GeoPalz pedometers entice kids off couches

BOULDER — With childhood obesity rates soaring and more kids perched on the couch thumbing controllers than packing playgrounds or playing ball, bewildered parents may wonder how to get children moving.

Boulder-based company GeoPalz believes it has developed a tool to spring kids into action. The business launched a fitness tracker in June aimed at hooking users into physical activity while keeping them motivated with elements of computer gaming.

The company offers kid-friendly pedometers equipped with a code that allows the owner to log onto the GeoPalz website and track their steps. Steps translate into “pedpoints” and are redeemable for prizes,…