So since I am so close to surgery I am starting to think about what my fitness routine is going to be post-op (once I get the okay from the doctor). I know its not going to be "Fittin'this whole pizza in my mouth" anymore! So my question is, as far as home gym equipment, treadmills, elliptical, bikes, max trainers, free weights, etc. which have you enjoyed the most? Typically at the gym I am an elliptical girl and I don't really enjoy the treadmill too much but I feel like a home elliptical is going to take up so much room! I was thinking about a punching bag, a few kettle bells, a roman chair, resistance bands, and some DVDs would probably be better than a cardio machine but weather isn't the best here so I need to figure out cardio too. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Not too long after weighted hula hoops came out, I bought one. I got bruised so badly, I looked like a lost a cage fight.

When I lived in Indianapolis, there was a fitness trail on a wooded acre behind St. Vincent Hospital. Since I don't have one anywhere near me in Chicago, I made one in my back yard. I just go to different points in the yard and do an particular exercise at that place. By the time I gone around the yard a few times, I have completed multiple repetitions of several body weight movements....all with no equipment, plus I get fresh air and a short walk out of it.

Not too long after weighted hula hoops came out, I bought one. I got bruised so badly, I looked like a lost a cage fight.

When I lived in Indianapolis, there was a fitness trail on a wooded acre behind St. Vincent Hospital. Since I don't have one anywhere near me in Chicago, I made one in my back yard. I just go to different points in the yard and do an particular exercise at that place. By the time I gone around the yard a few times, I have completed multiple repetitions of several body weight movements....all with no equipment, plus I get fresh air and a short walk out of it.

I love the idea of a fitness walk in the backyard! What exercises are easy to do at the points?

My only real advice is to start small. I found that the things I did before surgery, Sweating to the Oldies, step aerobics and the like are not what I like now. So don't overbuy any equipment. Try new things and there are free workouts on YouTube (Bloglates, etc). As my fitness level increased my interest in certain forms of exercise changed. For example, I learned along the way that I hate running. I did the Couch25k app and completed three 5ks but don't plan to run one ever again. Be prepared though, when you do find what you love, your home gym will grow. I have an entire room now!

@@CurvyCooper

Heya, my little elliptical came today. I only did 20 minutes after I assembled it. 5 seated to get used to it, 10 standing, then 5 minutes seated. While I was standing I half of the time held on to the back of a kitchen step stool (like this) so I was a little bent over, which is totally cheating. But it does take some practice (and good grippy shoes -- I couldn't find my sneakers today), changing of foot positions, and getting into a groove so you don't accidentally lock/hyperextend your knees as you do a rotation (but I'm a hyperextending sort of girl, so that may not matter to most people. my joints are really flexible.). It said I did 4.6 miles in 20 minutes, which seems unlikely, but whatever.