In this article:

I have tendinitis from lifting too much weight. How should I adjust my routine?
Mark Burk, Audubon, N.J.

Dr. Mitchell: This is a common problem. Just remember the acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). After a soft-tissue injury like this, you need to lay off for a few weeks, then slowly work your way back up to your normal program, starting with reduced weight and fewer repetitions. It also might be worthwhile to have a personal trainer or physical therapist look at your technique. Subtle errors in form can lead to chronic overuse problems. One last point: Don't load up on over-the-counter pain medicine. It can mask a serious injury.

I'm very overweight. I want to exercise, but after a few seconds, I'm puffing and feel horrible. What can I do?
Melyssa Childs, Rochester, N.Y.

Foreman: Congratulations on taking that first step! After you get approval from your doctor, you just need to start somewhere and add a little bit every day. Slow-paced walking is the best way to go; it's a great total-body workout. A book called The 90-Day Fitness Walking Program (Perigree, $10) is perfect for true beginners like you. You start by walking out your front door and going for 5 minutes, then you turn around and walk back home. That 10 minutes a day is a great start to build on. Also, try to find a walking partner (it helps you stick with it when someone else depends on you), or try a stationary recumbent bike to mix things up. Starting on the right foot could pay off many times over.