I found the best exersize! Being as overweight as I am (220 ~ 5'2"), it's hard to exersize certain parts of my body comfortably. Some Yoga classes are designed for overweight people, the one I attend is Yoga for the Buddah Body. It's a great! I like that I'm getting to use muscles that I forgot that I had, but I'm not stressing my knees or my back or anything.
Just thought I'd pass this along in case any of you are hesitant to start at a gym.

Congrats Katherine!
Glad to see you have found something you are comfortable doing. It is definitely hard to exercise if you're not comfortable. Best of luck in your class!

Linda

No kidding, Linda! While trying the gym for a while, it felt like I was going there to tourcher myself because it was so painful...needless to say, I didn't stay with that very long! When my muscles build up a bit more, I'll try the gym again. Until then, it's Yoga for me! I still get sore and sweat during the yoga session, but it feels great during (ok, not always during!) and afterwards.

Hi Katherine -

Congratulations on finding a yoga class that works for you! I have a good friend who ran the fitness department at the YMCA for years, weight trained, and taught 20 aerobics classes a week - all 40 pounds overweight! She didn't start losing weight until she started watching what she ate. She also had overdosed on fitness and decided it was time to slow down and has taken up yoga. Now she looks incredible and really credits the yoga with making a huge difference.

Personally, I can't go very often but when I do, I just love that feeling of peace that you get afterwards!

Lisa

Lisa,
Isn't it amazing? After I worked out on the machines, I felt like I was whipped. After yoga, I'm tired, but I also feel centered, peaceful and energized. I'm starting to notice that my flexibility is coming back, too. I'm sitting crosslegged in the chair as I type this! It's a good feeling!

Unreal, the thought of doing 20 aerobics classes a week!! I can't even imagine! Do you think that some of her 40 pounds was muscle weight?

I have nothing on topic to add except that I find the name, "Yoga for Buddah Bodies" to be delightful! It's so positive to my ears!

<— off to read about yoga