Lame Excuses: It's too hard

Barbara has just had her first session with her Personal Trainer.  After one session, Barbara decides training isn't for her.  She doesn't feel that this is a good use of time and money.  Besides she can do it on her own.  All you need to do is eat less and move more.  

Barbara:  After yesterday I was so sore and tired, I know it's no pain and no gain but that was ridiculous.  It was just too hard and I'm sure you tore every muscle in my body. Isn't there some kind of pill that I can take to lose weight?

Answer:  Barbara, you are going to have to be patient with yourself. This was your first day of a structured exercise program.    In order for you to hit your goals, you are going to have to get out of your comfort zone and not just go through the motions.

After your first few workouts expect to be sore.  You are awakening muscles that have not been activated in years.  Your muscles are being torn down during the workout and they are recovering to become stronger.  This is what we call conditioning. After about 2-3 weeks of consistent exercise, you will notice less soreness because your body is recovering faster.   Faster recovery is one of the signs that you're progressing and getting into better shape. 

Next Get No Pain, No Gain out of your head. That's an antiquated mentality. Most likely the people who said that are sitting at home with multiple injuries.  If you're training for general fitness/weight loss and you're still very sore after every workout, then your conditioning is not improving.  This could be due to lack of consistent workouts or your workout is just too intense. Inappropriate intensity levels will lead to injuries and then you will quit.  Lack of consistency leads to poor results.

Lastly, I want you to be able to distinguish between PAIN and BEING UNCOMFORTABLE.  If something is painful then we will stop.  You will be uncomfortable during the workout because  our goal is to keep progressing and moving forward.   You cannot do that by cruising through your workouts.  If the soreness turns into full fledged pain or doesn't subside after a week, then I will ask you to see your doctor.

Be patient and expect the first 4-6 weeks to be the toughest as you awaken your body.  Persevere through the process and don't give up!

Tomorrow:  Prepare food and exercise?  Ain't nobody got time for that!