Thanks so much for the encouragement!
I had a trainer design my program and go through it with me the first time. I actually think I know what I'm doing with weights since I spend years going to the gym when I was young (I'm 47 now). I can tell that I'm comparatively stronger muscle-wise than I am with the cardio. The trainer wanted me to start with 20 min of cardio. I tried the elliptical but could only last 7 minutes on the lowest level and I was DYING. I tried it the next time and could also only last 7 or 8 min so I switched to the LifeCycle and could do 15 min on Level 2. This was so much more comfortable for me and I could actually listen to my IPOD and get into it without just staring at the timer and counting down in my head. However, after a few workouts I decided that I'd rather do my cardio outside if the weather cooperates. I have a treadmill at home, and I'm not a big fan of treadmill workouts but it or the LifeCyle will be my backups if the weather is bad. Oh, and I also tried the Stairmaster and could do 5 minutes after completing the 15 min on the bike. It was a weird revolving staircase type though not the kind I used to love back in the 80s which had pedals. I had the constant feeling that I was going to not place my foot right and fall off.
C25K? It might be something to consider once I lose a bunch of this weight. I have to be extra careful because I have naturally loose joint in my body along with tight muscles so I'm quite injury-prone. At the moment, I know my feet couldn't take the pounding though I'd love to be able to run in the future.
I've heard good things about Zumba. My gym does have some classes but for the most part, they don't work with my current schedule though they do have some water aerobics classes in the evenings that might work. Do they actually help build cardio endurance? I've seen some of the ladies just chatting and floating on their noodles. I've done them before though I don't remember how much it helped my fitness level.
Thanks again!