Strange form of discipline

[Starshine]

I don't agree with any sort of physical punishment, and that is what this is. Forcing a child to exert themselves physically can be dangerous. Remember the little girl who died in the winter after being forced to run? Yes, that's more extreme than what you're describing, but I think it's dangerous regardless.

Depending on how close you are to these people, I would likely talk to them about it and let them know how you feel about it.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I don't agree with any sort of physical punishment, and that is what this is. ....

I agree with you whole hardheartedly ~ IME there are better more effective ways to help a person choose to make positive choices in life ... for years I was able to guide and manage a classroom of children without ever using corporal punishment successfully and motivate them to want to make positive choices because it was the right thing to do for themselves and others not out of fear of punishment by myself if they did not .... however we live in a society where 'punishment' is still the go to method to manage behavior .... from our judicial system right on down to parenthood so sadly we are going to keep being exposed to discipline methods such as this one which seems the lesser of two evils so to speak.

[gcj]

My biggest fear with this type of discipline would be turning the child off exercise, which would be a shame, but if they're doing it in a controlled manner, I don't think they are harming the child. It's probably even more effective and less cruel than yelling....and let's be honest, we've all lost our tempers and yelled!
Are they of a different nationality? I used to train competitively in my sport and it sounds a little Russian....
Overall, it doesn't concern me, personally. Maybe I ought to try it with my 7 year old son