I absolutley would because I love it! That being said I worked out most of my teenage and adult life - even when I was heavier. I am a much happier loving energetic person when I take that time for me. Not so much when I do not.

With my running and workouts I do not have the issues of depression like I use to. Workout seems to help

Bike tires needed air so skipped the commute on the FIRST DAY IN FOREVER THAT I COULD HAVE RIDDEN IN :( But I've walked up the stairs 2.5 times today (32 floors) so that's something.

I'm still training for a sprint Tri in the spring and an Olympic length in the fall. I haven't been running in forever so I'm starting back with very light 30 minutes slow runs where I'll walk if needed. My swimming is slowly building up since I stopped using my "cheat" swim snorkel - I'm following the 1 km swim set posted at my pool (it changes up weekly) and once I feel like I can do it at a decent speed I'll lengthen the free style ladders to eventually reach a mile. I'd like to be swimming 1 mile, once a week, and about a half mile on the other day(s) assuming I can eventually get in three swims a week. My goals for the sprint tri and the Olympic length tri is to simply fini**** before the volunteers go home :)

I've signed up for a half marathon this April, at the 3 hour (walking pace) time with a goal of running the entire time. My weight is holding steady around 142-145 which I expect may go up some as I start lifting again before I see another drop. My ultimate goal is a fit 115 or 120. I have small bones.

Monday - 40 minutes steps (actual stairs not a machine) 32 floors 2.5 times, Slow run 30 minutes

Tuesday- 1 KM swim AM, 30 minutes of stairs or bike to work (5 miles each way), weights at lunch

Wednesday - 30 minutes of stairs, 30 minutes slow run (inside track if weather doesn't cooperate)

Thursday - 1 KM swim AM, Bike to work weather permitting, otherwise 30 minutes stairs, weights at lunch

Friday - 30 minutes stairs, 30 minute run (indoor track if weather requires)

Saturday - farm work (cutting down and dragging away saplings that have invaded the hay field plus cutting some firewood time permitting - lots of short bursts of work with lags between for saw sharpening etc)

Sunday- 2 or 3 hours of light hiking (marking maples trees for tapping) really it's a rest day but I'll be active stomping around in the woods, stepping over downed logs, clearing some brush etc...

I don't believe that exercise can cure depression - HOWEVER - my depression seems to improve significantly if I get in at least two days of cardio work every week. Usually my bike commute is plenty, but this winter when the temp was hovering around zero F, and or there was a lot of snow in the bike lane I would drive to the office and if I didn't get any cardio in I found a lot of excess negative chatter started up in my head. Now I'm walking the stairs (32 floors!) twice a day if I don't ride my bike and that seems to do the trick.

So yes, for my mental health I'll exercise even when it's not needed for my current weight loss, and I'm hoping I'd still do it just be be able to better participate in life. There is a certain joy in feeling strong :)

You need to find a way to meet with a physical therapist at least once, to give you some home exercises you can work on. This is a serious medical issue which must be addressed by a medical professional. See your doctor first because the muscular pain and issues may be a symptom of something else. If you can't open a bottle of water, your ADLs (activities of daily living) are compromised which is very serious.