Help me get started - I have no clue

I'm with Scott. Just join a gym. You can find most gyms for less than 35.00 - 40.00 a month with daycare.  Just pick one close by or you won't go if it's a hassle to get there.  You can try most out for free too so shop around and try before you buy. Go at the same time of day you plan to workout because it might be dead at 2 pm but crammed packed at 4 pm. Makes a difference. That's less than some people spend on their coffee every month. Good luck. Earl

I use Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds DVD.  She has 1-5 mi distances. They are easy to do and they do work.  You don't need a large area.  The 2mi program is about 30 minutes. I got through Amazon.com

I actually just ordered 3 from the library to try.  That should give me some ideas.  Then I plan on yoga at night.  IN the meantime, I will be looking for an affordable treadmill, but the DVD's will buy me some time. Thanks!

I started water aerobics after one month post op.  I kind of thought it was only for "old farts" but it turns out it's GREAT.  I have been noticing a lot of stomach toning and muscle definition in my arms lately due to the water weights we use.  It is also so RELAXING, and helps get out some stress.  I try to go 4 x a week and it has really helped with the inches coming off.  The pool is heated and indoor, so there's no excuse not to go.  Also, it is easy on the joints and bones.  If there is a rehab hospital in your area, or YMCA, they are likely to have water aerobics.

That is great that you are looking for some exercise options out there...there is literally a bevy of options that can benefit you.  I think what you're doing is great...I have some advice that may help you as well. First, don't worry as much about finding a gym until you're ready.  Just joining a gym that may not have what you need (staff, equipment, etc.) is not going to be cost effective and it won't motivate you to go.  Research studies have shown that people who exercise at home actually have a higher adherence rate than people who just work out at a gym.  If you place the equipment in your home where you see it on a daily basis, that may work better for you than joining a gym. Secondly, finding an exercise that you enjoy is a great way to keep exercising.  Additionally, tracking your own progress is another way to stay motivated.  I also recommend writing a checklist of different behaviors that you know will impede your chances of keeping with exercise and deciding how hard it will be to change that behavior.  Start with the easy ones first, then go on to the moderate and then on to the hard.  Achieving goals will also keep you exercising.  I also recommend weighing yourself daily, so you can see exactly what affects your body and how. Obviously, these are just suggestions...you can modify it to fit your own personality and goals.  I do recommend Women's Health magazine...it's a great magazine that can offer you advice on specific exercises as well as how to perform them.  Additionally, OH magazine and this forum are other great ways to increase your chances sticking with exercise. Chris Gillette 2nd year M.S. student in Exercise Science