I've found that the most effective thing to do is to get a fitbit (or similar activity tracker...but nike is a waste of money) and wear it for a week to figure out what you normally walk. Then check it and make sure you're doing 10K steps a day....increase over time. Then, add in cardio or strength training.
The first time I did 10K steps, i was seriously sore!!!!

Make sure you're getting 30 or more "Active minutes" a day.

I've also done pilates - and spinning. i just added in 30 min of spin last night for the first time. I'm so sore...i might not do it again for a few days, but i seem to stick pretty consistently to the 10k steps come what may. (I even walked circles around my living room while watching game of thrones the other night. I also walked up and down the stairs during a thunderstorm to get some more active minutes in.)

If you find that you slow down losing weight, or feel dizzy, back off the exercise. Also, pilates doesn't burn many calories, but i swear, it does make you feel good. (even though my first few sessions i feel like a turtle that's on it's back) I figured it was as good a time as any to try it because i always aimed for high cardio exercises before.