Need workout tips

I used to be in really good shape... not so much anymore. I'm not quite pathetic, but running for 15 minutes is about where I'm at as of now. I really want to get back into shape, but running just get boring and i can't do it for more than 15 minutes.. well i can, but like i said i get bored.

Anyway, I know that strength workouts are good and supposed to help, but when I do one, like from shape magazine, I end up getting so sore it painful to walk for the next few days, and it makes me not ever want to do them again. Could it be that I just do too much too fast?

This may not be what you're looking for, but I really like Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. There are 3 workouts on the dvd that are 20 minutes long each but they kick your butt. Kind of gives you a variety and a really good workout without feeling half dead the next day. I recommend it. Best of luck!!

Yep! Sounds like too much too fast. I know what it's like, I've been all stoked about doing strength and then I can't walk for like a week. Totally counter-productive. XD

Anyways, I do strength pretty much every second day now with absolutely minimal soreness (and that's only on my abs, which isn't too intrusive). I recommend: 

1) Keeping it short! Cutting down the reps is a really good idea. I have a workout from Women's Health magazine that I do sometimes, but I started at 10 reps and one set, to 10 reps and 2 sets, to eventually 15 reps and 2 or 3 sets instead of initially starting at the recommended 3 sets @ 15 reps. Oh, and this usually isn't as much of a problem for women, but don't feel the need to use like a 20lb weight. Start where you feel comfortable, even if that is just an empty barbell. 

2) Okay, I know this is hard, because it feels good in the moment, but TAKE IT EASY. No pain, no gain is total bs! You can usually tell when you're pushing yourself too hard with weights if you tune in to your body, but like I said, this is kind of an iffy-science, since often you feel like you can do another 5 and it's only the next day when you can't lift your arm that you realize maybe it wasn't such a good idea.  Be especially careful about overworking your legs, because they're the ones who are most bothersome if you strain them.

And finally, just keep at it. If you get a bit sore, wait till the soreness subsides and try again (this time with lighter weights/for less time). (: You'll get there eventually. 

sore muscles : S-T-R-E-T-C-H. Before and after. It'll quicken the recovery period. Some soreness is expected, but if you are in pain, pay attention to it, especially if it is the joints or something other than muscles.

Boredom: maybe find something you really like to do. Not all exercising has to be in the gym. For example, if you volunteer for "habitat for humanity" and paint for one hour, you can burn >300 calories.

oh BTW: I would love to be able to run for 15 minutes straight!

Original Post by pinzywinzy:

sore muscles : S-T-R-E-T-C-H. Before and after. It'll quicken the recovery period.

Can you prove that? Stretching makes you more flexible, that is it. Nothing more and nothing less.

And before? Seriously? Stretching a cold muscle is a B-A-D idea.

Original Post by bmx419:

Original Post by pinzywinzy:

sore muscles : S-T-R-E-T-C-H. Before and after. It'll quicken the recovery period.

Can you prove that? Stretching makes you more flexible, that is it. Nothing more and nothing less.

And before? Seriously? Stretching a cold muscle is a B-A-D idea.

Agreed. Static stretching of cold muscles is definitely not what you want to do. Warming up and doing dynamic stretching or mobility drills, on the other hand, is a good idea.

amethyst: yup see what you mean. ok not before. but after for sure http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_a rticles.asp?id=67

Give your body time to adjust to any new activity. I think a little soreness is normal when you start using muscles that haven't been challenged for a while. Start up slowly and, like amethyst said, warm up every time.

Finding something you like is the best way to ensure you'll continue doing doing it. Maybe running's is not your "thing". Why not try walking?  Many people have improved their fitness by walking.  Once you get comfortable with it you can challenge yourself with hills or speed-walking. 

Thanks everyone for the advise! I'll definitely just have to start out slow and work up to a more advanced workout.