I actually joined a regular gym last week. I do 30 minutes of cardio and then hit the weights (legs one day, arms the next). When my endurance gets better I will take aerobics classes and when I lose more I am considering Zumba classes. I went to a gym years ago and really enjoyed it but I wasn't seeing results so I quit going. This time I am sure to see results....lol.

I'm a Curves member. I joined in Nov. So far, I've lost 40 inches overall. My stamina has improved a lot too. My cardiovascular system has proved. I expect that in a few more months I will "graduate" to O2 Fitness, the gym my husband uses. For now though, Curves is just right!

with a knee that bad you may want to consider a gym that offers water aerobics...I am 37 yr old who is fairly athletic for my size...when I tore the meniscus in my knee doing tae kwon do I did water aerobics until I could jump and kick again and it kicked my butt...honestly I used to think of it as an exercise for older large people but the instructor made it fun and it was definetely challenging.
Anne

I am also a Curves member, and I love it. I have been doing Curves on and off for the past 5 or 6 years. Their new program is great, and now they offer a Zumba class (unfortunately I have never tried it since they offer it during the day when I am at work).

Pros: Its 30 mins (longer if you want) its hard to come up with an excuse for 30 mins. Its mindless- you don't have to 'set up' machines or thing what order you would go, its all there, in order, less thinking. The machines are set and picked out to be the least able to hurt yourself- most of the machines even if you did something crazy won't seriously injury you. All of the clubs have owners, most of which are there all day every day (at least in the ones I have been) which means they care, my lady calls me if she hasn't seen me (my current club is smaller, so she knows, lol). She is a retired nurse, and is helpful with a lot of other things. I never feel intimidated in there, I am usually the youngest by 30 years, and you know what, I like that. The music makes you move to the next station- I have belonged to gyms in the past, this drove me crazy, I wanted a machine but someone was doing 90 reps of 10 and talking to someone in the process, so I never got my turn. The music at my club is usually oldies, since that is the majority of the member's favorites, my old club had up to date music, doesn't really bother me either way. I also like that they organize donations and do community outreach- have found this all the clubs I have been to, usually supporting the troops with goodies, back to school supplies, or the local food bank. They will always work with you if your Dr wants you not to exercise- I was not charged for the month after my surgery since I couldn't go. I blew my knee out a couple years ago and could go for almost 8 months, same thing, no charge since I couldn't go.

Cons: Not the cheapest option out there. The gym I used to belong to was half the price. I don't mind paying, helps me go- otherwise I feel like I'm wasting money. There is a fee if I get out of my contract early- max of $100, plus the next months fee. Read the contract, know what your signing, even though it 'month to month' there still is a fee for getting out of it before a year, though its good because you don't have to pay for the months you did not use. The hours could be better for me- my curves closes at 6:30- she wants me in the door by that time so I am out by 7pm. Some nights I am the only one she has seen for an hour (and I feel bad because I know she wants to go home). I try to workout in the morning- my stomach and I don't agree on that, and even then she opens 7am some days and 7:30am others, cuts it close if I want to shower, ect for work.

All in all I'm happy with curves. Hope this helps!

I have an appointment tonight to check out curves. Can't hurt to look at it. They lady told me to come dressed to do a workout.

I am more concerned with twisting my knee or falling on an uneven surface when I walk outside. I broke my ankle 4 years ago falling down steps and now I am really super concerned about falling. I think I would probably be able to do the machines.

I have a really bad knee also - in fact my ortho doctor wanted to schedule knee replacement. After I lost 100 lbs, the pain is almost non-existent. The only time it starts to twinge is when I am on incline on the treadmill.

I know I am still on for a knee replacement sometime down the road, but I have bought some time.

So hang in there - your knee might start to feel a whole lot better as you lose the weight.

I too am contemplating Curves or water aerobics. I have two bad knees (car wreck) and my Ortho is trying to put off doing a knee replacement since I am only 30. Let me know how it goes for you as far as impact on your knees.
Thanks and good luck!

I went to curves tonight. The lady was very nice made me feel very comfortable. I did the circut twice and then stretched. I ended up joining. It was $34 to join then $34 a month. It seems like something I can do, I actually enjoyed the workout. I felt good afterwards, although my legs were a little shaky. They also offer zumba several times a week. I figure I gave up my Dunkin Donuts habit -- $4 a day 5 days a week equals $80 a month on DD!! I am spending half of that on something good for me :-)

Good for you! Glad you went to check it out. Welcome to the Club! :)

Spotz