Why do some people give up before they even start?

Why do some people stop exercising before they start? This is a question that has been on my mind for some time. It’s common for some people to enthusiastically commit to getting fit, but after a few weeks they give up and go back to their old lifestyle. Why is this so? In this article, I’ll discuss some of the possible reasons why people stop exercising. I will also offer suggestions to those who have suddenly interrupted their exercise regimen.

Commitment

Many people fail to fully commit to exercise. They see other people going to the gym, jogging, biking, etc. and I think it would be great to get in shape, but I don’t consider what it takes to get started. Being physically active takes work. It’s as simple as that. You have to do physical work to make your body stronger and healthier. This means that you will need to establish a regular time to participate in physical activity. You’ll need to set aside time for that half-hour walk, get your bike out for a bike ride to the park, work out at the gym, etc. You’ll have to put off watching that sitcom on TV or taking a nap on the couch. If you are a person who has become comfortable with your old routine, developing a new habit can be difficult, but it starts in the mind. You have to make a conscious decision to do something different. And then do that activity over and over again. Eventually, and this only happens if your mind is really involved, you will come to accept this new routine without giving it much thought. In other words, you will have undergone a lifestyle change and exercise will become part of your identity.

Bread

We have evolved to seek what gives us pleasure and avoid what causes us pain. Exercise is no different. If a person has just started an exercise program after a long break, the first workout is often the hardest. You will work muscles that are not used to the type of physical effort to which you are subjecting them. So by the time you’re done with your workout, you’re likely going to be very sore. Most people are not ready for this and quickly stop exercising. This pain is quite normal and even has a scientific name: delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). You can minimize pain by stretching or warming up before exercising (1). If you feel sore after a hard workout, take a warm shower. The warm water will soothe muscles that have become tight as a result of the physical stress placed on them. Also, allow those sore muscles to heal; The next time you go to the gym (hopefully the day after your first workout) work different muscle groups. For example, if you worked on the leg press machine today, work your back and shoulders tomorrow. Then the next day, instead of legs, back and shoulders, work on the abdominal muscles. By performing your exercises this way, you allow your muscles to rest and strengthen while at the same time maintaining physical activity by working different muscle groups. On the other hand, if you feel sharp or intense pain, it is most likely an injury. In this case, stop what you are doing and seek medical attention. Always remember to use common sense when you are exercising.

do too much too soon

Some novices tend to lift more weight than their body is ready for. This can lead to injury and embarrassment. The key is to start with light weights and increase the amount in regular increments (5-10 pound gain per week is recommended), thereby building strength and familiarity with the exercise. If you’re new to exercise and training at a gym or fitness center, staff are available to help you with proper form and technique. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. Even those of us who train heavy weights (lifting amounts of 100+ pounds or more than our body weight) ask for help. I know this firsthand because when performing some incredibly demanding strength exercises, I asked for places and found others. There is no point in showing off and risking serious injury, follow the motto “safety before vanity” and enjoy your workout.

unrealistic expectations

It’s important to set exercise goals, but make sure they’re realistic. Some people mistakenly believe that all they have to do is join a gym, work out for a week or two, and magically have the body of a professional athlete or fitness model. Sounds good, right? But there’s a big problem with this line of thinking: it’s unrealistic. The truth of the matter is that strong, toned and fit bodies are not made overnight. It takes effort, dedication, hard work, time, and patience to achieve lasting results. In other words, it means you have to exercise for the rest of your life. There is nothing wrong with wanting a well-sculpted body, in fact, this is a great long-term goal. However, in the meantime, take gradual steps to achieve what you want. Each person responds differently to exercise, some people develop faster than others. Don’t rush it, take the time to learn the intricacies of good form and proper training and if applied correctly you are more likely to see pronounced results in two to three months.

Reference

1. Delayed-onset muscle pain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_onset_muscle_soreness

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