We are always in such a rush in this society. We are also in such a rush to loose weight. Here's a great thing I want to share:

It's OKAY to take your exercise program and weight loss at a slow pace. Take every workout at your own pace so it is an enjoyable workout, one that you will want to do everyday because it just makes you feel great! Of course, I'm not saying that the workout shouldn't involve any effort. Your heart rate should increase, you should sweat, breathe heavier and when weight training, you should feel like you are working at it.
But you DO NOT have to kill yourself, no pain no gain, that kind of thing. You DO NOT have to be extremely sore to have muscle gain either (however, when starting a program you will often feel varying degrees of soreness at the onset of the program that should subside after you acclimate to the program). Everyone reaches their own plateau, whether they get there fast or slow, it doesn't matter, we still get there. Why rush?

It's awesome to feel great after a workout, you should feel good, not worn out. Exercise program adherance depends on consistency. If your program is great for you and you are seeing muscle gains and weight loss over time, stick with it, your on the right track!

Great advice...It's along the same lines as keep in mind, you did not put weight on over-night....don't expect it to come off over night!

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain

Yeah, I think people need to hear it sometimes. I know it took pregnancy to slow me down (I kept having an injury I would aggrevate by overtraining) and make me rethink the "my workouts have to be hardcore or they don't count" mentality.

It's frustrating that I have some friends that are caught in this cycle and aren't getting what they want quick enough. Meanwhile I am like, hello, you lost 2 pants sizes, you look great, Pat yourself on the back!!! Your doing great, don't get frustrated and give up because it's not quick enough.

I applaud everyone on this forum who is doing well at getting into shape, loosing weight and even those who are not doing well. Just keep focused and you will do well, you just have to find what works for you in a healthy, safe manner. Hmmm, I'm very inspired by people today

I am dimented!! I love the no pain no gain! I feel like I have accomplished something the day before and I feel like I challenged myself. When I wake up sore, I smile to myself (in between moans and groans) because it's a constant reminder that I did something good! I know...I'm dimented!

Lol, I understand. It feels good for some but for many it's just too much work. I'm working on getting my masters in Exercise Science so I really have been focused on this. If you know yourself and that is the thrill for you then "Rock On!".

But I'll be the first to admit that I hate long hard workouts and if the program is too difficult I will give up. That's the problem with the majority of folks out there. Time and effort are too demanding to maintain an exercise routine. Especially for those who never developed a fitness lifestyle which is the majority of our country. After all, if we had, obesity wouldn't be such an issue in this day and age.

YOu need the good sore as I call it, the sore that feels like you pushed yourself a little bit, you dont need the sore that makes you hobble and knock back Tylenols!

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We buy things we dont need,
with money we dont have,
in order to impress people
we dont like?
(Ramsey, D)

Sure, very mild sore is great. You still experience muscle gains with minimal soreness. I typically have extremely mild soreness to none and have increased my muscle. It just takes more time.

I'm not saying you can't be sore, BTW. If you like to train at a higher level, and enjoy the pain, that's fine. Lol, it's just not for me!

Good advice! I am always wanting to lose lose lose really fast but do noting about it. I don't mean workout none stop all of the time but something inside of me says why can't I just focus and get it off! But like 2bearsmom said you didn't gain the weight overnight and you are not going to lose it overnight. After starting and stopping this process so many times I am sooo ready to start it and stay with it!

That is why this board helps me so much in understanding and motivating others to do the same.

Thanks so much Apollos mom! And if you have anymore tips and advice I know they would be greatly appreciated. At least I would appreciate them!!

By the way I love the name Apollo. I have a cousin whos name is Apollo and I think that it is so unique

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~SONJA~

I think if you focus on LONG term wellness you will see that the short term gains come so easily!

It's so important to think about how exciting it is to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. You have made a decision to be a better self. That is so huge in the grand scheme of things. NOW the hardest part is realizing it's a process and will NOT happen over night. It's mind over matter baby!!