Exercise DEFINITELY helps with weight loss, from the view if you have a lot to lose, losing weight could make you "squishy", but replace that with muscle definition from working out, and you stay nice and neat

No matter how much you have to lose, working out is a great addition and something that should be a lifestyle change, and you will be more energetic, sleep better, be in a much better mood, live longer and the list goes on and on!

You sound like you're doing it right, building up slowly, and feel free to mix it up, using the different cardio machines, circuit training. Despite "reports" to the contrary, exercise is great for you, you don't have to kill yourself working out to see benefits. Though Atkins doesn't really get into the exercise issue in his book, I believe that it's because that's not his specialty, the low-carb way of eating was his specialty. Exercise is great for everyone!

Keep up the great work!

LL