Need some help with exercise!

Ok so I will be 6 weeks post op this week and my surgeon should clear me for more strenuous exercise (other then walking).   My problem is since I have spent the last 45 years of my life as a seditary person with no desire to ever exercise how do I start now?  How do I change my personality and my brain to want to exercise.  Of course  if I had willpower I would have never become obese in the first place..........lol.   Joining a gym is out of the question.  I can barely keep a roof over our head.  There is no money for any type of exercise equipment (would love a treadmill or eliptical machine).  I do enjoy walking until it gets hot and humid out, then forget it, I don't tolerate the heat.  House has air conditioning.    I have one of those big exercise balls and a set of those bands.  I guess to be honest I am just completely ignorant of how to exercise correctly (we did have to meet with the trainer  at our surgeons office back in Feb  but have forgot what he showed us) and I am even more afraid of failing at this whole thing.   My daughter who had the surgery 6 weeks before me is no better.   You would think we could encourage each other, but I think secretely we have many of the same fears.  At least she gets to walk some and be on her feet while she works.  I sit for 8 hours at my job.    Guess I just need some encouragement and wise words of advice.   You guys on OH always come through for me.  Thanks  Sally

WELL YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP.  ADMITTING THAT EXERCISE IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU.    I too do not exercise and money is also a huge problem right now.  You could check out the YMCA as they do scholarships for low income, just a suggestion of course.  If nothing else, walk, walk, walk.  Don't try to accomplish the world at first.  Maybe set up a schedule for a certain amount to increase each week.  I certainly am not an expert either, or I wouldn't be scheduled for WLS on July 18th.  I don't know where you live, but if we're close we could walk.

Hey sweetie!  I would call the doc's office and ask when the trainer might be visiting again.  Other than that, I'd keep walking.  If you miss a day due to the heat, I don't think that's a big deal.  It was 91 here today, I just got back from a walk...9:30 pm.  I didn't want to walk alone, so I asked my neighbor if she wanted to go.   It's always nice to share in the fitness...you can both motivate each other!  I've seen others post they feel the same about exercising alone...boring and not as easy.  How close does your daughter live?  Maybe walk together, use the exercise ball together and the bands.  If I were closer, we could walk together.  As for that ball...I WANT ONE!  hehe

Sally,     I have recently stared different forms of water aerobics and walking in the pool. For me personally, I like walking in the pool because I stay cool and can work on my tan all at the same time ;). If you have access to a pool and are cleared to go swimming I would greatly encourage it. It has helped me to lose some of my pre -surgical weight. Best of luck! Nicole

You might want to take a look at magazines for advice. I subscribe to Fitness magazine and just last month they had an article with pictures describing how to use the bands for all levels (beginners, intermediate, and advanced). The moves were well described and seemed relatively easy to do. I'm sure they even have some of their articles archived on-line. By the way, their subscription price is only $12 for a year of magazines. That's pretty afordable and I do find a lot of good advice in there. Good luck to you!

If you and your daughter are in the same boat....my suggestion would be that you should hire a personal trainer for 3 or 4 personal sessions.  He/she can help you set up a basic routine, and show you how to properly do the exercises...at home or in a gym.   Yes it will be a bit costly, but it will save you frustration and injury down the road. Scott