Fit Factor: Take time to enjoy your fitness journey

Even with the best of intentions, efforts at becoming healthier are frequently curtailed by injury, unsatisfactory results, plain boredom, or a little something known as fitness burnout. Rushing headlong into a diet and exercise program can be likened to when a halfback who doesn't use his blockers. And, in many cases, the amount of progress made is about the same (not to mention a similar degree of pain). This is why it is sometimes better to ease your way in and take small steps at the start.

Focusing first on exercise, some newbies tend to be overzealous, working out on every single machine in the gym, lifting far more weight than they can handle, and doing cardio at an intensity level that would make an Olympian beg for a break. While there's certainly nothing wrong with pushing yourself, a better approach -- especially when you're just starting out -- is to make incremental steps over time.

With regard to diet, the same philosophy applies; don't drastically change the way you eat all at once. For one, crash diets don't work, so clearly that option ... well, shouldn't even be one. Second, if your body is used to being fed around 2,000 calories per day, cutting that amount in half in one fell swoop will leave you feeling ill. Instead, start by cutting a smaller amount. 100 is a nice, easy starting point. By doing so for the next five months, you will lose close to five pounds. Cut 200 calories, and you're looking at a loss of 10 pounds. Generally speaking, an active man needs around 2,000 calories per day and an active woman needs 1,600. If you're currently way above these numbers, don't worry about it. Take your time and lower your caloric intake gradually. Before you know it, you'll be in that target range.

Remember, fitness burnout won't get you anywhere, except maybe sick and at home in bed. Not to sound cliche, but fitness truly is a journey; not a destination. Enjoy the one you're on.