Men, don't let your ego dictate your exercise routine

When it comes to exercise, men generally have two speeds — full-on or off. Partly, I think that's because we don't have much patience, and partly because we're slaves to our egos. (No, really.)

But for many of us, the ego is willing but the flesh is well no longer as young, fit, flexible or used to regular exercise as it once was.

If we somehow manage to get through the first few sessions without doing ourselves an injury, it's not long before fatigue, muscle stiffness, general aches and pains and the lure of the pub take their toll. And before we know it, we've gone from all guns blazing to falling off the wagon.

So what's the solution? Simple. You have an ego but your body doesn't. So leave it in the changing room.

Start gently, both in intensity and frequency. Get used to warming up and stretching at every session (if it's a fundamental discipline for every serious athlete and sportsman, maybe it should be for you, too.) If you're starting something new, start slow and steady. Give your body a chance to get used to it, and to build up the strength and stamina and flexibility that you're going to need. If you're aiming for three to four sessions a week, build up gradually.

Once a week is fine for the first month or so. Then twice a week for another month. Then go crazy if you want to but not before.

You're doing this for the good of your body. So listen to it. It'll soon tell you when enough is enough.

Don't exercise like a man. Even if you are one.

David Higgins is co-founder of Tenpilates.com