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Merry fitness - Give the gift that brings kids a happy and healthy new year

When little Johnny peeks under the tinseled fir on Christmas Day looking for the latest Tickle Me Elmo, he may be shocked at what he finds.

The perennially cute "Sesame Street" doll may have been replaced with some less-than-adorable iron.

Yes, the hottest gifts this holiday season, say toy marketing experts, may not even be toys. Think dumbbells, treadmills, an obstacle course, a punching bag and other fitness equipment - even for the very young set.

First Fitness, a division of Aqua-Leisure Industries, is one of the leading manufacturers of fitness toys for youths, selling its products online and through Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Kmart, KB Toys and other mass retailers.

This season's line of kid's fitness products, targeted at children as young as 4, includes the Kid's First Treadmill (suggested retail price $109.99) intended to develop cardio health and overall strength; Kid's First Exercise Bike ($79   Read Full Article...