Hi Desertdove,

I had back surgery last year & found the treadmill really helpful. Sometimes the steeper inclines at a slower pace were easier on my sciatica than trying to build up speed. I'm still not allowed to run but keep altering pace & incline for a good work out. Good luck

When I started January 1st, I could hardly make 15 minutes on the treadmill, this morning (2 months later) I just finished 5 miles and I feel great!
Don't give up! And remember some days will be easier than others! I've also learned I don't eat enough calories!!! Which I'm trying so hard to change. The best investment I've made thus far, a Fitbit! It keeps me motivated to move!
Now I just need friends on this site!

Anyone who is willing to make changes toward a healthy lifestyle is doing more than the person who isn't!

Be sure to give yourself credit for the positive changes you are making in your life and don't compare your exercise to others' posts. You don't know the stories behind them!

Be kind to yourself. That will play a huge role in your motivation. Someone once said, "The key to success is falling down seven times and getting up eight."

You can do it!

My gym posts alot of inspirational quotes - both on site and on their FB page. Here is my favorite -

"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are."

If this doesn't say it all - whether you are setting fitness goals, weightloss goals, healthy living changes in your life - or all of the above. The hardest part is just deciding to do it! I always talked about it, but never REALLY DECIDED to do it until I joined MFP. And I can honestly say that is it the pure motivation, support and inspiration from the people I've met that make me WANT to do it this time!

So I'm in the gym regularly, I'm more in tune with what I put in my body and I'm loving the results. They are slow, but steady and every week I feel a little stronger. 20 lbs by June - I CAN DO IT and so can all of you!