How about the bike.... the stationary kind??? Maybe??? Good luck. Hugs Denise

have you tried swimming? it is suppose to the best b/c its low impact on your joints and you can work your way up with the endurance. if you're like me and refuse to be seen in public in a bathing suit you can buy a blow up one at walmart for about $200 which is 4ft deep but will still work. also seated stomach crunches work. you lay on your back on a couch or bed (whichever is more comfortbale)lift your legs up together like you're sitting on a chair (not above your waist) squeeze your stomach muscles and try to lift your upper body without straining your back or shoulders.

What about choosing a weight for weight lifting that you could use like cardio? Pick a weight that you could do 15+ reps with at a quick pace so that it is like cardio... Good luck!! XOXO

what about water exercises? Its low impact on your joints and you can do cardio.

I have a WII and you can go at your own pace.
I am 250 and can use it just fine. Just a thought.
Good Luck

As fun as the Wii is, it only supports up to 300 pounds (I know from experience). I like water aerobics, and there are good walkling at home dvds by Leslie Sansone that's a good way to start off slowly and moving a little more as you get stronger. She's really motivating and I always feel good after I walk with her.

PS: I meant to say, with the Wii, there's a program called Wii Fit which has a scale that only supports up to 300 pounds. There are lots of Wii games that don't require you to use their scale, and it's so much fun to play. Sorry for the confusion there!

hmm i have a wiifit and it supports up to 330lbs. i remember reading an article about how japan had to change the settings from 250lbs to 330 before selling it here in the states.

Would second the idea about water exercises. Found water aerobics to be pretty friendly. You can always adjust it to whatever your level is at the moment and it is a lovely save on joints. How about chair exercises of some sort? I recall seeing some websites about that.

Yea Jumping into the water is the best for us super big people.

Hi Missina,

I don't know if you have heard of Jodi Stoloves DVD's but I purchased them and find them fun to do. They are chair exercises meaning seated aerobics. They are easy on the muscles but yet you definitely sweat. I find they help a great deal if you have trouble moving and even walking right now. I also like Susan mentioned have the Leslie Sansone DVD walking tapes which I enjoy using as well. Both give me cardio and toning workout.

I also have a great website that I have found that you can view short clips of these DVDs as well as hundreds more just to see if any of them would interest you. They also have a free catalog they can send you if you prefer to order any of their tapes or dvds and I found that they are much cheaper then the one's sold in stores plus they have a lot more variety to choose from. I agree with the majority here that recommend water exercises but I do know that a lot of people just are not ready to be seen in a swimsuit just yet so if you are not quite ready to do that you might want to check out the DVDs.

Anyway if you are interested in checking out that website just shoot me a message and I would be glad to send it to you:)

Stationary bike
Swimming
Water aerobics
Circuit training (up your heart rate by moving from machine to machine or exercise to exercise quickly)
Walking - start out with 5 to 10 minutes and build up from that with each passing week

Here is a link to a hand and pedal exerciser that you can use while sitting. Look into possible getting something like this.
http://www.rehabilitystores.com/For-Therapy/Therapy-Equipment/Hand-Pedal-Exerciser/

Also look up chair aerobics. Here is one link.
http://www.aerobics-exercises.com/chair_aerobics.php
Just type in chair aerobics into google. There are also some videos of what it is like on youtube.

I agree with swimming. It's great exercise.

If you're not interested in yoga, have you tried Pilates? You can go at your own pace, and really will help you gradually increase or maintain flexibility. I used to use a Winsor Pilates beginner DVD; it didn't provide much (or really anything) in the way of cardio, but it did feel great just to be able to move and work out the kinks to prepare for more intensive exercise. I also hear that Tai Chi is good for that too, but haven't yet tried it.

And btw, it's AWESOME that you're lifting weights and doing treadmill at 400+ pounds! I have health problems which prevent me from doing activities like this, but it's inspiring to hear what you've got going on! I hope you'll keep us all updated on how things go! :)

I know right where you are! I have neropothy and also used to weigh almost 400#. Water exercise is the best, but another thing I found that helps is a bicycle for your arms. Geriatric supply stores should carry them or you can look on-line. It is all about movement. Do what you can, but just don't stop. I would break out five minute intervals about 20 times a day and eventually, my endurance built up. It's baby steps that lead to "winning the race." Don't ever give up. Push yourself just a little bit father each day. Good luck!