Well, I was told not to exercise and to gain 30 pounds. I was a runner. I was an athlete. I was given the wrong advice, especially for my quality of life. Now, a couple of years later, I only have 20 extra pounds. I walk 1/2 mile on the treadmill first thing in the morning at 3.2 miles per hour so it only takes about 10 minutes. When the pool is warm, I straddle my noodle and peddle around for about 30 minutes moving my arms.
During my time off from exercise (over a year) I lost a lot of muscle and balance. I thought it was normal progression. Some of it was not. Now I can stand on each leg and balance for about 5 or 6 seconds. I could not do that before I started the treadmill and it took about 4 months of walking every day. I realize I will progress and not be able to do this. I plan on getting some weak rubber bands to do easy resistance for my legs. I don't trust free weights or machines.
I also discovered I had much more energy to feel like doing this when I went on the paleo diet. So on January 1, I will be following a 100% organic, paleo diet for 12 weeks.