tsmamma's Journal, 15 May 12

Well first off you are NOT old at all!!! You just have not been on a regular exercise routine in a while so everything is creaky and achy. In my opinon based on your history you need to start not at the high end w/Jilian's tapes, but maybe at the middle! With leg issues, I've had my share, I'd say to start w/swimming. (if you can) It works all the muscles in your body w/out putting stress on your legs. And once you get faster you also get a your cardio moving too. It is one of the best forms of exercise there is. Then once your body gets stronger you can move on to other things. Exercise it the hardest habit to form, and the easiest to stop. But truly once you get started you'll be hooked! Rubie-Sue  

Swimming is great if you have access to a pool but walking is always available and a very good place to start. Get yourself a pedometer so you can count your steps and watch your progress as you are able to walk farther and farther. Listen to music, books on tape, news radio. After you lose weight and get in better shape from the walking, you can consider ramping up the exercise. I am 52 and I go to boot camp five days a week now. You are only as old as you feel and if you don't start moving you will just feel older and older.  

I agree...put Jillian back on the shelf for awhile. Swimming would be good, as Rubie-Sue said. But walking will work well too, even with your legs, and doesn't require a membership anywhere. Park further from work, stores, and church - if safe to do so. Make a date with yourself that at whatever time you choose, you're going to walk for 10 minutes, or 15 minutes, or even more. Walk half the time away from your home, then turn around and come back. Don't keep going until you're in pain! Start slowly and build up over a long time. It may not feel like you're doing a lot, but that's fine. Lack of miobility is one of the top reasons people end up in nursing care, so if you can work on keeping yourself mobile, you're doing yourself a WORLD of good! 

I totally hear you! First - I'm 41 so you are definitely not too old to start! Second - walking is great exercise and can be done anywhere. I would put Jillian on the shelf. If you're doing exercise and you end up hurt then you're not doing what's good for your body. Also as a fellow exercise hater... I find that if I can find a buddy I find it easier to keep my get up and go close to the door. Doing anything alone is boring and not motivating. I have gotten to the point now though that I'm exercising by myself 3 evenings a week. I always take Sunday off and then I am completing a running program every other day during the week. I do 25 minutes. Now that I've started walking at lunch with some girls at work - when the weather cooperates - I feel good and I'm finding that I look forward to the exercise and the companionship. I've also found that it keeps me motivated to work on my program in the evening as well. Good luck!