[Fade_2_Black]

Since the holidays are comming up, I've decided to start excersizing. I have heard of so many different things though everything is confusing. I am looking to make my tummy more firm and also I'd like to work on my arms and legs. I have thought about yoga and tae bo, but before I run out and buy all kinds of video's I thought I'd see if anyone has any prefrences and/or helpful websites or something. I don't have much energy, so something with a lot of jumping around and fast moving would so not be for me lol. If you have any suggestions of programs, please post. I am open to almost anything! Thanks in advance!

[WNYmom]

Well since you stated you don't really have alot of energy why not start walking. YOu can pick up some light weights and make sure you get a good swing in your arms. I know that TaeBo takes ALOT of energy. I think Yoga is more mental than physical but I could be wrong. I just know that my Dr told me to walk. Not jog or run but a fast walk. It is easy to do, doesn't take alot of equipment, is a good way to lose weight, tone up, lower cholesterol, BP. It also increases stamina. I used to have to rest after going up one flight of stairs and now I can go up 2 flights and still have energy to put clothes away that I have carried up those flights. I have only been walking since mid Sept. 02!!!! I feel so much better and at times like now when I am so busy and it is hard to get on my treadmill I feel more tired. Man I can't wait for the Holidays to be done with so I can get back on my schedule!!!!!!!!!

[Fade_2_Black]

What do you do when it's raining and/or too cold to walk outside? I am not a fan of rain, so I don't even go out in it if possible. I also can't afford a gym.

[MzPen]

I used to have the same problem -- NO ENERGY -- until I started lifting weights. The coolest thing about it was that I started feeling more energy immediately. And you can start out with very light weights. You don't need a lot of money to start ... go to the library and find some books about lifting weights. Dumbbells are very cheap -- about 50 cents per pound usually -- and you can often find used ones for even less (Play It Again Sports, if have one near you).

I know that walking has been a miracle for a lot of people, but I was never able to achieve much doing it ... probably a lot of that had to do with developing sore feet and the fact that I had no energy and all the walking just didn't make it any better.

Here's an article I found very interesting, about not being able to do all that jumping around: http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html
Click on Getting Started, then go to the article titled "No Fat Chicks"

Good luck!
Pen
265/214.5/150ish

[WNYmom]

Becky,
I guess I am lucky cuz I have a treadmill. I do not walk outside cuz of several factors like weather, no sidewalks, no shoulders on the roads and high speed limits along with me having 2 kids I would have to drag along most times.
Maybe you could do some "Mall Walking". I know many malls will open their door early for people who want to walk and many even have walking clubs! Other things you could do to get in extra walking is to park farther away from stores, use stairs instead of elevators or escalators, walk around your home.

[Pat41In]

I highly recommend Leslie Sansones Walking Tapes. They're easy and you can do them rain or shine. I got mine at Walmarts, the 3 videos for $19.95. I have seen results without killing myself. I use use the 2lb balls that came with the tapes and you can really feel it.

[Fade_2_Black]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm not much in to walking, I have slight social anxiety and a little paranoia mixed in. I am always afraid when I go to gyms, walk outside and/or do anything in public that everyone is watching me. And as I said before I don't have much energy to walk. I've checked out some video's at the library so I am hoping to get in to some of them. I'll let ya know how and which ones work!!