Today I did something I haven't done in over 20 years. I joined a gym.

I did my research and found a gym to commit to for a year.  The plan is to go in bright and early before work tomorrow.  Although 5:30 AM will be more like dark and early. 

All I've been doing so far is trying to get as many steps in as possible by parking far away etc.  Two weeks ago I was in Vegas for a work trip and in the five days I was there my Withings Pulse calculated I walked 30 miles!  No wonder I was so tired and sore.

Now I am back to Alaska and winter has finally arrived with below zero temps. I have no desire to walk outside so to the gym it is!  Wish me luck.

Good luck!  I had to go crawling back to my gym a few weeks ago since, while I can run in the cold, running in sleet, ice, and snow is a no-go for me.  Sad times, but oh well - we do what we have to do, eh?

Hello and congrats on joining the gym and making a year commitment. That shows you are on the right track. Also, the 30 miles in Vegas is amazing. I see why you were tired and sore.  I think your plan to go early in the morning is great so you can go ahead and get on with your day.  I wish you much success. Also, don't know if you are considering getting a trainer at the gym but if so here is an article with some great points on how to choose one :http://www.chairacise.com/how-to-pick-a-personal-trainer-at-the-gym/

The early mornings are making me realize my routine needs to change.  I am ready for bed really early now! 

Thank you for the link.  I'm excited to check it out. I am considering a trainer when I get to the point where I can do strength training. 

No problem. If you ever have any health and fitness questions don't hesitate to ask. I would be glad to assist. I have been personal training for over 12 years.  Well, keep up the good job and have a great day. Also, here is a good blog I wrote I think would be great for you to read about starting a fitness program entitled: Choosing An Exercise Program--Know Thyself

Awesome!  Thank you so much.

Yay!  Another Alaskan!! I can relate, I joined the AK Club just before my surgery and go several times a week to lift weights, run, work with a trainer, spin class, swim.  It is well worth it (though I do use it less in the summer) so hope you get good use of it too.  I really enjoy working with my trainer as she can work with my prior injuries to strengthen them. Over time I have gained much strength, balance, stamina, etc.  It's worth looking into for sure ~~   Good luck reaching your goals!!

Hello fellow Alaskan!  Alaska club offers more but I didn't want to commit to that kind of money.  :) I expect I will use the gym less in summer too.

I'm curious, how long did you wait after surgery before doing strength training.  I've heard various things about when it is ok.  My doctor didn't specify that I can remember.

My Dr cleared me at six weeks post surgery for full weights, and I started before just walking/running on the treadmill. I also began to do some core strengthening exercises like planks and kayakers with weights, both of which are fantastic because they work - and give me a great deal more balance.  I hold planks for 3 minutes now but started out at about 15 seconds six weeks post surgery.

The trainer is what my PFD goes to so I can increase weights and be sure to change things up so my body doesn't have a chance to adapt. For a 59 year old to be able to do actual, real push-ups is awesome. My goals this year are to keep all that up plus do chin-ups so I can rock climb in CO, and do the power jumps onto those big steps at Red Rocks. ;-)  to get there I do a bunch of gym work.

That's just the gym, I much prefer being outside to ski or snowshoe, and run or bike.  I am so happy I had the WLS. Worth it 100%!!  Hope it all goes well for you! 

Dr. Todd did my initial Lap Band.  I trust his advice. 

It sounds like you have some great goals with the rock climbing!

I went to the gym and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes four days last week.  I plan to do the same five days this week.  Then I think I'm going to start mixing it up with some strength training.  I'm just trying to figure out where to start.  I'm pretty clueless.  Wish me luck.