(I can't believe I'm in the exercise forum! I'm actually nervous and my hands are getting clammy at the thought of it. )

I am completely and utterly out of shape. My life is as sedentary as it can be. But now that I've lost over 75 pounds I do have more mobility than before and I want to change.

Would walking be enough to get started? I think Bob Arnot says you need a higher intensity workout to have any effect. Walking would be the easiest though.

I saw the sticky on getting started and it seems to focus on joining a gym. I am a graduate student at a large university and I know that I can use the gym but then I wouldn't have the advantage of a trainer. And I have no idea how to use any of those machines. Maybe I could hire a student cheap? Advertise in the student newspaper for someone? What would I ask them to do? How would I know if they're competent?

Any advice at all will be appreciated.

Allison