McDonald's introduces in-store exercise bikes, just for kids

NEWS RELEASE

McDONALD'S USA, LLC

************************ McDonald's unveils R Gym: the new and fun way for kids to play

LOS ANGELES - Yesterday, a Whittier, Calif.-based McDonald's restaurant opened its doors to the world's second McDonald's R Gym, a dedicated in-restaurant play area that features interactive game zones designed for children aged 4 to 12.

Equipped with stationary bicycles attached to video games, dance pads, basketball hoops, monkey bars, an obstacle course, and a host of other games, the R Gym is intended to provide a fun, easy and convenient way for children to increase their physical activity.

"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." Underscored by games that develop physical coordination, strength development, aerobic conditioning and social skills, the McDonald's R Gym is a refreshed version of the McDonald's Playplace, which debuted in Chula Vista, Calif. 1971.

"The R Gym is another example of McDonald's ongoing commitment to helping our customers understand the importance of living balanced, active lives," said Richard Ruby, owner/operator, McDonald's. "I believe kids will enjoy the fun and excitement of the various activities the R Gym offers while parents will appreciate the convenience and safety." The R Gym features the Toddler Zone, an active play environment with age appropriate games that develop physical coordination and social skills; the Active Zone, designed for children aged four-to-eight that promotes physical fitness through fun play; the Sports Zone which features a series of sport oriented activities to promote aerobic exercise for children aged 9-to-12; the Parent Zone which features comfortable seating and provides an excellent monitoring area for their children; and the dining area which allows families to spend time together while eating. The first R Gym launched in March 2006 in Tulsa, Okla.

Over the next year, more than 20 will be installed in McDonald's restaurants throughout California. McDonald's is committed to educating its customers about balancing food consumption and physical activity.

This information is delivered in fun and practical approaches in three key areas: menu choice, physical activity and nutrition education.

The R Gym is a component of McDonald's balanced active lifestyle commitment and falls under the physical activity pillar. Under the menu choice pillar, McDonald's offers no-cost side dish and beverage substitutions for the Happy Meal and Extra Value Meals.

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 percent pure orange juice or one percent low-fat, regular or chocolate milk. Options are also available when customers order an Extra Value Meal. Medium sized fries can be substituted with Apple Dippers, a Fruit n' Yogurt Parfait or side salad, and the soda can be replaced with a Dasani bottled water. By the end of the year, all McDonald's restaurants will provide nutrition labeling on many of its products.

Designed with bar charts and universal icons, this information will provide customers with a snapshot of a product's nutrition information.

Product labeling is a key component of the nutrition information pillar of McDonald's balanced, active lifestyle initiative. McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day.

More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees.

For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com. ********************