The KInd Life Community Forum

Okay I'm making some confessions here. I haven't exercised regularly except walking the dog in about a year. So, I tried doing what I was doing last year and it was a no-go. It was The Firm and Skinny Bit$h Boot Camp 'and the like. But even though my knees are better and I can walk up steps w/o pain, lunges and squats and the like are not going to happen right now. Maybe after I've been off of the nightshades and have been superhero longer. Plus I've got more weight to lose so that's not good on the joints either.

So what i want to know is this... What workouts (preferably DVD) can I do in addition to walking while I build back up to where I was?

You might also try some beginner's Tai Chi. The beginner's stuff is quite often gentle, flowing movements that are easier on the joints due to the fluidity of the position changes. I usually do yoga, but on days when I'm not feeling well I switch over to the Tai Chi so I still get some movement in, but I don't feel like I've pushed myself too far, or have to stop in the middle because I don't feel up to finishing.

Michelle,
No problem! : ) Hope it goes well for you! Don't forget to pick up one of the spongy yoga blocks to help yourself out as you get used to the movement. I lost mine awhile back (put it somewhere wrong while cleaning; isn't that always the way!) and miss it quite often. Although, I've found that if I can get the dog to lay perfectly still, he works sometimes, too, when I need something to balance against! ; )

I don't know how "real" the yoga is (some people may not count this!) but I really like Denise Austin's Yoga Body Burn. It has customizable workouts and is pretty easy if you're a beginner like I am. I used to have a different tape, but I lost it and I can't remember what it was called. I know a lot of people who like the Gaiam tapes. Also, if you can find them, Wai Lana's videos are fantastic. I used to watch her show on PBS sometimes, she is a very good teacher.