What to do, what to do, what to do?

[RoseRose]

Y'all are right, it wasn't the best idea. But for the record, my Dr DOES say I need to get out and walk more, and I really cant get motivated unless I have someone walking with me. Still, I'll keep with other suggestions Ive read here.

You know what I think might help?  I was just thinking about this earlier.....buy a puppy.  I know that sounds stupid, but everyone knows that puppies need lots of exercise, right?  And, if this girl (Ashley, right?) is like most twelve-year-old girls, she'd probably be *very* enthusiastic about helping to take an adorable new puppy for walks.  If she doesn't like animals, then maybe a Dance Dance Revolution game is the way to go instead.  It's like a video game, only you dance on a floor pad instead of using a hand-held controller.

I second the idea of Dance Dance Revolution.  Just only do it if you're willing to spend enough money to get the metal controller.  The plastic controllers aren't very good, and slide around a lot.  My fiance used to play ALL the time (until the controllers broke) and I play occasionally, in arcades and stuff.  It's really great exercise, and a popular game, that doesn't seem like exercise (until you've played a few songs and are sweaty and tired from the workout).

[Ki]

About the Dance Dance Revolution: it's a great idea, and it's where I get my most exercise.  I don't have a metal pad, but I do have a pad that has an inch-thick foam pad in it.  It doesn't slide around nearly as much as the ones that come with the game, being much heavier and having an anti-slip surface, and is neither as expensive or as bulky as the metal ones.  The metal ones are the best when it comes to not sliding around, though.

[lilaenne]

I'll third (fourth?) the DDR suggestion - it's seriously the only form of exercise I've really enjoyed. A Play Station 1 is fairly cheap and the Konamix version (also occasionally called 4th mix) is probably about $20 if you find a used copy, while more recent mixes for the Play Station 2 cost a bit more.

As for the floor pad? An electronics/tinkering friend could easily mount the flimsy pad that comes with the game on plywood with a non-skid vinyl cover; or is you go with the foam-core pad, you can put it on one of those plastic mats that you put under an office chair.

Back to the main topic: I think you'd have to include the more excerise-like activity within a longer period of time spent with the girl, or she'll see right through it. I think I would have at that age; a girl's radar for implied criticism is waaaay over-sensitive at 12.

(Edited because I can't think and type and the same time...)

[freakyfemme]

I'll third (fourth?) the DDR suggestion - it's seriously the only form of exercise I've really enjoyed. A Play Station 1 is fairly cheap and the Konamix version (also occasionally called 4th mix) is probably about $20 if you find a used copy, while more recent mixes for the Play Station 2 cost a bit more.

As for the floor pad? An electronics/tinkering friend could easily mount the flimsy pad that comes with the game on plywood with a non-skid vinyl cover; or is you go with the foam-core pad, you can put it on one of those plastic mats that you put under an office chair.

Back to the main topic: I think you'd have to include the more excerise-like activity within a longer period of time spent with the girl, or she'll see right through it. I think I would have at that age; a girl's radar for implied criticism is waaaay over-sensitive at 12.

(Edited because I can't think and type and the same time...)

So, should Smarter even wait a while before inviting the girl over to play DDR or walk a new puppy?  DDR isn't even really *that* exercise-like, it's a video game.

[TZ]

I think you would definitely have to spend more time with her than just exercise.  If you become close enough she may even confide in you, and you could help build up her self-confidence.

But please don't get a puppy.  Puppies (and older dogs) require a lot of time and money.  You should only get one if you want one and are equipped to care for it.  This situation is really not a compelling reason to get a dog.

[Cattaby]

How about a Nintendo Wii instead?

http://www.theage.com.au/news/games/from-couch-potato-to-wii-muscleman/2007/01/17/1168709803547.html

This news story is about a guy who lost 4kg (9 pounds) over 6 weeks by playing his wii.

Probably not the best weight loss program, but hey, it's fun and addictive!

[madmusician]

They already have a dog. But DDR is a great idea.

[lilaenne]

All I meant was, invite her over for just a visit, and break out DDR or a nice walk to the park and back when it fits in the flow of the day. Wait for a happy topic (not related to weight or personal appearance) to come up in conversation, and in a lull, say, "Hey? How about trying this new game I picked up?" While deep down, it's exercise, it also comes off as something that's simply fun to do.

[freakyfemme]

All I meant was, invite her over for just a visit, and break out DDR or a nice walk to the park and back when it fits in the flow of the day. Wait for a happy topic (not related to weight or personal appearance) to come up in conversation, and in a lull, say, "Hey? How about trying this new game I picked up?" While deep down, it's exercise, it also comes off as something that's simply fun to do.

That's perfect......that'll have Ashley wanting to come back for more DDR, not running home crying....although, running home *is* technically a form of exercise, I'm pretty sure it's not the one we're going for here, lol.