I want to exercise~I started a few months ago then the pain set me back...need some tips...

So, I have the neck & back pain under control; I have a great orthopedic and neurologist.
Now, I am cleared to workout and loose the rest of this weight.
What can I do to get me into a routine?
What exercises will help me become a runner?
What kind of shoes will I need?
Can biking help?
Is couch potato to 5k a good program?

Thanks for your help!Cheri

start slow, and start building good habits of exercise.  the biggest mistake you can make is to rush in too fast and injure yourself.  there are a lot of folks here that swear by the couch to 5K program, so that is probably a great place to start.

Thank you!

When I started running, I started by doing intervals on the treadmill.  Then about a year ago I took it outside.  Now I prefer to run outdoors, but I'll still do the treadmill on bad weather days or if I'm traveling and at a hotel.

The best way to start is to start.  Start slowly and set goals (either time, distance or both) and work toward hitting them.  I have never been interested in distance running, I'm more about HIIT-high intensity interval training--so now when I run I'll only do about 5 miles total mixing fast walking, long jogging intervals, and short fast running intervals.

Start slowly.

I'm a C25K graduate (see signature), and credit that program with getting me to an under 30 minute 5K time in just a couple months. I couldn't run at all before the program (and surgery).

Shoes are important too, especially if you're carrying around extra weight because that has such an impact on your joints. Look for a local running store, and walk through the fitting process with someone. And don't be too scared by the price--I figured I was going to get gouged and have to budget $150+ for 'custom' shoes. That's not the case. I spent $90 on my current (first) pair, and they fit me really well.

Best of luck.

Chad

How are those reebok zig zag shoes?
I found some on Amazon for 47.

I don't know about those.

I am wearing Nikes.  Be careful with those shoes that are overhyped in advertizing.  As was the case with Nike Shocks, good advertising does not make good shoes.

The shoe me be fine for someone whohas a foot and stride it is designed for.  Going to a running store that does a fitting they will look at your foot to see what would be a good shoe and then they examine your stride and how your foot lands to determine the best shoe for you. So what may be a good shoe for one person may not be the right shoe for another.

This is why most people on this forum stress going to a running store, not foot locker or dicks or something like that.  Once you know what shoes are best for you then you can buy others at different stores but running or walking in the proper shoes is soooooooo nice.

I found a New Balance store near by and will go this weekend, or next...friends are coming in from out of town.


Thanks for your help!