So, I admit a bit more than 2 months out from surgery and I still have not committed to an exercise regime. I do walk. Daily and get about 8-10,000 steps a day but that's not enough.

I'm looking to start something early am before work so I need something easily done and that doesn't involve going to a gym. Gym membership is just not in the cards right now....too much of a commitment and there's none close to my home.

What did you start with? I was running laps on the roof of my building last summer/ fall but it's closed for repairs right now so none of that for a while.....

What part of IL do you live in? Everything I have read that if you are trying to develop an exorcise habit, your best chances of success depends on location. If it is a pain to get to a gym, you won't go. So my first suggestion is to make a list of what's available. Use Groupon's to try out a variety of activities until you find the thing you find challenging.

I found I enjoy "wall climbing" however, it is a pain to get to, so I don't do it. However my gym is 24/7 and three minutes away...so it's tough to make an excuse not to go. The place where I did yoga closed and moved an extra 10 miles further away from my house and with traffic when I could attend, that was actually an extra 30 minutes, not worth it to me.

Fun also helps. When I am traveling, and there are mountains/hills to climb I go enjoy nature and get some cardio in.

So start with what is available, and then start trying. It can be an adventure and fun.

I am a big fan of swimming, but unless you have a pool at home that probably wouldn't work for your requirements.

I know some folks really like the couch to 5k training apps. You could also try some exercise or dance DVDs.

Good morning, I too walk everyday but felt it wasn't enough. Gym membership is out for me at this point as well. So I went on QVC and they were showing a demonstration of "The Body Gym" developed by Marie Osmond and her husband. At first I thought it looked a little cheesy, but kept on watching. By the end of the demonstration I had ordered one. It comes with a lightweight bar that hooks onto a resistance band plus DVDs to follow the exercise routines. It's simple, very effective and kind of fun. It fits into a small lightweight bag and you can easily travel with it. Check it out on QVC.com and let me know what you think. I do that in the morning, then walk in the afternoon. Best of luck on finding what works for you!!

​I agree with @Innersurfergirl, swimming is an excellent option. I know all the gym's where I live have a "punch card" system if you can't become a member. Pay a fee for a certain amount of visits and use it when you want.

Look into your insurance. Some, including mine either pay for or will reimburse for a gym/pool membership if related to a weight loss program.

It's worth a phone call.

Biggest Loser Yoga! Has modifications if you can't quite hold certain poses, you will sweat and after only a couple of times you can tell an increase in flexibility! I ordered it through Amazon Prime video and you can watch it anywhere. I think the DVD is on Amazon for under $10 with more options of customizing your workout. The cool down is so relaxing.

Edited April 29, 201610 yr by doppelganger

I love to SWIM, and it's almost summer! YAY!

and I like Peggy Cappy's yoga videos.

I also walk walk walk walk at dark thirty every morning.

what interests you?

Look into your insurance. Some, including mine either pay for or will reimburse for a gym/pool membership if related to a weight loss program.

It's worth a phone call.

Yes. Also check with your PCP. I get a discounted membership to our local hospital's wellness center because my PCP gave me a medical referral.

When I first started exercising I wouldn't go to a gym because I was too embarrassed so I bought a Zumba video and some 5 lb hand weights. There are a ton of strength training exercises online or buy a couple of women's fitness magazines as they have exercise routines for you to follow. Look online for walking interval training exercises too because your body will get used to walking and really all cardio so you have to change it up. I wouldn't commit to anything until you find something you like but have found that my exercise preferences have changed dramatically after I got stronger and more confident.

Try to find exercises you can do at home. I worked out with a trainer for the first time yesterday and every exercise I did I could do at home with no machine.

Thank you all!

I'm in Chicago like heart of the city but work and travel to and from is such a time commitment I would never make it to the gym.

I'm going to check out some of the recommendations on videos etc

I think ideally I would love to find time in my schedule to take a dance class a few times a week...like ballroom, tap and jazz would be great!

I danced when I was younger and would love to get back to it !!

I am a big fan of swimming, but unless you have a pool at home that probably wouldn't work for your requirements.

I know some folks really like the couch to 5k training apps. You could also try some exercise or dance DVDs.

Once I can run on my rooftop again I think I'm going to try couch to 5k

I do exercise dvd's. Started with easier ones like Leslie Sansone and worked my way up to Kelly Coffey-Meyer and Cathe Friedrich. I also go jogging in my neighborhood. I don't do the gym and probably won't ever, but I get my exercise in daily. I will say that I don't think exercise is correlated with weight loss really at all, but it is great for your health and important for maintenance.

Why You Shouldn't Exercise to Lose Weight, Explained with 60+ Studies:

http://www.vox.com/2016/4/28/11518804/weight-loss-exercise-myth-burn-calories

I do exercise dvd's. Started with easier ones like Leslie Sansone and worked my way up to Kelly Coffey-Meyer and Cathe Friedrich. I also go jogging in my neighborhood. I don't do the gym and probably won't ever, but I get my exercise in daily. I will say that I don't think exercise is correlated with weight loss really at all, but it is great for your health and important for maintenance.

Why You Shouldn't Exercise to Lose Weight, Explained with 60+ Studies:

http://www.vox.com/2016/4/28/11518804/weight-loss-exercise-myth-burn-calories

That article was extremely interesting thank you!!

Exercise is a combination of physical exercise such as walking combined with manual labor. For the first year after RNY gastric bypass surgery, I walked about 30 minutes per day up and down my driveway. It is a steep driveway and as a result it is more like hill walking. It uses two different sets of muscles, one going up and the other going down. If you are already walking between 8,000 and 10,000 steps a day, it sounds like you are already getting in your exercise. [How far is 10,000 steps? An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile; and 10,000 steps would be almost 5 miles.] So you may be getting in more exercise than the minimum.