A FAT GIRL'S GUIDE TO FITNESS

Like the earth, the sea, and the sands of time, everything is constantly in motion. And so our bodies should always be moving. No matter your size, just moving your body helps a host of ailments. When I was more sedentary, I had pain all the time. Even now, sitting or standing in one spot for any length of time causes stiffness and pain. Gentle stretches help. It's important for people with arthritis and other conditions to stay active.
One of my favorites is yoga. I can't miss my weekly yoga class. I also do yoga at home. Yoga refers to the traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the goal achieved by those disciplines, and to one of the 6 orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy [Wikipedia]. To me, yoga is just exercise. I keep my religion very separate from yoga.
I have a wonderful yoga instructor named Darlene. She emphasizes breathing and listening to your body; feeling the stretch without hurting yourself. When I first started yoga, I couldn't get my ass off the floor to do a bridge. My arms couldn't support myself to do "Down Dog". One year later, I can do them and much more. I still have limitations due to the boobs and the belly, and I still can't to a shoulder stand or "prayer twist" with the knee off the floor, but I FEEL GOOD! My flexibility and balance have greatly improved!
Yoga is only once or twice a week. My daily exercise is the walk. I have a treadmill in my home because we live in a mountainous area with no sidewalks. Every morning (5-6 days/week) I walk one mile on the treadmill. When I first started walking 2 years ago, I thought half a mile was enough and huffed and puffed my way through that. It took awhile to increase my speed and distance. Now I can walk one mile in 18 minutes. It's a great way to start the day. Weather permitting, I climb that mountain to get to the end of my street, usually in the evening. It's about half a mile up and back. I have 3 little dogs I take with me. THE WALK, as the Dog Whisperer calls it, is essential for a well-balanced dog. Let me tell you it is essential for a well-balanced human, too.
No matter what type of exercise you choose, do it, commit to it, and don't give up. The mental and physical health benefits will astound you!