As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions…or something like that. Don’t let this be the year you let that resolution slide. You can feel stronger, have more energy, etc. and not break the bank. It takes patience, especially in the beginning. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and, of course, always check with your doctor first.
Here are some workouts I have liked over time. Don't try to do more than they say to do, even if they seem slow/easy/not frequent enough at first, there is a method to the madness. They will help you to keep from burning out or hurting yourself. Don’t be a dummy weekend warrior woman. You’re not sixteen anymore.
Ten week running workout
This is a good ramp up for those of you who think you might want to try to incorporate jogging/running into your life. If running bores you, like it does me, then DO NOT do it on a track or treadmill. Hit the road. The change of scenery will help keep you interested. Running's probably the easiest, least expensive way to start moving. No equipment. Just you and good shoes. More clothing if it's cold. You can increase the ease of the workout and stretch it over 20 weeks by doing each week twice, cutting the distance/time in half in the first go around.
Runner's World has good resources for technique too--and yes, it's important to run correctly (even if it feels goofy at first) so you can save your knees, etc. from injury.
Abs and Back 10 Minute Workout
A great ab workout for those with little time. Buy the $2 download and play off your computer. That's what I do. Lots more great workouts available here too.
Muscle Builder Workout
Interested in lifting? I'm still a beginner and still learning, but knowing what not to do is a good start. The key is beginning with low weight and getting technique down so (a) you can concentrate on how it feels to use the muscles you should be using and (b) you can keep from hurting yourself later on with more weight. This site has good resources and links for technique, as well as other workouts—like Lifting During Pregnancy. And, as always, if you can't fit it all in or have no plans of working out every day...start slow, break it up, concentrate on technique and go from there.
Refresh and Renew 10 Minute Yoga
Easy, easy, easy. Trust me. I suck at yoga like nothing else and I love the stretching flow of this workout. It’s easily modifiable for those of us who are not so limber. (Just bend your knees.) Again, buy the $2 download and play it from your laptop.