Working out should be a challenge, but it definitely should not be painful. If you find yourself running straight for the ice packs and aspirin after working out, you are probably doing something wrong. Before you convince yourself you have a wonderful excuse to quit, try evaluating your exercise program.
First, determine if you are exercising at the proper level. A beginner should not try to bench press 300 lbs or run the treadmill at the highest level. Believe it or not, starting off slowly will actually make you stronger faster, as you will avoid injuring your muscles. Also, pain is an excellent deterrent. You should feel invigorated and even a little sore, but ever like a mouse who has hit the wrong feeder bar. If you are working out at a gym, ask a trainer to help you develop a proper exercise program. If you are exercising on your own, there is a myriad of books and resources from which to learn.
First, determine if you are exercising at the proper level. A beginner should not try to bench press 300 lbs or run the treadmill at the highest level. Believe it or not, starting off slowly will actually make you stronger faster, as you will avoid injuring your muscles. Also, pain is an excellent deterrent. You should feel invigorated and even a little sore, but ever like a mouse who has hit the wrong feeder bar. If you are working out at a gym, ask a trainer to help you develop a proper exercise program. If you are exercising on your own, there is a myriad of books and resources from which to learn.
