You asked if we thought someone who had not exercised in a long time could get back in shape. well, think about this, if you DON"T exercise some, even a little, what kind of shape will you be in this time next year? You'll be worse. You want to start doing something, and walking is a good beginning, to just stay where you are. You may never get back to what you could do when you were a teenager, but you can certainly improve on what you are today. Give it a good try. It will be well worth it!!

I would recommend selecting a dedicated exercise "area" that is pleasant to be in. Of the options you mentioned, I like #2 for a few reasons. It puts the bike in a place you won't feel like you need to cover it. Having it near a window (or sliding glass doors in your case) gives the exercise place a positive pleasant feeling. I find myself much more motivated to exercise when I get natural light. I often get very warm while exercising and nothing is more pleasant than being able to open up a window (or a sliding glass door) and bring in a nice cross breeze. What I'm doing while exercising all depends on the exercise. But if I'm running on a treadmill or elliptical machine or on a bike, I enjoy watching TV. It helps distract me from the exercise and allows me to do an otherwise very unproductive thing (TV) while doing something productive. I love the idea of reading while exercising, but I tend to exercise too vigorously to be able to read (might fall off treadmill or bike or make myself very motion sick). If you hate to exercise, choose an activity that you truly do enjoy (maybe it's TV, or movies, or reading, or knitting, or talking on the phone) to help pass the time and make the activity more pleasant.

Clare, when you go in a bike shop, tell them up front that you are not ready to buy yet, just doing research to see what is available, what you like, getting their advice. That way you won't feel obligated if someone takes time with you. If you find a bike that interests you, surely they will have an area where you can try it out. My bike shop has an alley behind it. If they don't seem to want to take time with you under those circumstances, then that's a red flag that you don't want to buy from them. Ask for the store's card when you leave, and maybe you really even will buy from them. OBTW--I'm quite a bit older than you and still enjoy riding. Moni, thanks for the tips on riding. I enjoyed the shots of your recent bike trip. I'll practice lifting up from the seat, then putting the rt. foot down. Sounds safer than what I'm doing, balancing on my toes. I don't think I'd want to put the seat any higher though.

I have dabbled on and off with yoga for years, but have recently decided to get serious. I am working my way through the beginner series of videos on doyogawithme.com and will start video #5 today, which is the second of a lesson about proper breathing. So far, the videos have done lots of stretching, the sun salutation and downward facing dog among others. I feel so good afterwards and I am really noticing a difference in how my knee is feeling (less stiff and stronger). Once I get through this beginners series, I am going to do their 30 day yoga challenge (beginners version; they also have intermediate and advanced, but I'm not ready for that yet). Besides the yoga, I've been walking every day and going up and down the stairs as much as I can manage which is also helping my knee.