WAY over weight and working out?

I have a bad knee. I use a recumbent bike. I can burn a lot of calories this way and I like it! Put on my favorite tunes and just go for it! And I always hated exercise.

Hello! IMO, a former dancer with now bad knees: punches (sitting/standing), pool (if you have access), stretch and strength yoga. Those are my top suggestions. Also, stationary bike with GOOD FORM (if you have access).

I started with just walking and eating less because my knees, and pretty much everything else, bothered me. As I dropped more weight (20lbs or so) started to walk longer and more frequently and I ate healthier, after I was down about 30 or 40lbs I started biking and walking (more biking than walking). The bike was great as there was little impact and I got a very good cardio workout. Since I got down to around 50 to 60lbs less, I have started running in addition to biking, which is something I never thought I would do, let alone be able to do!

For me it was all slow steps, it took me a year to get from where I was (300lbs) to where I am now. I am always working to improve my fitness through exercise and always strive to eat healthier, I'm still a ways from my goal weight but it is in sight. I went into this knowing that it was not going to be quick and took a relax and take it one step at a time approach.

Something I did not do that could have been very helpful is swimming, it is a great cardio workout with low (no) impact.

Edit: I forgot lifting too, it is also plays a big part in helping loose weight, a good combination of cardio and lifting makes a huge difference. I am currently at 2/3 cardio and 1/3 lifting but plan to shift it to 50/50 split of my time between the two.

Walking (in supportive shoes), weights, cycling, swimming.

Add in some upper body strength training.

I had just the opposite problem... I'm was very limited with what I could lift with my upper body. But after incorporating some strength training with my lower body and core I was finally able to start noticeably losing weight. Cardio alone works up a great sweat and gets your heart pumping, but sometimes our body needs a little something extra!

Good luck!

I'm excessively heavy, and these are my go-tos because my knees can't tolerate the impact of my weight during walking just yet:

1. recumbent stationary cycling
2. warm water aquatics (check local rehab centers, they sometimes have public classes that you can enroll in with a discount if recommended by a physician)
3. yoga

A lot of people don't understand that the very heavy people of this world often have excessive muscle mass as well as fat. It's certainly the case for me. Lifting for bulk is definitely not necessary, but some weight bearing exercises could help. You could try strengthening the legs by using things like a leg press machine and work your way up to body weight.

I 100% agree that depending on how much we're talking, there really isn't need to aggressively work out... Not lifting, and not cardio. I cycle a lot because I enjoy it and it helps my chronic pain, but the burns are ginormous and I know that it's not really helping me to burn so much, because I can't eat enough to make it "okay."

Definitely get a measuring tool for your calorie burns that is more accurate than a pedometer. Even a HRM can be inaccurate for the very heavy.

I do started by walking, zumba and HIIT workout classes at the Y. Then I replaced the HIIT with weight training. Diet and consistence are KEY! Add me if you like

I wish there was somewhere close with an indoor pool but not an option. I joined a gym 3 weeks ago and am enjoying it a lot. I have a lot to lose. I do the bikes, weights and treadmill but find I can do longer and harder on the bikes right now. I am gradually building up on the weights (using machines for now but will move to free weights after reading everything on mfp)
Just moving is a first step and it will be all the better if its something you can enjoy. Music helps a lot, if I can't go to the gym I will try and do walk away the pounds on youtube, usually twice a day if I can fit it in...and I do try and make it a point.

GL!

Working with weights and some cardio. As has been said you want to cut the muscle loss to a minimum, so using heavy weight will help this. Do some cardio, an elliptical, rower, or walking. Get those muscles working hard and repair them with plenty of protein. Good luck

I have bad knees when I exercise! They are not too bad if I don't. I started insanity last year where I realised how bad they were after 6 weeks I could not bear the pain, oh and the fact I could not sit, stand or walk......not pleasant. Started the t25 on Monday and I am doing the modified version. My knees don't hurt and I have lost 4 lb. still a few to go but feel I can keep it up. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.