Most people think that a weight loss program must include long hours at the gym every week. I thought so for a long time, and it actually deterred me from starting a weight loss program, until I read this article, The Myth of Exercise: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1914857,00.html and reflected on my own recent weight loss. At the beginning of starting my program I decided I would go to the gym at least three times a week. That didn't last very long and now really I don't know the last time I've been to the gym, but I'm still losing weight. What I have been doing is walking or biking around my neighborhood a few times a week (for about 30 min.) and doing some hikes and walking to and from the bus stop a few times a week. Nothing super strenuous, just trying to stay active and it's worked!
The article I refrenced above cites a recent study that found while vigorous daily excercise (like at the gym) is good for cardiovascular health, it doesn't necessarily help in weight loss. And not for the reason you might think. Yes it does burn calories, but the study found the people who worked out tended to eat more calories after working out than they burned off because they were hungrier and that they were more sedentary throughout the day to conserve energy for their workout. Interesting...
Anyway, what I want to get across is that activity is good and contributes to weight loss, but you don't have to kill yourself at the gym to get it! I think that is heartening news, Good luck!
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