Set realistic goals: Don’t try to change too much too soon.
Typical first few weeks in January at the gym. There are more people working hard to lose the ten pounds they put on over the holidays. Most will quit within a few weeks. If they slowed down and worked consistently they’d achieve their goals. There was this one guy sitting on a bench near the machine I was using. He is about 30 pounds overweight. His face was bright red. I was afraid he was going to have a stroke or heart attack. Eventually, his face and balding head turned pink, that’s progress. He went to the machine next to me. He chose to lift a heavy weight. I was impressed. He managed to lift it, but could only do a couple of reps before he quit. He was bright red again. Maybe he was trying to impress the ladies, I don’t know. I do know if he lifted a much lighter weight and did more reps he’d burn more calories and make more progress toward the heavier weights he wants to lift. I’ve been exercising most of my life. I’ve learned taking it small and slow prevents injuries and if I am consistent in my exercise, I’ll achieve my goals. If you’ve made exercise a goal this year, don’t quit. Don’t get discouraged. We will hit plateaus but work through them. Stay at it.