Congratulations on starting the journey!
I was on and off "diets" for many years and always struggled with getting, and remaining, active. I was an athlete in high school, and was pretty active until knee injuries knocked me out.
I can tell you, for me,
the key to getting and staying active was to find activities I loved doing AND to make friends who would help motivate me. I started doing Zumba (at home) and really liked it - I eventually joined the YMCA and tried every Zumba class I could find until I found 1-2 instructors I loved and I went to all of their classes. Within a couple of months, I started getting to know my neighbors and now, 4.5 years later, I've made some really great friends.
I had knee replacement surgery this past December and I am not able to go to Zumba (YET) - so I've taken up spin classes and cycling. Bought a touring bike and really enjoy it, and my husband goes with me. We found a lovely greenway (nice and shaded) and we can do an 8-mile path, or 12-mile path.
I also found that I love walking. Normally I pop my ear-buds in and just listen to music, but I've also done Italian lessons (before we vacationed in Italy) - relaxation/guided imagery (before my surgery) and sometimes, I just go without anything and listen to the sounds of my neighborhood. This time is just for me - no one else goes with me, no dogs, no husband, etc. Eventually going to take up hiking, once the knee is more stable!
I also liked the water, but didn't love swimming laps...so I bought my husband and myself scuba certification classes & gear for a wedding anniversary, and now we have an active hobby we both love (and we always lose weight on dive trips).
I found that I do not like just "going to the gym" and getting on machines, I like classes. I like a start time and end time, and I enjoy the social aspect of it. I also like dancing, and I found a Zumba instructor (I've also become friends with her) who uses current music - a lot of hip hop and fun stuff - rather than just Latin-style music. She makes it fun.
So, find something you like and just begin. Start at home if you need to, rent DVDs, record stuff on your DVR, ride a bike, take a walk, get in a pool, etc. And do it -
even when you don't want to. Seriously, I cannot tell you how many times I didn't want to go to the gym because I was tired, in a bad mood, not motivated, etc. - but 90% of the time I felt great
after the workout was done.
Good luck!