I think a major problem is that when you are out of shape you do not have any energy to workout. Do you find that that is true?

It's sort of like the chicken and the egg. You can't have energy unless you exercise, and you can't exercise unless you have energy. I think that the thread on building exercise into your daily life has some good ideas, because those little bits of exercise will help you build up a little more endurance.

Its not so much the energy for exercise that's my problem. Its my body objecting (particularly my knees) that prevents me doing anything too strenuous. Did a 4 mile walk today though.

Kitty

I own a treadmill and it was the best investment i have ever made. I put it in a room by itself with a TV and a big fan. When I first got back to getting on it (I was out of shape and gained 57 pounds in 3 years) it was really hard to force myself into it again. But I went at a very slow pace, it helps that I can watch TV and try to take my mind off it. I try for an hour a day and if I am really sore from the day before I take the day off. From all that I have read is that if it hurts stop. Now I have worked myself up to an hour a day and a pretty good clip and I am even adding elevation training to it too. I burn on average between 350 calories and 600 calories a workout and my energy level is wonderful again. It takes small steps but you do feel your energy rise that first week if you keep to it! GOOD LUCK!