How did u start out your workout routine? I am 12 days post op today and have not started a routine yet. I do make sure I walk every day about 30 minutes, but I was curious how you started after beginning your journeys.

I joined a gym and started off slowly. I used a personal trainer to help with core strengthening.

I literally started out with walking very short distances, building up as I went. I also bought some 2 pound weights and started doing 10 repetitions at a time of basic arm exercises. As my endurance built up, I added in some time on the exercise bike (5-10 minutes to start) and more walking time. 5 minutes on the treadmill kicked my butt early on, now I can do 30 minutes on the treadmill at a 2.5 mph pace, although I still can't run on it.

I'm up to 30 minutes on the bike every day, plus a full circuit of low weights, high reps at the gym.

I had started walking about 1 and 1/2 months before surgery and then started back up at about 3 weeks post op. I hike up hill, so that first week back at it really took everything outta me!! I would suggest that whatever it is you do, take it slow and work your way up gradually. Most injuries occur because people take on too much, too soon. You're also more likely to burn out that way too. Most important thing....find an exercise that you enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, you won't likely stick with it.

Good Luck!!!!

Lisa hit the nail on the head, find something you enjoy. I can't rely on working out at home. I'll cheat myself. So I need the accountability of going to the gym. If I pay for it, I will go. I just started back yesterday (I am still pre-op). I tried walking, but it didn't hold my interest. I'm not a big music fan, so that doesn't motivate me. At the gym I joined you can watch a variety of television shows if you bring your own head phones. Yesterday I did the treadmill, today the bike; both for 30 minutes. I found myself lost in the television shows and that 1/2 hour flew by. Today I added a few weights after the bike and will do them every other day.

I started out walking 30 minutes but I set myself a goal for 6 months out, like running a 5K (in my case it was a triathlon). That kept me focused on a goal and meeting certain levels of fitness. A Couch to 5K routine is always a very good starting point.