Okay, I'll be the first to admit it. I'm big to the point where its difficult to get out and go to the pool, or even walking long distances is pretty much out of the question until I work up my cardio level. I just ordered an 'exercise peddler' (Basically an exercise bike without the seat, so I can do it in a comfortable chair!) and am waiting for that to come in. But does anyone have some input on low impact, good movement exercises that will help to get someones endurance up so that they can start doing the more FUN exercise options?

Any input and suggestions are definitely appreciated on this!

HI, welcome, I am new too, I can't exersise myself right now because I had my leg amputated and still m in a wheel chair most of the time but, I just got a chair dancing dvd, it sounds silly but it's non impact, and does get your heart beating. I would love to hear from you.

This was a sticky in the 300+. It has a link to chair excercises.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92979

Even if you aren't able to walk long distances, any walking will help. Walking Away The Pounds is a pretty popular exercise tape in which you walk in the privacy of your own home. If you can only do 5 minutes, then you do 5 minutes. Reaching a little further each time is really what is key.

I have an example that doesn't fit perfectly but I hike. When I first started hiking, I'd have extreme difficulty hiking up hills and going for long distances. At first, I couldn't finish some hikes, DH (then DBF) would go with me and he told me to let him know if we needed to stop. I'd push a little further each time. Last year, I hiked up the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park for a total of nearly 800 ft change in elevation and around 4 miles total hiking distance. When I started though, 100 ft change in elevation was difficult.

I have that chair dancing DVD too! LOVE it! It really is a great workout and I'd recommend it to anyone with mobility issues.

Oh...also Leslie Sansone's Walk Away The Pounds is a GREAT DVD. I have the 1, 2, & 3 mile DVDs and I do them at home, rest when I need to, get up and do a bit more and walk along with the folks on TV.

Move a little more each day. That's really the only key to starting to exercise again. Catherine (hippievanlady) did kicking exercises in bed to start out. Others do chair exercises. Some of our ladies do situps in bed. Others started with housework - doing more without taking a break. Dancing, if that's something you like, can be a good cardio workout. Start with trying to get through a whole song, then work your way up. Like to walk? Start with five minutes a day.

I also purchased exercise bands and hand weights, so that I can do a bit of toning at home. I have an exercise ball as well, though I rarely use it anymore. It was good for doing pushups without killing myself. It's also good for balance.

Welcome, and good luck!

Agreed!!! It is free, easy exercise. Start with 5 minutes, or to the end of the block, whatever and then gradually work up from there.

I also like the Walk Away The Pounds series because it takes walking to another level, with the arm workout and the ability to walk when when you don't want to be outside.

Best wishes to you.