I'm soon turning 40 and am finally realizing I need to get off my butt. I'm 5-2, about 135. I have 3 young children.

We have a treadmill. I haven't exercised since college. Where do I start? Should I go for time or distance? How fast should I walk? Should I alternate a walk with a bit of jogging?

Two days ago was my first time on the treadmill. I walked a mile- I was on for 30 minutes. It felt weird after decades of inactivity but I want to do this. I need some beginner's advice. No clue how I should start/progress. Thanks a bunch!

this is simple, so simple you may discount it as nothing. BUT- before I tell you, let me say this.... I am 39 and fit enough to be aspiring for Ironman. I came here about 6 months ago as an injured skydiver. amost 30 lbs heavier than I am right now.

here is the advice-- SWEAT DAILY!

just do that, then everything else will become relevant.

BREAK A SWEAT major sweating, soaking wet, however you want, and do it for the first day TODAY!

then come and tell us about it.

FF

The major health body reccomends at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. You could start off walking, then fast walking, jogging etc as you get better.
You also have a diet to set right which is very important too.

Its a good step because doing this would most likely mean living longer therfore spending more time with your family.

By the way, flyinfree, did you know the ironman starts today at bondi beach?

Welcome to the forum. Its always hard making a start but read around and make a decision on what you are going to do. Procrastination is a killer when reaching your goals. Just start walking on the treadmill whether it be 30 mins or an hour and while you are doing this read read read and fuel your knowledge about fitness and health.

There are heaps of stickies on the top of the subsections of the forums. Welcome to the forum and good luck with your goals.

Enought advice from the kids on the forum...

Just do stuff, walk alternating with a slow jog if possible, cycle. Do it for 30 minutes / day - no less (to get the full benefit) and no more (to prevent burnout). BUT, most importantly, you have to do it for 30 days! The first 30 days are gonna be rough - you will be tired, winded, not see results and want to quit and this will test your resolve. But, stay with it for 30 days and you will see results and then you'll be hooked like me, Flyinfree and most of the other members of this foru.

BTW, I'm 48 and a year removed from an angioplasty. Flyinfree rags me because I'm old, fat, dumb, slow and arrogant, but he knows I always bring it.

If you bring it too, you will get results. I promise.

Ahhh so you think we are kids huh. Well some may say you should grow in wisdom as you age. Yet your a grandaddy of the forum and you ride round with flyinfree. Is that wise just yanking yah chains.

Busted and guilty!

Yeah gotcha punk!

this forum is full of helpful information from people who know what they are talking about, just read up a lot(i mean alot) and you will have your own questions anwsered.