Question:
Can someone recommend a good exercise video for a beginner?

At first after my surgery (Open RNY 9-20-99) I was walking daily for exercise. Now, we have gotten two feet of snow in the last ten days, and I haven't walked at all. I don't have room in my house for a treadmill, so I think I want to buy an exercise video. But, when I looked at the videos on the shelf at Wal-Mart I had no idea what to get. Most of them have pictures of very muscular skinny women on them which is the farthest thing from what I will ever look like. Then there are Richard Simmons' videos, but Richard kind of drives me crazy. I am so out of shape right now, I don't want to get something too hard because it will just make me give up. Does anyone have a recommendation of a good exercise video for a beginner?    — Lynn K. (posted on January 29, 2000)

January 29, 2000
Hey Lynn: I don't know any specific videos, but you might like to try renting a couple from the video store to start. They have quite a few these days--Blockbuster does anyway. Good luck.
   — Dot W.

January 29, 2000
Hi Lynn! I have tried LOTS of videos, home exercise, health clubs, books, etc. (I have just about everything sold on infomercials!!!) the one that got me moving after all I could do was walk was Susan Powter's Stop the Insanity. I have the book and the videos. In the book, she has photos walks you thru easy to follow strengh building and toning exercises with a woman who is 330 lbs. Her exercise tapes are also with people from all levels of fitness -- morbidly obese who have never exercised, to very fit people. After doing her tapes for a few weeks, I actually joined a health club at 260 lbs and was able to participate in step and aerobics classes. She really seemed to relate to how difficult it is for many of us to simply march in place for a sustained period of time - and teaches how to build endurance and stamina pretty effortlessly. I like that there are people of all sizes and fitness levels in her classes. I agree with trying some at the video store. Jane Fonda has always been out of my league. Richard Simmons is annoying, but fun -- forget the skinny model videos. Good luck!
   — Toni B.

January 29, 2000
I would recommend the basic Taebo video. It takes a few days to learn all the moves on it, but it is a lot of fun. I am 14 months post-op now and in a size 10. Taebo has really helped me to get here. I now do the advanced live tapes. Just start slow and have fun with anything you get on video.
   — dboat

August 14, 2001
I second the motion for Taebo. It is a really good video and it is easier than you may think. Good Luck and continued weight loss. God Bless.
   — tscott826

August 14, 2001
I really like the videos by Leslie Sansone. I found one of them at Best Buy, but the others I have bought off of Amazon.com and her website - walkaerobics.com. She has a really nice, low-impact routine that she calls "walk aerobics" - E-mail me ([email protected]) if you want suggestions on which ones to get.
   — Melissa B.

February 27, 2003
I love the Leslie Sansome's Walk Away the Pounds videos. A 3 video set comes with a set a weighted balls to use during the walk. No excuses for this walk, do it rain or shine, day or night. The videos begin with a 1 mile walk, then 2 miles, then 3. I am 1 month post-op and have worked up to the 2 mile walk. It is great for beginners. I ordered mine on eBay. They are wonderful! Good luck.
   — Laura A.