who spent their childhood proudly working their way up the YM/YWCA’s hierarchy of sew-on swimming crests will tell you … it’s not a bad idea.
The original model GeoPalz pedometer attaches to a child’s belt or waistband, uses an integrated accelerometer to measure the speed and distance walked, and can store up to 21 days’ worth of data. The company has just launched a new version that can be attached to the child’s shoelaces, or worn on the wrist. A smaller wireless version is also available, that can be read by tapping it with a handheld reader. The reader can simultaneously keep track of up to 20 pedometers, and is intended for use by parents with several children, or by gym teachers.
