Thanks for the info, Major Nikon.
I'm a really big guy, 5'10" and 348 pounds as of yesterday, but it looks like I'm in pretty good shape for a guy my size. I don't have any weight related ailments. I don't need or take any medications aside from the stuff for my bipolar disorder. I have blood work done every 6 months, most recently in August, so I know I'm alright right now.
My resting heart rate is not much lower than 89 beats per minute, so I'm sure that just by getting out and walking I'm getting into that cardio zone you were talking about. I've just been doing that for a week but I can already tell a big difference. I started out walking 1 mile a day with a few gradual grades on the route. I really had to push myself to do that and I was worn out when I got done. However, I walked 2.5 miles today and I felt really good. I feel like I could do some more yet this evening.
I also have a partner to help me- my wife. She wants to get healthier as well and she's been walking with me. We are going to the grocery store tomorrow together and we will be picking up a lot more fruits and vegetables.
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