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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be quite disturbed at seeing a childrens exercise bike in Argos

39 replies

ihatecbeebies · 06/07/2011 14:02

AIBU or is this completely fine? I have images of children glued to the television whilst on their exercise bikes instead of playing outside running around or cycling on real bikes. Shouldn't children be encouraged to do more outdoor activities and team sports rather than solitary indoor exercise?

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3174311/Trail/searchtext%3EEXERCISE+BIKE.htm

OP posts:
MogandMe · 06/07/2011 14:03

At our local soft play they have lots of little exercise machines

Original poster
ihatecbeebies · 06/07/2011 14:03

Sorry I completely failed at posting the link, it should be;

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3174311/Trail/searchtext%3EEXERCISE+BIKE.htm

OP posts:
fernier · 06/07/2011 14:05

Well I have seen worse things and lots of children dont love in areas where they would be safe riding or playing out. Don't think I would buy it but it's nit harmful in my opinion.

fernier · 06/07/2011 14:06

So many errors...live not love etc

PaintedToenails · 06/07/2011 14:06

Hmmm....I think I agree with you , yes. It would be better for them to be outside on real bikes with their friends.

But if it's a choice between them sat watching telly and sat watching telly on an exercise bike, then this is possibly a better option.

Or maybe it's so children can join in when 'Mummy' gets on hers, like toy hoovers or something.....I don't know. I've over thought it now and confused my tiny, girly brain..... Confused

Rebecca41 · 06/07/2011 14:08

I have a treadmill at home and my kids love playing on it, so maybe Argos are just cashing in on this. But I honestly can't imagine a child spending long on an exercise bike, it's too boring!

mistressploppy · 06/07/2011 14:09

Seems a bit sad, yes. YANBU

Tee2072 · 06/07/2011 14:12

It's way too much money but considering how much it rains in this country, not really a horrible idea. Not like that's the only exercise they would get.

ragged · 06/07/2011 14:15

I have friends who make their DC (from age 11) regularly go to the gym and do several sessions/wk of X many lengths swimming, purely for fitness (age 7-13). I don't feel totally comfortable about it, either.... but I can't see that it's anywhere near the realms of bad parenting, either.

Carrotsandcelery · 06/07/2011 14:17

My parents bought my ds one of those bikes you connect to the tv and play computer games with.

He doesn't lack exercise but likes to be active. They thought this was another way for him to be active on the days he is stuck inside due to heavy rain or really really deep snow.

It would be a slightly more palatable solution than simply being on an exercise bike - a bit like a wii, better than no exercise at all but not ideal.

TotemPole · 06/07/2011 14:17

Not everyone has a garden or safe area nearby for children to use a bike on.

nenevomito · 06/07/2011 14:20

I'd love one of these for my DS when its too wet and rainy for him to go and bounce out his energy on the trampoline!

CogitoErgoSometimes · 06/07/2011 14:22

We used to have one. My DS was constantly trying to get on mine and obviously couldn't reach the pedals....

Whogivesa · 06/07/2011 14:27

Are children made of sugar now then? I have three sons and if we stayed in just because it was raining then we would all go stir crazy. We are out whatever the weather, we just wear appropriate clothing.

ZXEightyMum · 06/07/2011 14:32

YANBU to protest in the case of NT children. However, my DS aged 4 is autistic and can't make progress outside for many reasons.

He is also getting rather porky substantial.

I'm going to get one even though I detest Argos. Cheers OP! Grin

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 06/07/2011 14:34

I think its fab

Original poster
ihatecbeebies · 06/07/2011 14:39

When I was younger if it rained (and I'm from Scotland so it rained a lot!) I wore a jacket and warmer clothes and went out to play, and I stick a pair of waterproofs on him and let him play outside Hmm .

eightymum I hadn't thought about SN children who could benefit from it :)

OP posts:
ZXEightyMum · 06/07/2011 14:55

They really will! Thank you again Smile

Original poster
ihatecbeebies · 06/07/2011 15:20

I meant to say and now when DS wants to play outside and it's raining I stick a pair of waterproofs on him and let him play Blush

OP posts:
flipthefrog · 06/07/2011 15:21

i remember these from a few years back. someone said they would be great for children with sn who for whatever reason couldn't go out on a bike - don't see the problem at all myself. my son goes on my exercise bike

VivaLeBeaver · 06/07/2011 15:23

Maybe a good idea for winter when it gets dark so early.

ChunkyPickle · 06/07/2011 15:25

www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/garden-games-kids-junior-gym.htm

If you want weird, how about the full set......

diddl · 06/07/2011 15:31

I was going to put maybe a good idea for not so tall adults.

But it looks to be aimed at v. young children.

Original poster
ihatecbeebies · 06/07/2011 16:03

That site is awful chunky lol, the one I hate the most is the weight bench!

OP posts:
ChunkyPickle · 06/07/2011 16:12

I couldn't believe it when I saw it..