Exercise

Spring will soon be upon us.  That means more opportunities to exercise outdoors.  
  Now, don't be that way!  You don't have to have a grueling program that you dread doing, eventually quit doing, and then feel guilty about.
Exercise can be fun, and you can (and should) start slowly.  
I'm a licensed Physical Therapist, but these are only general guidelines.  Be sure to check with you doctor before starting any exercise program.  I would encourage you to visit a Physical Therapist or Exercise Physiologist if you need help establishing and modifying a program.  This is also a good idea if you have any injuries or health problems.  These two professionals have been trained not only in exercise and fitness, but also on the medical side of injury, disease, and disfunction.  They also know when to refer you to a specialist or your family doctor when they notice a problem.  Make sure they understand your surgery, health issues and limitations, and most importantly, that they are sympathetic to overweight clients.  If they aren't, find someone else.  Each person has their own areas they like to specialize in and you'll occassionally find someone with a negative attitude toward obese patients.
Here are some general guidelines:
1.  Start slow - begin with general cardiovascular fitness like light aerobics, walking or swimming (any water exercise is great because there is less stress placed on your joints)
2.  If you've not done anything in a long time, try simple things like:
     - make 3 extra trips from one side of your home to the other that 
       you would not normally make (if you stop to get a drink or go to 
       the bathroom, that does not count)
     - progress to trips around the house or to the end of the block
     - slowly add distance (increasing distance only slightly each week or
        two) - remember we don't want to get injured, frustrated or give
        up ... so don't push youself too hard
3.  Enjoy yourself!!!  Get out and garden (watch out for weekend 
     warrior syndrome where you try to do too much because you feel 
     ok, but then you pay for it in sore muscles for several days).  Try 
     playing with the kids or the dog in the back yard.  Go bowling (if 
     you can without injuring yourself).  Do you like to golf?  Rent a 
     cart to begin with or go hit a few practice balls (again, don't over
     do it).
4.  You don't have to go to a gym to lift weights.  Weight lifting
     adds muscle, which will raise your metabolism (that way even when 
     you just sit around, you will burn more calories).  Start with 
     resistance bands or even soup cans.  A P.T. or exercise professional
     can get you started.  A one - time visit won't cost that much, and 
     you'll then have someplace to go if you have questions or problems
     (or if you're ready to progress your program ... and want to do it 
     safely).
I'll post more ideas in the future.  Let me know if you want anything specific to be addressed.

I have back problems that have been flaring up for a few months now and I haven't gone to the gym in awhile.  I bought a balance ball w/DVD and started that last night (harder than it looks!).  I also played a few rounds of bowling and tennis on my Nintendo Wii...that was fun!  I bought that specifically because I heard about the Wii Fit w/Balance board....but then found out it's not sold in the US yet...only Japan :(  

Just a couple more ideas :)