Pre-pregnancy workout (with lower back problems) -- help?

My history: I work at a desk, and I get very little activity everyday. I'm short and dumpy -- 5' 2" and 160 lbs -- but still very cute. = P I have had very good though short lived results doing a mix of weights and cardio at the gym -- lost up to 25 lbs twice with in months, only to be gained back within the year.

My future : I am planning to have a baby, but want to make sure I am physically ready. I am considering purchasing:

a cheap treadmill which I can use for about 10-15 minutes 2-3 times day; and

a stability ball so I can begin a low impact ab workout to get rid of a few unslightly pounds that are showing up.

Does this sound reasonable? Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on where I can look for this type of information before I make my purchase?

Thanks all - your assistance is much needed!! C.

If you are just trying to get more physically fit, your plan is fine. I started going to the gym just to get in shape, not trying to lose weight, and my trainer suggested 30 minutes of Cardio 5 days a week, and some stability ball exercises. She had told me thats about all you need to build up stamina and become "healthier". Oh, and set up a balanced diet and stick to it. Good luck.

PS. I lost a couple pounds following that routine, its not a dramatic weight loss routine, its more for getting healthy.

I was flipping through the pages and seen no one has answered your question yet. I'm here to help.

I've heard mixed views about how running outside is better for you then running on a treadmill. Not sure why, but the treadmill is fine. However, you're going to want to jog/run on it more than that. I suggest 40 minutes (I know it sound like a lot but you want to lose some pounds, right?) 6 or maybe even 7 days per week.

The stability ball ab workout sounds good. Do this every other day for maybe 30+ minutes (15-20 sets of as many situps that you can do with 2 minutes rest in between) and that should help slightly with your ab fat.

I'm not sure where you can buy these things (treadmill, stability ball). Search on google and your bound to find something. To save money, skip the treadmill and go outside and run/jog for 40 minutes. I don't see anything wrong with that and you'll save a bit of money to boot.

This isn't it, though. You're going to need to eat right and limit your saturated fat, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol intake. Try about a 1500 calorie diet and take a multivitamin tablet daily to ensure your getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Always look at nutritional facts labels too see how foods compare.

Good luck and e-mail me with questions.