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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder how to teach myself to love exercising

104 replies

aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:02

As I frigging hate it. It's boring, sweaty and painful, what's to like?

Yet this is the only way to get the body of my dreams isn't it?

OP posts:
Shopper99 · 12/05/2016 20:03

I'm currently trying to persuade myself that I really should go to my class which starts in 12 minutes. Ugh. So probably not the best person to help....

NellysKnickers · 12/05/2016 20:07

Try lots of different sports. At nearly 40 I've discovered I love running, which is leading on to enjoying ab and core exercises etc too. It's hard work but I love it!

confusedandemployed · 12/05/2016 20:08

Well, you need to try loads of things. Don't join a gym if you hate the gym, try it first and see. Try different classes (aerobics, step, pump, Insanity, circuits, Les Mills, body conditioning, boxercise - there are loads), go swimming, hire a bike, do couch to 5k, get a Fitbit and aim to be active for x minutes each day. Go on YouTube and look at Fitness blender and other fitness channels. Scour charity shops for exercise DVDs.

I love exercise but I do lots of different stuff. Keeps it interesting and my body guessing.

Princesspeach1980 · 12/05/2016 20:09

Get some good music on your headphones and grit your teeth to start with. Once you start seeing some results and getting fitter, you might enjoy it
more

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:10

No, I definitely hate them.

Hate being sweaty, breathless and in pain/sore.

I hate classes (can't keep up) sports (likewise) am bored stupid by the gym and can't run the length of myself!

OP posts:
curren · 12/05/2016 20:11

You just keep doing it. The love comes later

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:12

Not sure about that curren Grin

OP posts:
BretonTop · 12/05/2016 20:13

I'm with you OP! I'm 35 and have never enjoyed exercise. I don't ever seem to get that endorphin rush, or glow, or any satisfaction out of it. I go walking in the evenings now it's lighter, but that's about my limit. I've tried Zumba and Pilates, and although they're OK for a few weeks, I soon get bored and dread going again.

Maybe some people just aren't made to enjoy it?! Shock

IndridCold · 12/05/2016 20:14

I wouldn't say I love exercise, but if you aren't getting a buzz when you've finished a session then you're not doing it right Grin.

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:14

I always dread it, it's the low spot of the day.

I resent spending money on something I hate! Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:15

I get a buzz as in thinking 'thank Christ that is over!'

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 12/05/2016 20:18

I go to the gym. I would HATE it without music. I love it with music.
What do you enjoy?
Cycling? Spin?
Dance? Zumba?
Walking? Nordic walking or golf!
Chilling out? Hatha yoga.

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:21

None of the above. And loud music makes me feel sick - sorry!

OP posts:
KeithLeMonde · 12/05/2016 20:21

I've always hated team sports (cos I'm crap at them) and the gym. I started running a few years ago because I love being outdoors and walking, and I didn't have time to walk because I'd started working full time. Now I LOVE running, and trust me, this is not something I ever thought I'd say.

What do you love that's active, but not sporty? Can you turn that into an exercise, even if it's not one internationally recognised as "exercise"? (I count anything active : walking, dancing, mowing the lawn).

Also, exercising with a group of friends can be so much more fun that on your own.

Birdsgottafly · 12/05/2016 20:22

I agree with trying different activities.

I love free weights, other than that I just walk, a lot.

I do short burst, Kettlebell workouts.

I'll do a 'Just Dance' workout on the Wii, but hate anything more taxing/sweaty.

hollinhurst84 · 12/05/2016 20:22

Horse riding, aerial hoop and pole fitness are three things I do

pocketsaviour · 12/05/2016 20:24

Find a gym with free wifi. Netflix + cycle or elliptical = easy.

I have found that I do love strength training far more than cardio. I like that sweet soreness in my muscles the next day.

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:25

Hmm I've tried watching films during exercising but I am always just wanting to be at home!

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 12/05/2016 20:28

Have you tried weights or Kettlebells?

Boxing? Kickboxing? Jujitsu?

rookiemere · 12/05/2016 20:32

You don't have to love doing it, but you do need to see some positive results to keep going, wether that be more shapely limbs, bigger muscles or more able to run for a bus.

I mentally work out each week when I can slot in exercising 3 times that week. I've got a gym programme so I know what I'm doing. Can't say I love it when I'm there, but I do feel good when it's over.

Don't particularly enjoy brushing my teeth or washing my hair but I know they are things I need to do - ditto with exercise.

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:33

I know but it's very hard to motivate myself when I detest it so much!

OP posts:
Onlyicanclean10 · 12/05/2016 20:34

The weighing scales

Clarissa69 · 12/05/2016 20:35

Lots of music. I also visualise myself being interrogated by Jack Bauer and it's really, really tough.......err....sorry....where was I...oh yes the exercise....yes, I love it (not) 🏋🏻🚴🏻

Believeitornot · 12/05/2016 20:35

Find an exercise you enjoy.

I hate the gym. But I love running and playing squash so do that. Combined with short high intensive workouts I do at home.

Original poster
aileen1234 · 12/05/2016 20:37

I enjoy nothing sitting on my arse doesn't count, does it

OP posts: