OMG, I can't believe how weak I am at exercising! Help

[{JoeCool}]

After being lazy for so long, I've attempted to exercise today which was such a sorry attempt. My issue is I'm fairly weak & fragile. I get tired easily & I just don't seem to have a lot of energy. I tried lifting some 25 lb dumbbells which I'm embarrassed to say but it was very heavy for me. I'm a very skinny guy, about 6'1 weighing 145 lb.I have arms of sticks and a very scrawny body, almost like a skinny scarecrow. I got into a good workout doing pushups and situps but within the next 15 minutes, as soon as I started to feel some soreness I gave up and called it quits. It's like I just don't have the stamina to be a man and take the pain which I'm going to need to gain some muscle mass. Now I feel a little disoriented and I'm sure it's from the exercising because I didn't start feeling like that after I did it. I also pulled something in my back because I'm having back pains... I feel so much like crap now. Any advice on exercises and ways to pick up some energy?

[Scorpion Fury]

Complex carbs and protein. If 25 pounds is heavy, try 15. Slowly work your way up.

[waveseer]

Drink lots of water and be patient but consistent with the exercise. How long did it take you to get out of shape? Well, I promise it won't take as long to get back into shape.

[icemotoboy]

Your first problem, is that you are clearly not enjoying the activity. Anyone who tells you that "pain is gain" is really missing the point. Exercise should be a positive experience, and if it is not, you need to change what you are doing.

As the above poster mentioned, modify the diet first. If you are getting tired, then it is probably an energy supply issue. Lots of peanuts, nut bars, fruit, anything like that will help you maintain energy levels.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" - Albert Einstein

TRY NEW EXERCISES! Don't just adjust the weights, you're obviously worried that you don't seem "man" enough doing small weights. There are many sports that help build some muscle mass, and don't require concentrated muscle energy. Use these to build up your bodies tolerance for weight routines.

Does your gym offer classes? Start with pilates, it builds muscle tone and help's the body build exercise strength. You're muscles aren't used to doing much work, start with some natural exercises first before you get into intense muscle building.

[Creative]

Originally Posted by icemotoboy

TRY NEW EXERCISES!

I would give the same advice. I'm not a gym person. I don't see the point lifting weight because it's not challenging my skill / balance. Sports that takes mind off "exercise" is the sports I'd go into. I never understand going to gym to the full extent because it's obviously not using your entire body's muscles.

[{JoeCool}]

Originally Posted by ready2heal

Drink lots of water and be patient but consistent with the exercise. How long did it take you to get out of shape? Well, I promise it won't take as long to get back into shape.

I did have a steady exercise routine going earlier this year but I quickly stopped exercising shortly. People stated that around the time I was exercising, they saw some mass & muscle building up. Soon as I stopped, I went right back down to where I started. So I have to be patient like you said.. I need to get some rest and take it more water as well.. I will follow this advice.

[COtuner]

I agree with icemoto - Pilates is a terrific way to help your body gain the building blocks for more advanced work. Right now you are running the risk of tearing muscles and developing tendonitis by charging in and just randomly selecting weights and exercises.

If you won't try Pilates, pay for an hour with a good certified trainer and ask him to work out an initial routine to help build some strength and flexibility. Last thing you want is a nagging injury following you around.

[purpleduckie]

try doing classes or et a trainer - people to push you through. i'm sooooooooo like you. when it gets too hard, iif i'm by myself, i don't push myself. try doing a SPORT. it's fun so you'll actually do it and it'll be easy to overcome that period when youre sooooo tired and wanna give up. (doesnt mean you shold push yoruself too hard, but should push yourself...).

also clean diets should help a lot. also pace yourself!

[veneratio]

Don't be embarrassed man, we all start out somewhere. I started out curling 15lb dumbbells in my room, now I'm at 30-35lbs which is pretty good for my size. Struggling with 25lbs isn't really that bad, it's more common than you think. The average person I see come into the gym can't put up 25lbs for reps, you'll exhaust yourself cause your muscles aren't used to it. Nothing to be ashamed about. Try doing a 5x5 routine to build your strength and keep at it for up to 6 months or whenever you feel comfortable switching it up.

As for energy maybe invest in a NO product?

[ghost69]

try some peanuts or eat any apple a little bit before to gain some energy. start low and work your way up. even big guys just starting out can't lift a lot.