A word of advice for beginners just starting to workout

Since its a New Year and I know there are many of you that are getting back into the gym and an excercise routine, I just wanted to offer some experience.

Please don't do too much too soon. Lately, I discovered I could run faster than I had previously thought. As a result ALL of my training runs for at a fast pace. I did way to much too soon and ended up developing runner's knee. I just ran for the first time yesterday after days off. So please give your body time to adjust if you're just starting out.

Also, if you are injured, please take time off!!! I've made this mistake more than once (because I'm addicted to running). I ended up having to take even more time off than I thought. So if you are injured or feel a slight pain taht could be an injury- RICE!!!!

Just wanted to share so no one makes the same mistakes I did.

Re: A word of advice for beginners just starting to workout

It's so true. A lot of people do way too much and I feel they either 1) get hurt or 2) can't keep up with the intensity and then quit.

Those starting off remember you are not going to lose all of the weight in one day. It didn't all come on in a day and it's not all coming off in a day. Take it slow and build up speed, endurance, stamina and strength. When I started doing cardio again back in April it took me 25 minutes to do 2 miles on the elliptical and I was ready to die. Now I do a mile in 8 minutes and I do anywhere from 6-8 miles 2 times a week and 3 miles 3 times a week. Be patient with your exercise program and you will get the results you want.

To the OP, glad you are on the mend!! Good luck getting back into the routine!

Re: A word of advice for beginners just starting to workout

Good advice! I've done this many times, tried to get back too fast. There's no need to overtrain or run 40 miles a week, unless you're training for a full marathon and are experienced seeking a specific goal. I know I've said this multiple times on here, but I have found that I do better when I get in the necessary mileage, mix up the types of running (speed, easy, long, etc) and workouts, but not overdo it. My race times are actually better when I don't go overboard.

Re: A word of advice for beginners just starting to workout

This is great. I'm not a runner, but I have days in my hot yoga classes where I feel like I want to die, and then feel bad about it.....like this shouldn't be happening after going for almost a year.

But if I had a stressful day, didn't get enough sleep, am not hydrated enough or depending on what I ate could affect me.

I also am finally getting the breathing thing down too, which can make or break a yoga class IMO.