New Exercise Routine, Please Help

It is kind of hard to admit, but I am 16 mos. out, 205lbs down, currently at 125, and have never really exercised. My therapist told me yesterday, that I really need to start to help relieve stress from work/life. To be honest I really don't know where to start. I though about walking, them maybe graduating to my treadmill, which currently is being used to store computer parts on for my husband. Any suggestions? Stacey

Stacey, I just posted my exercise routine. We must have been posting at the same time. Gina PS Walking is the best form of exercise you can do. It is good for the total body.

I started walking at the local gym. At first, I couldn't even make it around one or two times. I just kept walking faster and faster each month to get my heart pumping. I gradually progressed to water aerobics, which kept my heart pumping but wasn't hard on my joints. Today, I am pretty much of an exercise nut -- and I NEVER thought I would say this. I do cycling class on Monday and Friday (5:45 am) and Step Aerobics on Wednesday (5:30 am) and I walk two miles after I drop my daughter off at school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work. On Saturday mornings, I still do water aerobics. Since I've been exercising regularly and been more faithful about getting all my water and protein in, my weight loss jump started again. I started going to Weigh****chers to get the last 20 pounds off, and I am FOUR pounds from goal. I can pretty well assure you that it is exercise that is getting these last pounds off, and it really does make a difference in terms of dealing with stress. It also gives me a real sense of accomplishment every time I complete a class. In the near future, for the first time in my life, I'm going to be able to say: Joni @ Goal. Joni

Stacey, In order to get good stress relief, you need more intense exercise than just walking. Since you're new to it, it won't take much to get your heart rate up, but after a while you'll need to find more things to do. Many people use cardio machines like ellipticals because they are easier on the joints and you can increase resistance and/or rate as your cardiovascular system improves. I don't get much out of aerobics classes, but truly get a good workout from a spinning (cycling) class. Other people use treadmills to get some incline with a faster walking pace. I use the treadmills to run on because they are easier on my knees than running on the roads. I also belong to a women only gym. It's a wonderful environment and worth the money to me. It's a good place to get away and clear your mind. I also have access to massage therapists there, which is another perk. Any form of exercise you choose should allow you to have a good, intense, workout (heart rate up, sweat glands working) as well as some time alone to let your mind wander. It also important that it be something you enjoy and can commit yourself to. If you don't do it regularly, it can't help you much. Hope my ramblings help some, Linn