think your being a little hard on yourself. Most people put weight on in the winter I know it's cooler the normal in a lot places at the moment so your probably just still in hibernation mode.

Just start slowly and build up

you can start with something simple .....i envision putting on eye of the tiger and training like Rocky when in reality im doing really simple exercise but it does get me motivated and moving in that direction.

I started going to a personal trainer twice a week. I have been doing it for about 21/2 months.

I don't want to go, and I don't feel like going. So I just go. I do the work. After two months, I am starting to feel like riding my bicycle again. Two days ago, I rode to and from the gym. five miles.

I am dragging my body along; hoping my mind will follow at some point. I know it will work, because I have done it before.

If you can decide to move your muscles, you can start and set a new pattern of behavior. It worked for me even in the bottom of depression.

I just soooooo related to your post. I think the key is action. Willingness will follow if you take the action. At least, it did for me.

If you can afford it, I say by all means join a gym! Then go, even if all you do it walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes. Once you make going to the gym a habit you can work on developing a routine (with or without a trainer) that can get you to where you want to be.

There is a lot of stuff out there on the internet to help you, make sure you ignore the crap and focus on stuff that can work for you. There is no miracle plan that will let you drop 12 pounds in 12 days!

I do the same thing. Eat more and not do much in the winter.
Hey I'm 5ft 2" as well. And you are right we can't afford to gain too much weight. I am overweight though.

I am currently in physical therapy for my shoulder and it's the most I've moved in ages. Lol. I have to go 3 times a week and I think it's the kick start I needed.
I have arthritis and fibromyalgia which plays in why i slack off exercising at times because i hurt and suffer with fatigue but really it's important for me to keep moving.
But right now I have to go to PT because I have appointments and need to keep them.

I suppose we need to make appointments with ourselves for exercise.
Maybe that will work if you set yourself some kind of schedule on the calendar.
And see the exercise like it's a prescription from the doctor.

Start off with a short session 3 times a week and build from there.

Good luck.

Joining a gym helped me workout because I didn't want to waste the money. Also, they had a tanning bed there, and if I wanted to tan, I forced myself to workout first. However that's not a good suggestion since tanning is bad..
I kept a fitness journal..that was hard to stay on track with though. I had a fitness app on my phone, that helped more than a journal! Just start a couple days a week that you HAVE to workout on..and other days if you feel like working out or if it's nice out, try to jog! And make sure to write it down and keep track of it.

I don't know if you drink any soda, but try cutting that out if you do. Only drink water. That helps a lot if you ever feel bloated, and seeing just that little change can help you be motivated!