Wow, I needed to get back to this thread...
Well, as an update, I sprained my ankle a week ago and have been out of the gym since then.
I do plan to get back into it shortly, though... maybe starting with rowing (ergometer) since it puts less strain on the ankle.
That said, I am a woman, and no I am not trying to run a marathon or become a love machine.
However, I know that I could stand to lose 5-10 lbs (I am 5'2" and just under 130 lbs, on most days, with a more stocky-than-lean build)... so I guess I am in the lose-weight category. I'm fairly happy with my body as is, though, so my primary motive is just to get in better shape overall... to be healthy, basically.
Here's what I was doing when my ankle was working:
-Walk 20 minutes at a very fast clip uphill to work every morning (5 times a week), and also walk another mile around campus during the day, then walk back home again. I am always sweating by the time I get to work, so I know my heart rate is up there after about 10 mins of the hill.
-Go to the gym 3 times a week and run at 10-11 min mile for 10-15 mins, then get on the erg for 10-15 mins and row in the 2:30-2:40/500m range (about as much as I can do, right now).
-After the gym, walk home very quickly again (15-20 mins) and as soon as I get back, do 100 sit-ups, 20 push-ups, 100 leg lifts on each side, and then stretch it out. (I know this isn't much, but it's where I usually start when I'm really out of shape.)
... where should I go from here?