Are some workouts just not for everyone?

g33kmommy
g33kmommy Posts: 104 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all :)

First of all I am pretty new to the community. I'm 26 and a mother of two, and I'm trying to get back down to my pre-baby body size which is a grand total of 60lbs less than what I weigh now. I don't know if it helps, but right now I'm at 206lbs and I'm 5"6.

A few of my friends that inspired me to really get started are doing the 30-Day Shred by Jillian Michaels so I thought I would give it a shot. After every work out my chest is burning so bad I can't hardly breath, and I get extremely sick to my stomach.

I've kept with it for a few days, monitoring what I eat and making sure I have water and such available before / after I exercise and I just can't get through it without feeling borderline faint or like I need to puke. ( Now, this includes the fact that I have to stop for 10-15 seconds at a time and catch my breath now and then, so I haven't really "completed" the whole exercise yet )

Is this how hard exercise is supposed to be?

Instead of doing that I've started walking at a pace just below a jog around my apartment complex several times a day with a pedometer (about 4 miles) and then I spent about 40m on my exercise bike.

I guess I feel defeated because I can't do a full circuit workout without feeling like I'm going to die, and I'm afraid what I am doing won't help me.

Any advice?

Replies

  • stork32
    stork32 Posts: 36
    Exercise will be that hard especially if a person hasn't been working out and starts a new program.

    I have a huge problem with diving in way too hard and then getting burnt out or injured. Make sure you're not taking it easy but you're not killing yourself over this exercise. It WILL get easier.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Well, I would suggest slowing down and working at your own pace for starters.

    A new program can kick your butt sometimes, especially if you aren't used to physical exertion. But exercise does make it harder to breathe, it can make your muscles "burn". If you're doing too much, it can make you sick to your stomach or feel dizzy.

    Just keep trying and slowing working your way up to doing the full video.


    And just throwing this out there for a little laugh:

    tumblr_m6jy35MMvX1rsrurxo1_400.jpg
  • KiltFuPanda
    KiltFuPanda Posts: 574 Member
    This reminds me of when I started martial arts. My first day was a disaster - the class is an hour long and I lasted 20 minutes. I got dizzy and had to sit down, and the sifu's wife brought me a lollipop to get my blood sugar back up. I was never so embarrassed. But for some reason I came back. And kept coming back. For the first 3-4 months I would get spells where I would have to step back for a few minutes and catch my breath, but once I felt well enough, back into the fray I would go.
    The spells became less and less frequent, and I saw great changes in how hard I could push myself before hitting the wall.

    I don't go anymore (the school closed... boo!) - but when it did, I was one of the senior students and an assistant instructor.

    Exercise is as hard as you want to make it, but the harder it is (within reason - no injuries), the more your body will adapt and get better. Push your limits. Keep at it. If you have to rest, then rest. But as soon as you're ready, jump back in! As Nietzche said, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." You'll keep coming back tougher and tougher, until you're a workout machine!
  • craigmandu
    craigmandu Posts: 976 Member
    The best exercise program is one you will do. If you honestly don't think you will continue with that program, do some searching for or try a different program.

    My best guess is your body is a bit shocked at the exercise, and will take some time to adjust.
  • redhead1910
    redhead1910 Posts: 304 Member
    If you are particularly out of shape you need to gradually build up to high intensity work outs.

    I started running last year and I could barely even run for 30 seconds at a time without being totally winded.
    This year I completed a half marathon in 3 hours and didn't have to stop once.

    Don't give up! Keep at it and you will get there.
  • GRUNO
    GRUNO Posts: 98
    I've been exercising consistently for over a year and I still find 30 Day Shred challenging. I think your walking/exercising bike combo is a great way to ease into a regular exercise routine. Once you feel like you have more stamina, try the video again. I think you'll be surprised how much better you can do. Good luck!
  • g33kmommy
    g33kmommy Posts: 104 Member
    Thanks everyone for the replies. :)

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