I'm nearly half-way to my goal and I'm just now getting the workout bug. I checked my weight and took a long hard look at myself in the mirror this morning. Sizing up what was coming off, what was sagging and what was being plain old stubborn. I walk a lot at work and I take the stairs rather than the elevator, so I felt like I was getting enough activity. I realize I'm not getting it because those are short stints and the goal is to raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes and I can only do that with real cardio exercises. So, my plan is to try to get up earlier in the morning and jump on the bike that's been gathering dust in my garage for a couple of years and get after it. I also have a gym membership, but haven' been using it because I spend so much time at work and away from my daughter as it is that I'd feel like I wasn't being a good parent if I spent another hour away from her. I know from past experience that you have more energy after working out than when you start and I'm looking forward to that. I'm not a morning person, so it's going to be a challenge to lose that extra hour of sleep every day. Sigh.

My questions to you guys: What motivated you to start exercising? What did you start with (other than walking)? How fast did you see/feel results? Are morning or evening exercises more beneficial to you? How has working out affected you mentally and physically?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but your responses will benefit me...and others greatly!

Although I have only had my band for a very short time, working out is part of my regular day! Nearly 3 years ago I started my weight loss journey, It was December of 2011 I started on a regular work out routine.. I first started just doing a deep water aerobics class 4 days a week. About 3 months later I added strength training 3 days a week. After a while zumba replaced my water aerobics class. Now days I do some sort of cardio everyday of the week, and strength training every other day, your muscles need a day of recovery time. Although right now there is a lot I cannot do, but I can do the treadmill and bike so that's what I am doing till I can go back to my routine. Keep in mind strength training is very important for weight loss, it gets your muscles heated up thus your metabolism works better. Also muscle is what burns fat. I go to 24 hour fitness now, but I use to go to the YMCA and I had a personal trainer at the Y, something I cannot afford at the gym I'm at now. The YMCA had trainers who gave their time to help me. I am forever grateful! They even used my story for their fund raising program. I met a lot of nice people there and will forever be thankful for all they did for me. Best wishes for a sweating good time!

Does your gym offer any classes such as Zumba, yoga or Pilates? That might be a good way to try different things to see what you like. I think biking would be a good option for you too since you already have one available. I fell in love with my treadmill and that's definitely my time to clear my head and get in the zone.

Consistency. Whatever you do, do it consistently. Make it a part of your everyday lifestyle.

I started walking 3 days after surgery! It was only around the perimeter of my back yard but it helped with the gas pains and the stiffness. Now I walk a mile at least once a night, I might miss a night but never 2 nights in a row. I usually go for my walk around 8pm, I have even gone as late as 10pm. (it's much cooler at that time, I'm in the armpit of Texas and we are running with 100% humidity and 98 degree weather) I look forward to my walks. It's my time to just listen to music and time myself on how long it takes to walk a mile.

I'm getting ready to start deep water aerobics at our rec center and I have the Zumba kinect so I do that at times too

Whatever you do, make sure it's something you enjoy. Don't think of it as having to do it, WANT to do it. And if it starts getting boring change it up.

Good luck!