How do I get started?

I started eating healthier 2 months ago, and so far I've lost 12 pounds (woohoo!).  I want to start incorporating exercise into my new lifestyle now, but I don't know where to start.  I know a lot of people say to walk, but walking is so boring that I know I won't stick to it, especially with it getting colder outside.  Is there some indoor activity I can do that is fun (where I won't even realize I'm exercising)?  Something that's good for beginners? 

Is there any sort of sport you enjoy? If so, look for city league sports or check for gyms that do leagues (or look for pick-up games informally). How about swimming? If you have access to an indoor pool and you like to swim, it can be great exercise. Do you like to dance? If so, get your exercise in an adult class, go clubbing (and go easy on the beverages!), or look for dance aerobics classes in gyms. Other ideas - jumping rope, rock climbing, fencing, belly dancing, taiko drumming etc.

You could also look for exercise DVDs - that's a pretty minimal investment of $, and you can usually do the workouts in your living room.

ETA: There are of course the traditional forms of exercise - weight lifting, running and so forth, but it seemed like you were looking for other sorts of suggestions. That's not to say that lifting, running or cycling (or all three, or more!) can't be good, enjoyable workouts, even if you think you don't like them (they might grow on you)

Dancing is great.  Aerobics classes are fun, but they sometimes get boring or frustrating if you can't keep up.

But actual dance classes are fun, too.  Sing up for waltz, swing, fox trot, salsa.... any type of couples dance.  It's fun, a great way to meet people, great exercise, and you learn something new.  It doesn't have to be a super expensive private dance school.  Check around for dance clubs that meet and give free or low-cost beginner classes.  Then go from tehre.

EDIT to add:  You don't have to go to a couples dance lesson with a partner.  Lots of places accomodate singles also and you find a parter (or many) once you're there.

First off, GOOD JOB!

My exercise of choice is jumping rope. I do it while watching TV, doing a set amount of jumps (say 30, for example) then walking in place for a little bit, then repeat. Burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time, as opposed to walking (which I also enjoy on a nice day) which takes a bit longer to burn as much.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone!  Dance classes do sound like fun.. but I'm not sure if I can get away from my family long enough.  But I will look into it.  I also don't have a lot of money to spend on clubs/gyms/memberships etc.  The jumping rope thing sounds like a pretty good idea.. I always liked jumping rope when I was little.  Maybe I'll give that a try first, while I keep my eye out for other activities.

p.s. Swimming really would be my exercise of choice, but the only place I could do that without spending a fortune is at the local college here.. and I'm embarrassed to get in the pool with all of the 'fit' college kids.  :(

Ignore the fit college kids!  Just get out there and do it! 

I hear this excuse/comment a lot, and I understand the thinking.  But to be perfectly honest, unless the person on the treadmill/cycle/swim lane/weight bench beside someone is a particularly attractive member of the opposite sex, I think most people are focused on their own workout.  And most people have nothing but respect for someone joining them at the gym/pool and trying to improve themselves.  Admittedly, the younger an individual is, the more likely they are to NOT respect someone else doing that... But still!  I'd say ignore them and get in the pool!

I started off with swimming when I started getting into shape.  Even before I modified my diet.  All I could do to begin with is 4 lengths or so, which was embarassing considering I used to be a competitive swimmer (many years ago).  But it's a great way to build up your cardio system and burn calories! 

You could also look at taking an aqua-fit class or something similar.

Clint

Original Post by prkushun:

p.s. Swimming really would be my exercise of choice, but the only place I could do that without spending a fortune is at the local college here.. and I'm embarrassed to get in the pool with all of the 'fit' college kids.  :(

I work at a university, and at least here a good fraction of the people in the pool available to us non-university-swim-team-members (they have 2 pools to themselves...) are non-traditional students, faculty members, grad students and employees of all different ages and levels of fitness. Also, when you go makes a huge difference. At 10:00 in the morning, or even worse, 4-6 in the evening, there's a huge line for the weights/cardio area. Go at 7 am or pm, and the crowds are much smaller (and much more focused). The pool is also a lot less crowded, except when the triathlon club does their workout. Do a little recon to find out the peak usage times, and avoid them.

Also, what Clint says :)

Thanks guys!  I think I will give the pool a try. :)