Pushing yourself to the limit every day can be just as detrimental as not exercising at all. This type of overexercising leads to muscular fatigue, dehydration, injury and, in some cases, muscle failure. It also throws off your balance of electrolytes and hunger cues, which can lead to binge eating.

Don't get overeager about your workouts and exercise too hard straight out of the gate. You'll burn out or be too sore to continue your regimen. And be realistic about your goals. Don't expect to run a marathon within your first month if you haven't been running or to be able to bench 250 lbs on your first day. Allow your body to acclimate to your new exercise routine, especially if you've been previously sedentary.

Whether you are lifting weights or doing cardio, don't go into any form of exercise cold. Take at least 5-10 minutes to get your muscles warmed up and ready to exercise. By the same token, be sure that you give your muscles 5-10 minutes to return to your resting state after your workout by stretch or performing light cardio.

To prevent yourself from getting bored with your routine and quitting your workouts, be sure to change your workouts every four weeks. If you keep the same routine month after month, your body will become accustomed to a certain type of workout and won't change or adapt (read: you'll plateau). Take a new class at your gym, switch up the type of cardio you perform or join up with a fitness partner.

Many people don't eat before exercising because they believe they will throw up or that they will lose more weight this way. This is a myth. Without food, your body will go into a fasting state, conserving the energy that you should be using in your workout. To maximize your caloric burn, eat a small snack about an hour before exercising and a small meal within an hour after your workout.