Starting slow, but really cranking it up.

I haven't exercised regularly in years, so I'm starting out by just walking and doing some band exercises. Trying to get up to 4 miles a day (up to the grocery store and back) 5 days a week. Right now I'm just barely up to 2, in fact, only did 1.5 today because I started late and it got hot. Oh--I'm in FL. It's really hard to walk in the summer, because I have Lupus, so can't be out in the heat. I get out as early as I can, but still sometimes can only do 2 miles. I'm planning on buying a bicycle to make it easier.

I mainly want to tone up. If I could lose 2 inches off my belly, I could go down a size immediately, because my arms and legs are skinny, it's just my belly and butt that are big. I look like an M&M!

Any suggestions?

Heya I would look at the diet in the main. The simplest thing to do is to replace all carbohydrates with cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, Brussles sprouts, broccoli, etc.

Here is a post I wrote with some guidelines in that regard:
http://www.tsmethod.com/blog/easy-diet-plans/

Good Luck!

Mark

Brisk walking is one of the few forms of excersize requiring that you use every muscle. (roller blading, ice skating, cross country skiing, roller skating, and swimming are the others) It also helps with your circulatory (heart) system and breathing.
Four miles of brisk walking might be a bit ambitious -- how about if you got a couple of 2 pound dumb bells so that you could brisk walk for 1.5 -2.0 miles and give your upper body a work out at the same time? (I think you'll be surprised at the effect it will have on your abdomen!!) Maybe after a couple of weeks add some ankle weights to work out your legs on your trek?
Biking is good -- but it's all lower body work. When you get your bike you could alternate the 2 mile walk with a 4 mile bike ride. Variety is good and will help keep you motivated!

PS If your bum is bumming you out you might want to avoid the stair-master.

I can't eat cruciferous vegetables because they are groitrogenic. Thanks anyway, though.

Thanks for the tips. I'm way far from 4 miles, and I wouldn't be doing it all in one stretch. I was going to walk to the grocery store at a brisk pace, do my shopping, then walk back at a moderate pace.

I have 3 lb. weights and ankle weights, but I have back and knee problems, so I was told not to walk in ankle weights.

I won't be using a stair master because of arthritis in my knees. Honestly, I can't do a lot of exercises. Walking and biking is about it. No trampoline, no jogging, nothing that bothers my joints. I can swim, but can't afford a Y membership right now. Honeatly, it's just me, my body weight, a couple of exercise bands and a pair of 3 lb. and 5 lb. dumbbells.

I have never worked out but am finally trying to change my lifestyle. I am eating better and have started walking regularly, about 10 miles a week. I would like to incorporated some strength training into my routine but have to experience and am unsure where to begin. I would appreciate any advice.