The developed world is apparently in the throes of an obesity epidemic, and the blame is largely thrown at television and food manufacturers. Both of these groups have responded in different ways – if you ever watch kid’s tv, you’ll see that it constantly (and with hysterical futility) exhorts children to get up and dance, to do star jumps, to run in circles! And food manufacturers and retailers are up to all kinds of shenanigans, like adding Omega 3 (healthy!) to butter (unhealthy!).
I’ve just come across the first initiative I’ve seen that might actually help people take positive steps towards fitness. Nestle are offering free exercise sessions in the UK and Ireland when you purchase their cereals, sweets or water. Collecting the wrappers and vouchers entitles you to one session of the following:
Athletics, Cricket, Rowing, Rugby League, Swimming, Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Martial Arts, Gym, Gymnastics, “Brazilian Soccer School” Football, Golf, Dancing or an Exercise Class.
It seems like a really useful way to try out a class without having to commit to a course or pay inflated gym membership fees.
I’m not completely naive by the way, I know Nestle are not doing this out of the good of their own hearts, and that their corporate behaviour is sometimes extremely questionable. I do think, however, that it’s an interesting offer that may introduce new sports into people’s lives. They are also quite generous with the freebies – one box of cereal will get you two vouchers for exercise sessions, so it’s not like you have to eat dozens of bars of chocolate to avail of the offer.
Tuesday 7 July, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I’ve got to say that if you really want to stay healthy I’d avoid their cereals and sweets at all costs. The Shredded Wheat woud be alright but you’d be better off just sticking with porridge. Most of their cereals are loaded with sugar and salt. And butter is not unhealthy – this is a natural unprocessed food that we’ve been eating for hundreds (thousands?) of years unlike those horrible spreads that have effectively been produced in laboratories. And since when do we need someone to show us how to do simple exercise like play football or golf? End of rant.
Tuesday 7 July, 2009 at 2:33 pm
+1
Wednesday 8 July, 2009 at 10:56 am
“since when do we need someone to show us how to do simple exercise like play football or golf?” Unfortunately since mam and dad dont do it themselves. Im witnessing it with my nephew and his parents on an ongoing basis. He is 2 and is fed chipper chips at least three nights a week after creche. This is not right. His mother is obese and does no exercise and his father has no interest in sports, so wont show his kid how. Trashy!