Okay. I'll admit my life is very sedentary. I was pulled out of public school in 4th grade, so I had no gym to do, exercises/running/etc. I was thin up until my cycles started; I have PCOS and my weight really packed on. I'm 22 now, 320 pounds, and need to start exercising.

I want to lose weight. I want to get stronger, both arms and legs. I want to someday be able to jog. I don't dare try it now, I'd destroy my knees. I can't even walk a fourth of a mile without pain in my feet/legs (and I need to get new shoes, so that's part of the problem). I have started walking, about a fourth of a mile twice a day, but I know I need to be doing more in order to actually burn calories.

So what exercises can a low-energy beginner start with that won't completely make me hate exercising and end up sedentary again?

Swimming maybe...less impact on your knees and can be a great calorie burner.

Walking (outside is better- more terrain differences to challenge you a bit, plus a view), swimming or water exercises, and elliptical trainer are all low impact. Start small and work your way up to longer workouts or harder workouts so you don't overdo to start and then decide you hate it. Better to do less and have energy afterward than to do too much and get sore or too tired.

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, and swimming actually is really great for exercise right now If you have a Wii, the Wii fit might be a nice investment. Just getting up and taking small walks around your house could be useful, too. Someone suggested Kim Lyons: Sit down & Shape up to me. I haven't tried it out yet, but it looks promising.

Hi!

I do Walking. I use a treadmill as I have terrible knees and I have to be careful of what sort of hills/inclines-I do.

I also learned to do some stretching/yoga. It really helps ease my tension and keeps me limber as well. It's easy to get stiff and sore!

I started out at 383 and I will tell you I started out with 3 mins on the treadmill and that was NOT easy for me! Each week I increased it a bit.

I remember the day I walked about 20 blocks into town-I cried when I got there! I was SO grateful to be able to really move again.

Take your time!! If you do more than you did yesterday or even maintain-you are doing GREAT! Do not overdo it-or you will totally hate what you are doing.

And I will also share with you my personal mantra:

" I can walk. Even if I am crying, even if I am tried, angry, grumpy. Even if I lost my job or my best friend. I can walk-so I am GOING to!"

Hugs and KEEP on!!

Peace,
T

When I started walking, I was out of breath and feeling miserable after about 10 minutes.

The more you walk, the easier it will be and the easier it will be the more you will be able to walk. Just be consistent at it! I'd set a schedule and chart the amount that you have walked. Each week, increase the distance or time by 10%.

Walking is a a great low impact form of exercise and you will make great progress. You will surprise yourself at how great you will do!