Good afternoon everyone

As a new girlie to this board I have lots and lots and lots of questions for those far more experienced than myself. I know I need to get off my butt and do SOMETHING. Please understand -- not only am I a big girl, but a big girl who has been rather sedentary for a long time. I don't know where to start! Is walking an adequate starter? As of right now, exercise isn't my favorite thing to do but I need to do it. Any pointers on where to start without killing myself. It's greatly appreciated!

First off, hello and welcome!

Now, answer this question: Why do I want to get off my butt?
Whatever the reason--lose weight, feel good, look smokin hot, live longer, to fit into a super cute outfit--what is it?

Write this answer down and refer to it when you need a kick in the butt to get moving.

Yes, walking is a great start! It's free and simple. Walk around your neighborhood. Take up different routes. Tie in speed intervals. Go longer distances. Mix it up as you go along. Walking is perfect for starting out.

You will have to tie in strength training as you begin to lose weight. Body weight training is fine. squats, lunges, wall push ups. whatever. For now, though, be consistent with your walking. Once you get used to moving, exercising gets better. You still wont be a fan of it (I'm certainly not!) but you'll love the results and want to do it for that reason. Hope this helped. Good luck!

Several years ago, when I was much more overweight and much more out-of-shape, I went to a gym and asked for their suggestion for exercise. Their answer? Water aerobics. I tried it and loved it. It's very low impact but a great workout, and all of my fat uncoordinated self was hidden by water, and almost everyone in the group was elderly ladies so I had 29 grannies cheering me on and no cute skinny girls to feel intimidated by.

Thank you both for the suggestions. Everyone has to start some where, right???

Water aerobics might be an excellent idea. I also have issues with tendonitis.

I'm new too! I lost it all once, gained it all back and am starting over.

I started with walking and am in week 3 of Couch to 5k. It works for me, but if you are just starting out, then something easier might be better. Water aerobics are really fun. Also, what if you try doing something that doesn't feel like "exercise", like an easy hike? I frequently walk on a 1-mile interpretive trail. It's flat and entertaining.

I started with walking. When I needed some new types of exercise, I went with exercise videos. I love the Collage Video website because they put clips and reviews of their videos on it. Two months ago, for my birthday, I got the Wii with Wii Fit and I now have two games that I use regularly and will probably buy more as I go along.

I've also found it very helpful to have a monthly exercise goal that I keep track of on 3FC (under Support Groups / Chicks Up for a Challenge). I like having a monthly goal of minutes, because it let's me mix up types of exercise. For you, you could set a goal of 150 minutes in July (just 10 minutes a day for the rest of the month). Walk your 10 minutes or more each day. If you're tendonitis is acting up, do 10 mintues of stretches that day. If you miss a day, exercise 20 minutes the next day. You'll be surprised how good it feels to meet your goal at the end of the month. I reward myself for meeting monthly exercise goals by buying a new exercise video or a new game for my Wii.

Thanks for the ideas!

I think it's a great idea to slowly build up minutes for the month. Starting at 10 minutes a day seems reasonable... and you're right, I'm sure it feels awesome to meet those goals for the month. I need that. This isn't my first time, like many people, losing and gaining weight. I actually had (and used!!) a gym membership and was very active and lost considerable weight buuuuut... things went terribly awry to say the least and it's been very long time since I've really had consistent exercise plan. We have a 6 month old puppy so she would greatly benefit from more walks as well

Aww a puppy!! That's an instant workout buddy

Haha yeah she's a cutie. Full of energy too! I need some of that!