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In my younger days, I was an avid runner, although I do not have the body type for it. I continued to run regularly until I severely injured my knee a few months before my 20th birthday. After surgery, recovery, more surgery, more recovery, etc (a total of 4 or 5 surgeries/arthroscopes) I came to the realization that to continue running would mean, essentially being crippled. Not a pleasant prospect.

So, here I am, 47, with a knee that is usually sore, sometimes excruciatingly so, but facing the old "middle-age spread", when my doc orders me to lose 20-40 lbs. Now, I'm 6 feet tall, and when weighed, fully clothed, in his office in March, I tipped the scales at 246 lbs. I've always been big boned, but even I felt that this was a bit high.

So I made a point of cutting out as many simple sugars from my diet as I could, and really watching what I ate. I also extended my nightly walk with the dog, much to his pleasure, and kept snacking to a minimum. The result was that, seven weeks later, when I went back for a follow-up visit, my weight was down 7 lbs. My Doc was happy, and said to keep it up. I had to drill new holes in my belt to keep my pants up, and I've actually had compliments from my co-workers about my apparent slimming down.

I can't say that it has been difficult. It took a long time to get to this point, and it will take a while to drop off another 10-15 lbs. Again, I don't expect to get below 200lbs; I haven't since I was 16, but I can be a bit fitter, and, who knows, I may even go out and buy more pants, before the ones I now have are worn out!

What is this "fit" of which you speak? :P

...laugh of the day.....and I hear you...I actually moved the exercise bike today into a place I can watch TV and ride.

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I am in shape, Rev. Round is a shape.

I recently started running, though I never thought I'd be able to. I'm really enjoying it and am seeing and feeling a difference. I also do light weights and stability ball, as well as running the stairs over and over. I saw a trainer last summer for a few months and he showed me some great stuff too. I'll try any kind of exercise to keep it interesting...

I'm not a natural athlete at all, so exercise is always a challenge. But I'm prone to weight gain - I lost 70 lbs five years ago and have no intention of gaining it back!

The #1 reason I do it is for my health and so that I have a good chance of living to see my future kids graduate highschool.

I was going to the gym regularly but I've been too busy at work sinc April. And I feel terrible. I'm tired and have no energy. And I'm not sleeping well.

I know that will change when I start working out again. I gotta get some yardwork done this week and should be starting up again next week.

The difference in the way you feel and the increased energy you have from a good exercise program is highly addictive.

And I do lift a lot of weights at the gym but nowhere near the bodybuilding regiment.

I had to look up kettlebells as I've never heard of them. Here's a good explanation

http://ejmas.com/pt/ptart_brennan_0103.htm

Although I am in no way in "good shape" I do play recreational (although somewhat competitive) sports to release stress and burn off calories.

I am into beach and court volleyball and slo pitch softball a few times a week.

Other than that I try to keep generally active with activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, canoeing and walking.

At the end of the day I hope to burn off enough calories to maintain my beer and tasty food (= fatty) diet.

I have no cartilage left between the lower four disks of my back. In spite of that, I start each morning on the treadmill and walk for 15 minutes at 3 kph. I then walk outdoors about 2 km per day. I ride my stationery bike 2 km a day as well.

I started the first of May at 200 lbs (I'm 5' 11" and age 62) and am now down to 192. Slow but sure. I want to get back to 176 which is where I was before my back problems prohibited me from running.