Getting a heavy kid active

[Anonymous 1]

I'm trying to get my nine year old a little more active - I was shocked by her weight at her latest ped appointment - but she's completely disinterested in pretty much all forms of exercise. She hates riding a bike, she doesn't like hiking, she doesn't enjoy swimming, or even dancing or gymnastics. That's partially due to her weight (she gets exhausted and sweaty very quickly doing anything more than a walk) but she's also just really not interested.
What can I do to get her involved? I don't want to force her to do exercise she hates, but it's real hard to find something she doesn't hate...

[CandTmom]

Honestly if it's a health issue I would force it. I always have told my kids they have to be active to stay healthy.

[Inmybizz]

I took my daughter to a kids gym. The instructor was very engaging and the equipment was fun ( balance beam, giant yoga balls, trapeze, foam pit, trampoline). She would make a friend and go play.
Now that she is older she likes to workout with me.

[Anonymous 1]

Honestly if it's a health issue I would force it. I always have told my kids they have to be active to stay healthy.

My only worry is making exercise a chore for her instead of fun. I want to set her up for health in the long term too.

[Anonymous 1]

I took my daughter to a kids gym. The instructor was very engaging and the equipment was fun ( balance beam, giant yoga balls, trapeze, foam pit, trampoline). She would make a friend and go play.
Now that she is older she likes to workout with me.

That does sound like fun! Do you think that sort of gymnastics is suitable for a heavy girl though? It sounds a bit high-impact for a heavier girl.

[Inmybizz]

I took my daughter to a kids gym. The instructor was very engaging and the equipment was fun ( balance beam, giant yoga balls, trapeze, foam pit, trampoline). She would make a friend and go play.
Now that she is older she likes to workout with me.

That does sound like fun! Do you think that sort of gymnastics is suitable for a heavy girl though? It sounds a bit high-impact for a heavier girl.

Yes, I do. There were heavier children there and they had no problems. There was also other play equipment.

[That'swhatshesaid]

Do you have a YMCA near you? They have fitness programs that are geared towards kids.

[Anonymous 2]

How did she get that heavy without you noticing?

[Deleted User 1039]

Horseback riding? Geocaching? Trampoline park? Rock wall climbing? There are ways to be active that are also fun. I get bored by exercise for exercise’s sake, too.

Or you could incentivize physical activity, that is motivating to some kids. Make achievable goals for active time, do a special activity or (non food) treat if she meets them.

[Inmybizz]

Horseback riding? Geocaching? Trampoline park? Rock wall climbing? There are ways to be active that are also fun. I get bored by exercise for exercise’s sake, too.

Or you could incentivize physical activity, that is motivating to some kids. Make achievable goals for active time, do a special activity or (non food) treat if she meets them.

This