This question is meant specifically for those who started out around 300 lbs, but I welcome all answers. Thanks for reading.

I've been exercising a little, but I feel like I really need to step it up a bit. Part of my problem is laziness (yes, I admit it) but I know that if I can just force myself to get into a routine, I can stick with it and make it work.

I'm 5'2 and 263 lbs currently. I don't feel as big as I am, and don't have any really obesity related problems that I can think of. I do, however, have a really bad back and sciatica. My back problems started when I was a kid and in a couple bad car accidents within a few months time (one where I literally flew through the windshield- yes, that hurt). The sciatica came on when I was pregnant, and never left. I went to the doctor not too terribly long ago, and he said that it sounded like I probably have either 1- a slipped disk in my lower back or 2- I'm missing cushion between some bones back there. He recommended I see a specialist and consider surgery, but unfortunately it's just not an option right now. There is no way around this- I just have to deal with the pain for the time being. I have to sleep sitting up, and if someone even so much as grazes my lower back with their hand, it's bad enough to make me cry (and I consider myself to have a pretty high tolerance for pain). The sciatica, as often is the case, comes and goes. That's a nerve issue possibly related to the slipped disk that will also require surgery, according to my doctor.

Now that that is out of the way- I'm not saying any of this to give excuses or feel sorry for myself at all! I'm reaching out and hoping that someone could point me to some low impact, high calorie burning exercises that I can do without further injuring myself while I wait to be able to get these problems resolved.

I can stand and walk for long distances. I can bend and pick up, but I have to do it carefully as to not twist the wrong way, or I'm useless for the rest of the day. Basically, as long as it doesn't require bending or twisting my back from side to side, or laying flat (impossible) I think I can do it. I don't own any gym equipment, and I can't get to the gym (only caregiver for my young child, don't feel comfortable with babysitters because we're new to the area and the gyms here don't have kiddy areas b/c it's a small town).

I think I covered most of the important things. I'm looking into buying a DVD or two next time I make my way to Target, so I guess I really want things I can do at home with or without a DVD.

Oh- also, I've been doing a couple things on an exercise ball- bouncing around and such. I also do 50 squats and 50/each side leg lifts a day. I do a few yoga stretches that don't hurt me. That's about it so far.

TIA!!

I am your height, and I started out at your current weight...But with non of the back issues. (at least we have something in common)...I'd say that your best bet is literally walking for long distances. Start with however much you can do while not totally tiring your self...and then up the mileage when you feel comfortable. GOOD LUCK!

I would recommend Teresa Tapp's workout videos. She has scoliosis, and is a physical therapist turned personal trainer. She even has a MORE workout, for those who have more weight, more health problems, more age, etc.....I don't know how much they'd work for you but that'd be my top recommendation.

Remember that where you start isn't where you will finish: for me, at least, it took 4-5 months to even get into good enough shape that I really felt like the exercise was making a big difference in my weight loss. I was working up to "real" exercise. It sucks, but that's what it takes.

So don't worry if you can't do much: do what you can do every single day, and whenever it starts to get easy, up it just a little. It may be a while before you feel like you are an athlete, but that's what it took for me.

I also started at 300lbs... but I'm not sure I have good suggestions not having back issues either. Like someone else said walking is good. I did that pretty exclusively for a few months at the start.

But I think you might be better off talking to a trainer about what your options might be. Normally for people with injuries people suggest swimming, but there is A LOT of twisting of the core in swimming so that's not going to apply here.

How are you with a bike? You're leaning... but not bending up and down basically just leaning in one position. Most of the work is done with the leg muscles.

Really though I'd talk to a trainer... maybe your doctor or seek out other people with injuries similar for suggestions. I think right now the back is more your issues then your weight when it comes to exercise. Weight has less to do with it then some people think. I was running at 240 (all-be-it SLOWLY)

Can you walk at in incline? If walking alone isn't burning enough walking on the treadmill at an incline is a great way to get the HR up quite a bit.

It does take awhile before the fitness kicks in, but it's really worth it in the end. Even at at borderline obese/overweight I feel pretty awesome after being at this awhile. I biked 60 miles last weekend!

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the advice For right now, I'm still using the exercise ball and doing my squats, etc. I've noticed if I kinda lean back on the ball a bit and balance all my weight on my legs, I can get a few crunches in with no pain at all! woo!