I disagree with this. Walking isn't a workout and if you really want to be in shape, you need to do actual weight training, not just situps and pushups during commercial breaks. That might be a good start and it's better than nothing, but it's not enough.

I work in the Chicago downtown area, where gym choices are limited in a sense where they are quite pricy. Also I take the train that runs on a specific schedule. Though I've been considering to walk to the train station everyday after work (which takes about 20 mins) :)

I'm actually in the stage of saving money and buy my own place closer to work, or who knows, maybe in a couple years I may end up going to a closer company if this one drives me away :p

I'm not too afraid being too fat (the asian genes?), but more like the health risks associated with being fat, like heart failures and such.

One of my co-workers actually do this everyday during lunch time :D but if I ever do consider walking back and forth to the train station, then I might as well do that instead. I heard it's generally not a good idea to run on a full stomach (quote from my mom :p )

and seriously...haha, I recently bought this equipment that's suppose to help you do sit-ups (remember that ab machine that rocks back and forth, from tv?)......just because I can't do sit ups...I'm serious :p

Well if the point of going to the gym is to hop on a treadmill or elliptical (and sadly, so many people do), then it is pointless. Get a watch with a stopclock and a pedometer and don't waste the money.
The weight training is different...that is something that cannot be done at home. The percocet has worn off a bit so I can articulate better. Anyway, my point before was, to get a good start at least, just try going for a brisk 20-30 minute walk everyday. Gradually start running, 1 minute at a time, walk for 5 minutes, run for 1 minute, etc etc. until you've done 30 minutes. Start increasing.
Cardio can be done without a gym...hell I hated running on a treadmill with a passion. I was much happier outside.
Eventually a gym will be necessary, but again, the cardio is a start.

I agree that you don't need a gym to begin getting in shape. In fact, I'll take it a step further and say that you don't need a gym at all. When I was doing heavy-duty judo competition, I didn't belong to a gym.

I jogged and ran wind-sprints in my neighborhood park, I swam at our swim club's pool, I stretched on the living room floor, and I lifted free weights in my basement. It's all about being motivated and knowing the proper exercises and how to do them correctly. I had a training diary and kept to it religiously.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a gym if that's what you like. Personally, I prefer exercising on my own because-- although there are some serious athletes in there, there are also too many peacocks and gym bunnies in many of those gyms for my taste.

And... if running and lifting aren't your thing.. look into a good martial arts class. You can get all of the cardio, stretching and weight resistance in many of these classes.

BTW.. someone mentioned swimming to lose weight. Although swimming is an excellent exercise, it is not the exercise of choice if losing weight is our primary goal.

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/...h/swimming.htm

For those with back problems or knee problems, brisk walking is an excellent form of exercise. Get a heart monitor with an alarm and calculate your target heart rate. Start slow and stick to it-- rain, shine, sleet or snow! I find keeping an exercise journal keeps me on track.

Another resource is:

www.fitday.com


Its an online journal that tracks your calories and food intake.

I have friends who did cardio kickboxing, and they lost weight pretty fast!

Basically, everything you said here is why most people use a gym - I would infer, then, that unless you have access to these things . . . a gym membership (or acquiring access to these things) is probably necessary.

I agree completely with James and Valkyrie, though - integrating some form of weight/resistance training will dramatically increase your results . . . and even better, if you're starting to get "cubical sickness" or similar, it really helps energy levels and metabolism a lot more than simple cardio routines.

Find something you like, and go nuts - some people like lifting, some like classes, some like competitive judo . . . generally the path can go in almost any direction, it's a matter of putting in the effort and consistency, and enjoying it helps immensely.

High repetition, low weight lifting + running = big time weight loss.

I think low repetition, heavy weight lifting is more effective.

CONDITIONER IS BETTER.

I prefer long walks on the beach, holding hands, watching Grey's Anatomy, reading chick lit, and picking out wedding dresses. Are you the man for me?

Stop looking at me SCHWANN!

Low rep heavy weight is for building large muscle mass and bulking up.

OH MY GOD eHARMONY SAYS IT IS A MATCH MADE IN INTERNET HEAVEN

COMMENCE DOING IT ALL BAD, SLOPPY AND VANILLA-LIKE

Not until you paint your living room.