I know this isn't an indoor activity but I started out just by walking until I had lost about 20lbs and was capable of doing more. I've heard good things about the walk at home videos but I have not personally used them. Whatever you do make sure to start slow and ease into things. I also like geocaching (again outdoors) which is kinda like a walk but with a treasure at the end and you are looking for something.

Hi, Carrieann! I have similar difficulties (starting weight was 340). Honestly, I just did the best I could and figured it was better than nothing. My best "burn" was when I danced (I didn't go out with friends, I work with kids and we had a dance program) on and off for 45 minutes.

Legion150, thank you for those links! I'll try them, too.

Okay, I watched a couple of the Zumba YouTube videos and I was just plain thankful I didn't decide to try a class to look like that in! At 317 Zumba and videos were hard. At 295, they are still difficult but getting better. Years ago I worked with a personal trainer who suggested building muscle mass and core stability in conjunction with cardio but put more of an emphasis on the strength training. Her thinking was that muscle burns more calories and helps burn more during any cardio that you are doing, plus as the weight comes off the cardio will get easier since you are having to move less mass. I actually lost weight really well with her, until I got pregnant and there went that!

Sometimes I think it's good to focus on how much you are able to do. I totally get that the exercise videos are hard, and frankly when I do one I usually end up gasping for air and laughing myself silly, but Im still burning a whole lot more calories than if I were sitting on the couch watching TV and eating a bowl of ice cream! Anyway...

One of this trainers favorite tools was a stability ball, you would be amazed at what you can do with one, and honestly I used one with a physical therapist when I was pregnant and 325+just make sure you find one that is rated for you. Also, walking is great and its free and you can stop and talk to the neighbors. If your joints are aching then swimming is fantastic if you have access to a pool and the ability to make it from one side to another. Honestly, that's my favorite form or cardio, no impact and I never find myself covered in sweat (although Im not a fan of putting on the swimming suit!). Keep up the good work!

IMHO, any movement is a positive thing. Try try again is a good motto. I know I don't look pretty doing some things, but I do them anyway. I miss beats, steps etc but I try to keep moving. Walking instead of driving to the bus stop, taking the stairs, marching in place; they all get my heart going and a sheen of sweat. Calories burn non-discriminately.

Check out LiveExercise on Youtube and search for their Launchpad series. It starts out with all seated exercise and starts out by building strength and endurance. You do it every other day, or 3 times a week. By stage 3 you will be really moving and out of the chair. They are also online at liveexercise.com and have a LOT of different work out series for whatever level you are looking for or target area's. It's only $7.99 a month. I'm loving it so far and found I am sticking to it since I didn't start out with something overwhelming, instead worked myself up a little more each time. It did start out seemingly too easy at first, but it does start getting harder! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPJKAG0mknI

weblur,

I tried both a recumbent & stationary bike and I have bad knees; neither one worked for me. That doesn't mean it might not work for you. My knees are bone on bone so it's very painful for me to ride a bike; as much as I would like to. Have you tried an elliptical machine? My physical therapist suggested that back when my knees were in better shape; I'm just too short and my strides didn't cut it. Keep trying until you find something that works for you and your body.

Thank you both!

Water exercise is great for low impact. Either swimming or aqua aerobics are both wonderful for getting your heart rate going and protecting your back and joints.

Also, yoga is great exercise.... helps with aches and pains, mood and even breathing. You can work up quite a sweat doing yoga actually.

For those of you talking bikes....I find that when I use one, my thighs just get sore before I can even think about sweating....anyone else have that problem?