GET THOSE KNEES UP! exercise types and frequencies

So,
1. how often do you exercise? 
2. what do you do to exercise?
3. how often after surgery did you start?

 I hate organized exercise, so I did nothing more than take the stairs to my 3rd floor desk.  As I lost weight, though, I found myself much more active.  Now I'm like the energizer bunny.  I still don't do organized exercise, but I rarely slow down.  

If I'm gonna move, there has to be a point to it, and there's always plenty to get done in my life.

 Im also not a fan of "exercise".  I prefer to just be active (yeah, I just tell myself Im not exercising to make it OK in my mind).  I LOVE trail running, dancing, swimming and playing coed "fun" sports in local leagues (kickball, softwall,volleyball).  The only "organized" exercise I will do is stuff like soldier fit, cause that is just FUN.  I loathe the gym.  Its worse than walking into the dentist to have teeth pulled without novocaine.  Ill go, for short bursts of time if the weather has been really cruddy and I cant be outside, but for GP, its just not my deal.  I run almost everyday :)  

1. usually 5 times a week, though I was in a little slump last month
2.  I love to walk and swim
3.  Don't do what I did.  I waited way too long to start exercising!  Ask your doc, when  it is ok to start.

 I started walking about 5 days postop.  A mile a day and slowly.  Over time I built up to 5 miles a day.  Then I started resenting the time it took me to walk those 5 miles and I start running a little.  Then I started running a lot...you get the picture.

I am in crap shape right now.  It was a really hot summer, too hot to run and I used that as an excuse.  Now the weather is great and I need to get my lazy butt out there.  Even my running buddies, the dogs, have gained weight.

 Walking every day, from 1- 3 miles depending on time. "Attempting" weights 3 days a week. Never did care much for exercise pre surgery but Almost look forward to it now..strange. I move so much better with 50# off.

My doctor told me that walking for exercise isn't going to count. I have a treadmill and a bow-flex set up in one bedroom (workout room). They are both ten years old and have about 10 months of use on them. I also have a nice bike. I do like to ride my bike. I don't have a surgery date yet but I'm going to start walking this coming week just to build up my stamina. After I can move a little better I want to do the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Right now that woman kicks my butt and I am sore for three or four days and can't even do the complete workout.

My goal is to complete the PX90 within the first year of surgery.

Remember one thing, your Dr is a cutter.  He knows surgery.  It's crazy him saying "walking" isn't going to count.  It does count.  If you can get to do a mile in 20 minutes and work from there, it absolutely is exercise!  The more we move, the better in shape we become.  I have until Nov 1 where I can start lifting weights.  I'm already lifting 16oz cans.  I am joining a gym then plus walking.  Mixing it up is what helps me.  Move Move Move at the same time as eating right and the weight comes off!

 P90X is NO joke.  My husband and I do that for a circuit every season change.  The first time around it nearly killed us both (and he is a very physically fit man, and Im a firefighter).  Go slow, learn the different ways you can customize to your level of conditioning.  It will be VERY easy to give yourself a hernia or serious injury if you arent used to working out like that.  Other than that, its a GREAT program and will definitely kick your ass!

Maybe your doctor meant that walking isn't going to count for WEIGHT BEARING exercise which is very important for bone health after the DS and even more so after menopause with a DS.