Worlds Biggest Wimp – burning during workouts (HELP!)

itsbakertime
itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I hate working out. I mean, I REALLY, REALLY, hate working out. I hate it because of the burning sensation I feel during a cardio exercise. For some reason, I cannot do the most basic routines. I have friends who outweigh me by 50lbs or more and they can complete exercises with ease and they just make me look silly. I bought Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred DVD and I could not do it for more than 12 minutes (that’s better than the Insanity video…I couldn’t finish the warm up). I haven't tried it since because I also had AWFUL DOMS and could hardly walk for a week.

Long story short, I am in search of a solution. There has to be a way to overcome this barrier. Are there any tips on how to reduce the burning sensation that you have tried? Is there something that I'm doing to make this worse? I’ve tried different types of exercises as well but I have yet to find any success. I haven’t posted about this until now because most people just tell me I’m lazy and tell me to suck it up. I’m not looking for that kind of feedback, I’m looking for ways to reduce the sensation so I can finally get fit and healthy.

Are there others who suffer from this issue? How do you cope? I’ve always had this problem, even when I was younger , lean, and more active.

Thanks!

Replies

  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    Sounds like you need to slow down. In the immortal words of Smokey "you gotta crawl before you walk". Speaking of which - maybe try starting off by walking several days a week and then work your way up to doing some more intense workouts.

    I don't know what your goals are or anything but doing some strength training will help condition your muscles to not tire as quickly also.
  • hollywoodguy99
    hollywoodguy99 Posts: 25 Member
    This may all seem obvious, but too much too soon.

    Start really really small and work up from there.

    Suggestion, start off doing a short abdominal routine every other day (see 8 minute abs on you tube) for two weeks. Go at your own pace.

    Then add in walking/jogging, use the couch to 5k (c25k) program as a guide. I did not use this, but I jogged 12 minutes away from home and returned, I slowly worked my way up to where I did not have to walk/rest at all and added slightly more distance as necessary to keep my runs to keep it at 24 minutes total.

    After a month of abs and running, try adding pushups and dumbell squats.

    Slow and steady. This is a lifestyle change, a marathon, not a short term sprint , correct?

    My two cents.
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Thank you! I'll try starting with a smaller routine/plan. I wonder though, how little is too little? I have a short term goal of losing 10-15lbs by 11/11 but I'll have to include a pretty regular exercise plan with diet. Other than that, I just want to lose the weight. Some progresses is better than no progress! I am an actress and I want to pursue it as a career. My weight REALLY limits whether I'll be considered or not. I don't need anything holding me back.

    Thanks again for the feedback!
  • SarahAFerguson
    SarahAFerguson Posts: 250 Member
    Do you have difficulty breathing and start wheezing when this burning sensation starts up. I ask because my daughter was recently told she may have exercise induced asthma. If ramping up your workout slowly doesn't help then I would consult your doctor.
  • gemstone29
    gemstone29 Posts: 16
    Thank you! I'll try starting with a smaller routine/plan. I wonder though, how little is too little? I have a short term goal of losing 10-15lbs by 11/11 but I'll have to include a pretty regular exercise plan with diet. Other than that, I just want to lose the weight. Some progresses is better than no progress! I am an actress and I want to pursue it as a career. My weight REALLY limits whether I'll be considered or not. I don't need anything holding me back.

    Thanks again for the feedback!

    As a very general guideline, your workout should challange you without killing you. Jillian's DVD's and Insanity are probably not the best starting point :wink:.
    Maybe try a simple all over body strength routine with some light weights and walking. You could also start with Yoga to bulid up strength without the crazy intensity.
  • enigmachik
    enigmachik Posts: 150
    You asked how little is too little. In my opinion nothing is too little if it is more than you were doing before. If you aren't exercising at all right now, then just a slight increase will help. Then later you slightly increase that slight increase. Then you do a moderate increase. Then a challenging increase. But for now, just do the slight increase, it's better than doing nothing :)
  • trickettmomma
    trickettmomma Posts: 14
    I started with the Extreme Makeover Weight Loss edition"THE WORKOUT" It has 3 low impact workouts to get you started. Im now doing Biggest Loser Cardio Max.. Hoping to build up to Insanity. Definately wouldn't of jumped into Insanity. Start off slow and build up. If 12 mins is all you can do then hey you did 12. Go for 15 tomorrow. I can't do alot at once so I try and workout a couple times a day. It all adds up. I used to run in highschool and want to do a 5K. Honestly I tried today, after workingout for a few months, and I can only run for 3 mins without wanting to die. But it gave me a starting point. I'm going for 5 mins tomorrow.
  • vmekash
    vmekash Posts: 422 Member
    I agree w/ the too-much-too-soon idea. However, I also think your goal is unrealistic. Not crazy/impossible, but just unrealistic for you. You have to be able to push through the burn (which is a good thing, btw), but you do not have to kill yourself during a workout. If you didn't have this immediate goal, I would advise that you start out by walking for exercise. Build on it with either speed or endurance/distance. With your goal, you have not given yourself time to get used to working out regularly.

    I wish you much luck w/ whatever you decide to do. But please, don't over-do it right away, and don't be in a hurry. You're only setting yourself up for giving up.

    :smile:
  • Julicat6
    Julicat6 Posts: 231 Member
    First, I think you need to reassess your goal. Why exactly do you need to lose more than 2 lbs a week immediately? It would be much better to set smaller goals that you can actually obtain, than to set one that may not be possible, setting yourself up to be disappointed and feel bad. I would aim for 5-8lbs in that time frame. If you have a lot of pain doing the more strenuous exercises then you are obviously going to have to start a bit more slowly. I would try a walking or beginner's video at first. If you have Comcast, they have lots of 10 minute videos and they are separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced.
    I'm not going to tell you to suck it up, rather that you are starting out too hard, too fast. You may find that if you do a short easy video 2-3 times a day that in just a week you can increase it to 2 at a time, then increase again. It doesn't take long for your body to respond and keep up. Keep in mind a little sore after is good, real pain is a clue that something is not right. I used to have trouble doing even the shortest video's but now frequently walk 3-4 miles(starting to add jogging) and do an hour of Zumba. I have also done 2 Zumba classes on the same day, but I couldn't have done that even 6 months ago.
    So, just lower your sights a bit, and just get started, this is for life, not necessarily for next month. Good luck
  • cashew1b
    cashew1b Posts: 59 Member
    I love Billy Blanks 8 minute tae bo. By the time I feel like crawling under a rock it is almost over and he's cooling you down. You can find this on YouTube as well. I have noticed that each time I try it gets easier.
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Thanks for the comments. I think that I'm probably pushing too hard too fast based on what I've read here. I may feel silly starting at a low/slow point but I'll eventually make it. My fitness/endurance level is next to none, so I will start with the most basic exercises. I'm good at dancing/sprinting but I can't keep it up for more than a moment.

    As far as my goal/time frame -- I have an audition on 11/11. I frequently don't get considered for roles because I'm not the "cute/attractive ingenue" body type. I have the acting and singing ability to get the roles I'm auditioning for but my looks are holding me back. I have lost some weight already but I've plateaued a bit the past few days. I started with a goal of 20lbs in just over two months and I have lost about 8 I think. I lose weight really fast actually....I just gain it just as quickly.

    After the audition I don't have a deadline. Maybe 30-40 by March? Too ambitious maybe? I think incorporating exercises will help. Other than dance rehearsals (which I don't have very often) I do not exercise except for a once a week hour tap class. I have a desk job so I sit most of the time (and take the stairs when possible).
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Do you have difficulty breathing and start wheezing when this burning sensation starts up. I ask because my daughter was recently told she may have exercise induced asthma. If ramping up your workout slowly doesn't help then I would consult your doctor.
    [/quote

    The burning sensation isn't associated with wheezing. It's my muscles mostly. I do get short of breath but I attribute that to being out of shape. I only have issues if I jog.
  • wordena
    wordena Posts: 177 Member
    Sounds like you need a walking regiment. Maybe make sure there's nothing wrong with you and go see a doctor? Who knows there could be something impeding you. That being said I'd say I'm a fairly fit person and I'm trying to build up the courage to do insanity. Probably too much for you too soon. You can't rush your weight loss. It's not healthy and its not good for your mental state. It creates unhealthy pressure that is not going to help you achive your goal of weight loss. Why not pick a postive goal like building up to a 5K?
  • MissMormie
    MissMormie Posts: 359 Member
    Quite frankly, and take this for what it's worth, you need to suck it the **** up. When you first start out again, completely detrained, it's painful. It hurts like hell. That's how it works. You accept the pain, push through it, tell your body that it's pathetic and unacceptable, and you refuse to let it stay this way. Either that, or pack it up and consign your body to a life of squishiness. Obviously, if you wanted that last one, you wouldn't be here.

    So put quite simply, get your head right and push through. That's how you get through the beginning. After that, it's largely a matter of realizing that the pain is not only bearable, it's becoming enjoyable. The thing I hate the most about my off days is the fact that I am not feeling myself, so to speak. If part of me doesn't hurt, I almost feel like it doesn't exist, or that it's weakening.

    There's a bad advice if you ever saw one, unless you're intentionally trying to get injured. You're muscles aren't strong enough yet, nor are your tendons and basically every other moving part of your body if you're really sedentary. If you go like crazy from the start you will hurt yourself.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    Sounds like you need a walking regiment. Maybe make sure there's nothing wrong with you and go see a doctor? Who knows there could be something impeding you. That being said I'd say I'm a fairly fit person and I'm trying to build up the courage to do insanity. Probably too much for you too soon. You can't rush your weight loss. It's not healthy and its not good for your mental state. It creates unhealthy pressure that is not going to help you achive your goal of weight loss. Why not pick a postive goal like building up to a 5K?

    You probably don't need a whole regiment. You probably don't even need a platoon or a squad. I believe you can do it all on your own.
  • kubyshechka
    kubyshechka Posts: 75 Member
    Try The Biggest Loser videos. They have three levels of twenty minute exercise. The first level is relatively easy and seeing the real people doing the workout might help to stay motivated. Also if you like to dance try Zumba videos. If it gets to much, pause and take a quick break and when you catch your breath just keep going. One thing to motivate you - put the script next to the TV and every time you want to quit - look at it and think if you can go maybe five minutes more.
  • chaNyn613
    chaNyn613 Posts: 112 Member
    Maybe you just haven't found your "thing" yet. Try Zumba and/or lifting weights. I personally have a hard time doing cardio because I get bored very quickly. I get my cardio in by incorporating it into my weight routine. I jump rope in between sets, run one minute on the treadmill, etc. Many of my routines are plyometric in nature thanks to my trainer. I love it. I do HIIT on days I am running short on time, even if its only for 10 min. Can I say I have the endurance of a triathlete- no but I can say I have muscle definition and I look forward to my work outs.
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Thanks again for all of the supportive feedback. Last night I tried the elliptical for 10 minutes and I didn't have an issue. My muscles were challenged but I wasn't defeated by them. I'm going to try uping my time until I reach an hour. After I get that far without feeling like a total wimp, then I'll try the 30 Day Shred or invest in a Biggest Loser DVD to see how I've improved. Is doing this daily asking to much or is every other day okay to start?
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Those both sound pretty good. And I love to dance. I'll have to give Zumba a try! I'll hold off until I build more endurance. I feel so defeated and guilty when I have to turn a short DVD off because I can't complete it.
  • chaNyn613
    chaNyn613 Posts: 112 Member
    Do you feel excited and accomplished when you start the DVD? You have to take the GOOD also :-).

    Why hold off? Just start the video and when you have to stop, you stop. But if the music is good you may find yourself dancing longer than you expected. I would also try a Zumba class. At my Y, the music is loud and the lights are low so no one knows when I'm off beat and when I need to take a "bathroom" break to catch my breath I take it- no guilt involved. I would stay away from classes that are slammed. Chances are the participants know the routines, the instructors, and the music and if you are just starting out you might become frustrated.

    Remember this about YOU! It is your journey and no one else's.
  • itsbakertime
    itsbakertime Posts: 85 Member
    Do you feel excited and accomplished when you start the DVD? You have to take the GOOD also :-).

    Why hold off? Just start the video and when you have to stop, you stop. But if the music is good you may find yourself dancing longer than you expected. I would also try a Zumba class. At my Y, the music is loud and the lights are low so no one knows when I'm off beat and when I need to take a "bathroom" break to catch my breath I take it- no guilt involved. I would stay away from classes that are slammed. Chances are the participants know the routines, the instructors, and the music and if you are just starting out you might become frustrated.

    Remember this about YOU! It is your journey and no one else's.

    You make a very valid point! I need to stop feeling guilty or ashamed because I can't finish right away. I need to get a good Zumba DVD!
  • purduegurl18
    purduegurl18 Posts: 17
    You make a very valid point! I need to stop feeling guilty or ashamed because I can't finish right away. I need to get a good Zumba DVD!

    I have a 12 minute cardio DVD I like. It's short, but its about all I can do right now so at least it's something. Also, they have a Zumba game for the game systems if you have one of those around somewhere. I just got it as another thing to try. Machines are not my friend so I'm opting for these methods right now.

    I would agree with what a lot of people said. Slow down and build up. I've done the exact same thing you did and about died. Slowing down really helped me out.
  • KrazyAsianNic
    KrazyAsianNic Posts: 1,227 Member
    I agree with everyone who says to slow down and take it easier in the beginning. We all need to start somewhere, Rome wasn't built in a day.

    I am not quite sure the "burning" feeling your feeling, but I know I get wiped out REALLY fast. By trying my hardest to do it at my pace has helped get me through things. When you feel too comfortable, push a little harder.
  • Julicat6
    Julicat6 Posts: 231 Member
    Zumba is great, if you can do an hour long tap class, you can do a Zumba class. Most moves can be modified for beginners, if you go to a class and don't like it try different instructors. I hated my first Zumba class, I couldn't follow the moves, but I tried again with a different instructor and love it. I promise no one is looking at you, they will be looking at the instructor to learn the moves too.
  • Marc713
    Marc713 Posts: 328 Member
    Just go for a walk. You will be burning calories and working on your cardio. See if you can walk for 20-30 minutes at what ever pace is comfortable. Slowly speed up the walks as you get used it them.

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