McDonald's Opens Gym Extension

Whittier, California - McDonald’s is expanding its restaurants to include gyms. Yes. That’s right.

A Whittier McDonald’s has become the first in California to open an R Gym extension, a play area that has stationary bicycles, obstacle course, basketball hoops and other exercise areas aimed at having children exercise to burn off calories. It includes such things as an interactive video game that lets children peddle along with characters on a videoscreen while exercising on a stationary bicycle. McDonald's told Blue MauMau that the R Gym is now a selection that its restaurants will be able to choose throughout the country.

The first R Gym was launched in March 2006 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the next year, McDonald's plans for more than 20 tol be installed in restaurants throughout California. McDonald's declined to give a national time table for the roll out and anticipated numbers.

“McDonald’s, with its wide variety of menu choices at various nutritional profiles, now also offers a variety of activity for children that promotes exercise and physical fitness,” said Bonnie Modguno, registered dietitian and McDonald’s consultant. “It’s important for kids to eat a well balanced diet but it is equally important for them to play. Now, parents can bring their kids to McDonald’s to accomplish both.” 

The fast-food chain is on a health run of sorts. For example, with Happy Meal Choices, patrons can substitute french fries with Apple Dippers (sliced apples served with an optional low-fat caramel), and can choose soda, Minute Maid 100% pure orange juice or 1% low-fat, regular or chocolate milk.  In addition to the R Gym exercise areas, it plans to launch a nutritional labeling system for all of its restaurants by the end of the year.