Exercise, what do you recommend?

Saw my surgeon today and got the go ahead to start exercising!  He actually told me to "go as hard as you can handle", lol.
So, I am curious what you all recommend.  I'm already walking and not ready yet to pick that up to as jog...  Joining a gym right now is not an option as I lost my job one week prior to my surgery (suspiciously). 
I was wondering about DVD's you all have tried or other things that may be a good option.   I have wii and I know some people who do a Zumba on that, anyone have any experience with that?  Any recommendations will be much appreciated!!

Thanks!

Try some stuff out on YouTube first.

One thing I do is type in zumba followed by the name of a song or artist. (I like Shakira or Black Eyed Peas because you need up beat music). Lots of people have posted them leading a zumba lesson so it's just like following along with the instructor. I watch the youtube videos on my tv, in full screen and you can set up a playlist so it's just like buying a dvd. You might have to surf through a few though to find ones with the best quality and interesting, challenging moves. 

Another thing you can youtube is Just Dance (there is 1, 2, and 3) Just Dance (a game for Wii) puts out youtube ads of the songs available on each edition so you can usually find 3 or 4 from each game and try them out. Again, like the zumba, some people have up loaded their own videos of them playing the game and you can follow along, only difference is you don't have to hold the control (and you always get the same score as the poster funny enough  LOL I usually pick the top scores to boost my mood while working out!). You can also youtube for the game dance central for xbox kinnect. In these instances I do prefer buying the game because I do like the feedback of knowing I'm doing they activity right and having a larger song selection but this is a good way to try it out. 

I also recently found this video on youtube which has some good ideas for things you can do at home with things you already have around the house. 

I know for me, I don't get motivated enough at home to work out enough so I do go to the gym but it's a personal preference. Plus I find that the Wii games are too much of a game for me and I don't feel like I've really worked out, so they are more of an 'on top of' type thing. It's a personal preference, hope these help.

Edited for spelling...

 Thanks for the great ideas Katie. I never thought of things like that on you tube. You're awesome.
Again Thank you and Merry Christmas

Heidi

 No problem! I'm glad it was helpful and Merry Christmas too you and yours as well!  

If you have a Wii, Bob Harper has a couple of great workout games. The newest one is called Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation. It's pretty good.

I love Bob!!

 Doesn't matter what you do - just do something that you enjoy. You won't stick with it if you don't enjoy. Also, my humble opinion, change it up so it doesn't get boring. You should (in an ideal world of course) mix it up so you do an aerobic activity regularly and also do some strength building. Zumba and the like are great for aerobic activity but you also want/need to build some muscle as muscle at rest burns more calories than fat, etc.

Pick up some basic hand weights (or use soup cans to start) at Wal-Mart or Play it Again Sports (do it now rather than Jan 1st when everyone starts their New Year's Resolutions). 2lb, 5lb, 7lb and 10lb (or 2 & 5 to start!). 30 min every day or two is a great place to start. Did a quick Google and this was a pretty good guideline with some great starter exercises, etc.

http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwFit03StrengthTraining.html

Have fun!

I love, love, love Jillian Michaels' 30-day Shred.  I've been using it for a month and seeing results already.  It's a circuit-training video (you can find it on Amazon for $10) and takes about 27 mins from start to finish.  There are 3 levels and within each level she shows modifications if you can't do the high-intensity stuff right away.  I'm still on level one and still do one modification (can't do the 'real' pushups to save my life!!).
Anyway, I love it because it's easy to fit into my day and the time goes by so fast, I'm always surprised when it's over.  And it is a total workout...abs, strength & cardo.
I walk a lot too but since I hate the cold weather, I knew I'd need something I would want to do indoors. 
I also have a Wii and Wii Fit Plus; it's fun but not as motivating as the video.  However, I often play Just Dance with my kids - and that's a workout for sure!
Good luck!

I recommend buying a couple free weights (5 or 8 lbs). They aren't especially expensive. You can then get on iTunes and find free Podcasts that show different muscle groups and give you some exercises to tone them. I would keep walking for a while and when it warms up or when there isn't any snow then I would bike (if you have one).

If you're interested in taking classes or buying DVDs then I recommend pilates!!!! So good for toning and can be done every day. They have these on iTunes too in tv shows and short things in Podcast form. They have lots of other workouts on there too.