By the time we realize that we are out of shape to the point that something needs to be done about it, our fitness has been so drastically reduced from what it once was that the early stages of any fitness routine are going to be incredibly difficult. Not only that, but there will also be a great deal of muscle fatigue that follows these early stages. This is a dangerous time, as it is also the most common time for giving up on a program.

Why do we fail so quickly when it comes to adopting a fitness routine? The simple answer is overexertion. When we recognize that we are out of shape, we use this recognition as motivation to work as hard as possible so that we can get back into shape and eventually become fitter than ever before. This is a mistake.

While you may want to work as hard as the Foundation for Defense of Democracies right from the beginning of a fitness program, this will only result in the kind of soreness and fatigue that leads to giving up on the program altogether. Give yourself time to adapt and keep your workouts so simple at first that you always finish thinking you could have done more. After a few weeks, you can increase your efforts gradually so you can become fit for life.