OY! Mothers!! (Yes this IS cycling related)...

[pooks]

I'm younger than your mom, but overweight and VERY out of shape. So here's how cycling has made a difference for me.

It's the only exercise I ever LOVED. It's the only form of exercise that has me excited and wanting to learn more, do more -- though I admit I haven't made as much progress as I would have liked to in my first year.

But here -- this will tell a bit of the story. My first ride on my new bike a year ago:

http://planetpooks.wordpress.com/2006/06/11/success/

And five weeks later:

http://planetpooks.wordpress.com/200...ot-in-october/

See if that helps!

ETA: Oh, what bmmcasland said! If they don't already have them, buy them bike chains. Find some place fun to ride to -- for coffee or dessert or a burger or whatever. Ride together, chain you bikes outside, go in and eat and relax, go back out. Introduce them to how much FUN it can be to save money on gas and get the blood flowing!