Cardio or Stretching?

Question

I am wanting to start exercising for my health again but I don't know where to start. I am almost 195 lbs but only 5 feet tall. I am coming off knee surgery and was wondering what would be a good type of exercise to start with? Stretching? Toning? . Of course for now anything cardio (arerbics) are out but what about yoga, the exercise ball or something low imgact? Any ideas would be helpful.

Answer 1

There is something called "stretch fusion" on All Star Fitness that I was watching the beginning of on fit tv. The instructor talked about how she had injuries 13 years ago and is now injury free. Maybe something you could check out with your doctor or with a physical therapist.
I have also seen someone do tae bo in a wheel chair. I think it is more about getting your body to do something comfortable that won't further injure it, will help it heal, and that will strengthen you and your knee. Maybe the doctor who performed the surgery or the one who referred you can give you some physical therapy exercises that will benefit you all around, if not a physical therapist himself.
There is also something called slow-robics, low-impact, no-impact, and water aerobics for when you are up for that type of exercising. It is for people who cannot take the physical stress (like those with arthritis, etc.). Again I suggest speaking with a doctor or physical therapist before doing this to make sure of when you are ready to do any of these exercises as you do not need to make any complications on yourself after having had surgery. What works for one person may not work for another, and a physical therapist may be able to do a more tailored-to-your-own- needs routine as opposed to you and others on here doing guesswork without someone to examine you and see how ready you are to do certain exercises or to customize the ones you may already have to suit your level of need or to move on to something different as you improve .

Answer 2

start with streching - it will make you more flexible and less sore.
walking is good. start slowly then faster, you want your heart rate to be elevated (thats what burns calories). you should go for 30-60min walks.
yoga is good, too.
you can also so some light weight training (many reps)