Exercise... where to start?

Sorry if I sound like a 4-year old... but I've never really exercised. EVER.

The one time that I tried yoga, I went to a class that was WAY out of my league and ended up with a bulging disk.

Anyhoo - I gained 47 lbs during my pregnancy and have lost about 32 so far, but the rest doesn't seem to want to come off. My belly still looks a few months pregnant and my thighs are much thicker than before!

I want to drop this weight! Can anyone help?
I've got the eating healthy thing down... but it's the exercise that I know nothing about.

What's good for a total novice like me? I have ZERO stamina! (and not much time during the day to exercise)

TIA!!!

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Do you have access to a gym? What sorts of exercise do you enjoy? Tell us some info and we can help I am sure!

Also, what sort of nutrition are you following? That's the most important!

Re: Exercise... where to start?

If I were in your shoes, I would start by simply taking walks outside or on a treadmill. You should also try swimming. You don't want to bore yourself or push yourself too fast and make yourself give up before you really give it a chance.

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Swimming is great if you can get a gym with a pool.

Also, more than anything, invest in the elliptical. It is low-impact and you are best with that for your knees, joints, etc. Start on level one or two of resistance and then work your way up. Start with 20 minutes on level one, then go to level two for maybe 30 minutes.

You can go all the way up to level ten and about an hour. You can get a lot more 'bang for your buck' - meaning, thirty minutes of cardio on that will burn like 325 calories on only level three. So, you should do that and a lot of crunches.

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Also, ride your bike!

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Brisk walking, bike-riding, dancing, elliptical 4-5 times a week to start. Anything where you're breaking a sweat and getting your heart rate up for at least half hour. These are all pretty low-impact, as your body gets used to working out you can then increase the intensity. You'll burn lots of calories. Also if you have access to weight machines or free weights, you can work on building some muscle which will tone you up and help you burn fat. Good luck!

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Here are gym free things:

I'd start with walking. Do 20-30 minutes 3 times a week for a few weeks. Then increase to 30-40 minutes and even add a day. You can look into the couch 2 5k program if you are interested in running. I'll bump the thread for you.

If you have netflix, try to rent or stream one of their workout dvds and see how you like that.

If you have fit tv, the channel, try to watch one of the shows and follow along.

You can also go to target/modells/sports authority. Buy the resistance bands and go on you tube for ideas. Try to do that 2 or 3 days a week.

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Re: Exercise... where to start?

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! I think I will take your tips and start walking a few times a week and try to get on the elliptical at my apartment's gym!

I'll keep you posted...

Re: Exercise... where to start?

I would start with walking. It's free (with the exception of a good pair of shoes) The aerobic benefits of walking help with weight loss.