Am trying to get ready for my surgery on November 14. I have never been a good exerciser but have high hopes that after surgery the pain I have with it will be better.

So I have been looking on Craigslist and such sites for exercise equipment. I was really thinking a treadmill but there is so much out there I just wanted to get some more opinions. I live in a small town so not much here gym wise, and with 3 small kids gotta get it in when you can ...lol

I do have a lower bmi (38) but have high bp and bad arthritis in my knees and lower back, so maybe some suggestions for those symptoms also;)

I am only 31 so hopefully I will look and feel like it soon!

Thanks for the help/ advice!

Am trying to get ready for my surgery on November 14. I have never been a good exerciser but have high hopes that after surgery the pain I have with it will be better.

So I have been looking on Craigslist and such sites for exercise equipment. I was really thinking a treadmill but there is so much out there I just wanted to get some more opinions. I live in a small town so not much here gym wise' date=' and with 3 small kids gotta get it in when you can ...lol

I do have a lower bmi (38) but have high bp and bad arthritis in my knees and lower back, so maybe some suggestions for those symptoms also;)

I am only 31 so hopefully I will look and feel like it soon!

Thanks for the help/ advice![/quote']

How about some exercise DVDs? I just bought a 3 pack from Target. It has a cardio step, abs, and butt workout. That's pretty much all you need, and maybe a resistance band. Since you don't have a high BMI, I think you'll do fine with cardio and toning. Good Luck!

I also have a bad back and bad knees and recently went through physical therapy. The doctor told me that an elliptical was the best for knees. I have never been able to go very long on a treadmill. Good luck and best wishes on your surgery!

Am trying to get ready for my surgery on November 14. I have never been a good exerciser but have high hopes that after surgery the pain I have with it will be better.

So I have been looking on Craigslist and such sites for exercise equipment. I was really thinking a treadmill but there is so much out there I just wanted to get some more opinions. I live in a small town so not much here gym wise, and with 3 small kids gotta get it in when you can ...lol

I do have a lower bmi (38) but have high bp and bad arthritis in my knees and lower back, so maybe some suggestions for those symptoms also;)

I am only 31 so hopefully I will look and feel like it soon!

Thanks for the help/ advice!

I live in a small town, too. I have used our motel's pool for exercise. They charged me a very nominal fee to use it. Just an idea for you!

My mom got a recumbent elliptical. Its just like an elliptical but you sit down to use it. It was pricey because we got a good brand but if you search you can probably find one at a decent price.

I live in a small town' date=' too. I have used our motel's pool for exercise. They charged me a very nominal fee to use it. Just an idea for you![/quote']

My town is so small we don't even have a motel...lol

I have never enjoyed exercising but have really liked using my elliptical. It is low impact and easy to use. I hope you are able to find the perfect match for you!

A recumbent stationary bike is also a great choice. No impact and easy on the joints.

I have 2 knee replacements and HATE the elliptical machine. Make sure you test out any machine before you buy.

When you are first starting to exercise, walking and very light weights are the best way to go, IMO. I started out literally walking up and down the hallway, then moved on to short walks outside. By 3 weeks post op, I felt like Rocky when I managed to walk all the way around the lake in our apartment complex. I also started with 2 pound weights and did 10 reps each of arm exercises once a day.

I moved on to the treadmill (yuck),, then the recumbent bike, and finally to the elliptical. I can do an hour on the bike or elliptical and will sometimes do 20 minutes on one, then 40 minutes on the other.

Pre-surgery I couldn't walk from my car to my front door and had major knee issues. Now, I can do anything I want or need to do, from wearing heels and dancing all night to doing physical work all day after a tornado rips through my neighborhood. Exercise does pay big dividends, whether you are an expert at it or not.

Thanks for all the insight everyone! I need all the help I can get! I got an elliptical but feel like I'm to uncoordinated for it;(

you can do it, it takes practice. just get on it and start slow and build up. in no time you will start to feel great. also walking is great. park farther from stores to get in extra exercise and use the stairs instead of elevators. it is hard at first but every little bit helps. good luck.

With 3 small kids do you have a Wii or some other video game system? They have zumba and just dance and other exercise that you can do in your home.

I have horrible knees and I started out with Water aerobics @ 1 month post-op, moved to the treadmill & light weights @ 2 months and by 3 months was on the elliptical. Now, I do 25-30 minutes on the elliptical and about 45 minutes lifting weights.

With 3 small kids do you have a Wii or some other video game system? They have zumba and just dance and other exercise that you can do in your home.

I have horrible knees and I started out with Water aerobics @ 1 month post-op' date=' moved to the treadmill & light weights @ 2 months and by 3 months was on the elliptical. Now, I do 25-30 minutes on the elliptical and about 45 minutes lifting weights.[/quote']

Yes I was definitely thinking about using our wii! I will have to ask for those games for Christmas!

I tried Zumba at our gym. I will say that I will NOT do it again in public. I am so uncoordinated. I definitely want to try it again at home.

Don't buy a treadmill. Anything worth buying will cost you at least $1,500 new, and then you have to maintain them.

Go with a recumbent exercise bike or an elliptical if you're going to exercise at home.

I would really recommend working out at a gym if you can. It is probably cheaper overall because decent home equipment is expensive. And the gym fights the number one exercise killer: boredom. Exercising consistently requires changes in routine to keep your mind and body from getting bored.

Good luck.