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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think you can't enjoy exercise if you just ... don't?

382 replies

catscurledupbythefire · 09/04/2017 12:28

I would be interested if anybody ever has because I. Hate. It.

I hate - classes (am a bit thick slow to pick things up, so can take keep up. Plus can see myself in the mirror) the gym generally as I just get bored and it hurts and I can't focus on anything like music or a film because all I can think is 'ow this hurts, ow, ow, ow' walks (get bored on my own) running (no chance) cycling (hurts my backside) swimming (I just can't be doing with all the faff.)

So - any ideas? Or should I just write off exercise and moderate my food intake RIGHT down?

OP posts:
LiveLifeWithPassion · 09/04/2017 15:35

You say you have a problem with focus?
Do you also mean concentration?

Isn't it like a muscle? In that the more you practise your skills, the better you'll get. In that respect, choosing an exercise and sticking to it may help you to focus and concentrate on stuff.

TheStoic · 09/04/2017 15:36

Yes. Choose your poison.

Temporary discomfort now, or sustained discomfort later.

Original poster
catscurledupbythefire · 09/04/2017 15:36

You're probably right but it takes so much effort I feel tired at the thought!

OP posts:
Ecureuil · 09/04/2017 15:36

Well, yes, if one lives that long. I'm not sure it is essential in the way you mean though

Well if you don't think it's necessary then don't do it. It's pretty simple! It's all about choice OP.

Original poster
catscurledupbythefire · 09/04/2017 15:37

Yes, I know that. I have never disputed that :)

OP posts:
Moose23 · 09/04/2017 15:39

"Running is not good for you" Hmm - maybe I'll just give up and become sedentary. Much better for me.

StealthPolarBear · 09/04/2017 15:41

Not read the thread op but tally agree. There is some exercise I hate slightly less than others but none I prefer to just not doing it.

gamerwidow · 09/04/2017 15:42

Like PP have said I don't enjoy exercise but I do get a sense of achievement afterwards knowing I have done something that I didn't want to do but I got through it. It really is something you just have to grit your teeth and get on with. It's not for your figure it's for your quality of life in old age.

ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 09/04/2017 15:44

How old are you op? It's not about being able to run a marathon in your 70s; I want to be able to properly help with my grandchildren - pick them up, rock them for hours when they have colic, keep up with them for little games. Not be stiff, stooped and struggling to get up out of a chair. I appreciate I may end up like that anyway, as many do through ill health, but I intend to try and avoid it as much as I can with exercise.
That's the point of it, not trying to be some sort of ageing superwoman.

Original poster
catscurledupbythefire · 09/04/2017 15:45

I am 35. And I am trying. But I reserve the right to hate every moment Wink

OP posts:
ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 09/04/2017 15:47

Well keep trying, you might at least enjoy the results.

DaleTremont · 09/04/2017 15:53

What about lifting weights? A few people have mentioned it. I've been doing it since December with a trainer, haven't lost a pound but have dropped inches and toned up all over. Don't have to be a sweaty mess either! I'm 40 next year and loving that I'm the strongest I've ever been. LDNM Bikini Guide is good if you can't get a trainer, brilliant online support via twitter.
I'm also starting open water swimming the week after next now the water has warmed up.

LiveLifeWithPassion · 09/04/2017 15:55

Imagine your future op - your kids are a bit older and want to play frisbee in the park, go for a bike ride or kick a ball around, would you like to join them or just sit on the side?

LiveLifeWithPassion · 09/04/2017 15:56

Would you like them to be as sedentary as you?

KoalaDownUnder · 09/04/2017 15:58

You need to try LesMills Body Pump, OP.

That's what you need. You'll luff it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 09/04/2017 16:01

I was you. Lovely fit DH, not fit me. Then my very overweight friend started running and I went to support her. Started with 30 seconds wheezing, red-faced and pained. Yesterday I ran 9km.

And I'm chubby, grumpy and miserable. I don't enjoy it particularly but I do enjoy playing tag with DD, running upstairs and DH is 'happier' IWSWIM. I joke that after about 5km I get one endorphin. Just the one.

My exercises of choice are martial arts (because when exercise is annoying at least you get to punch something), running (because it's practical and I can see results) and super expensive exercises (skiing, scuba, canyoning.

I know it's shit but being able to run around after DD is worth it.

BabyDubsEverywhere · 09/04/2017 16:15

I suffer from excruciating joint pain (EDS) and I have a crap heart. I can't exercise at all other than the bits of 'movements' my physio sets me or I pass out. I would like to pretend this is a Bad Thing, but, honestly, EDS and a crap heart couldn't have chosen a better person for the limitations they force as I am quite happy with not being able to exercise.

I have bought an exercise bike which I have pushed to my dining table so I can very gently pedal whilst I mumsnet which helps unlock my knees at times. :D

QuestionableMouse · 09/04/2017 16:17

There is a dog borrowing scheme where you can take dogs for walks. I've never really looked into it but it might be good for you? You'd be walking and helping someone out.

corythatwas · 09/04/2017 16:20

My DM has kept very fit and healthy into her mid-80s simply by doing her housework to a high standard: she still gets up and down chairs to do the dusting and hauls the whole book case forward to clean behind it. And doesn't drive so has to do all the ordinary little journeys, to the shops or to the bus stop, by foot. Also, spends her holidays walking round towns and historic buildings.

expatinscotland · 09/04/2017 16:25

Why do so many people think gyms are necessary for fitness? I haven't been a member of one for about 25 years. Try different stuff. The possibilities are endless, just look at the suggestions here.

Quodlibet · 09/04/2017 16:37

Exercise is hard to enjoy when you are really unfit. Obviously the only way out of that catch 22 situation is to commit to knuckling down for a bit until you are fitter/more flexible/know the steps and it is more enjoyable. There's pretty much no point exercising just for the calorie burn either - you need to exercise at a professional hard core level to burn the amount of calories that compensate for a bad diet.

A lot of it is mindset, but I don't think people are one way or the other (eg fundamentally CANT enjoy exercise). It's possible to have a change of mindset - I certainly have. But a lot of it is tied into confidence.

The thing is, as lots of people on this thread have said, you can make various reasons why you can't or don't want to (too much faff/wrong times/don't like sweating/can't follow steps) but essentially that's a choice. And it's a choice which means that your old age is going to be uncomfortable and your life probably shorter.

TatianaLarina · 09/04/2017 16:39

In a way I think the issue with this thread is less about finding the 'right' exercise and more about addressing the negative/apathetic/lazy attitude.

Negative thinking really feeds itself. The more repeat you hate exercise the more you believe it and it becomes true. It obviously wasn't always true as the OP liked PE at school. So I think this is more of an emotional stance.

TatianaLarina · 09/04/2017 16:41

Even people who are unfit can walk though - unless they're actually morbidly obese.

I don't believe the OP can't walk 30 mins a day, she just can't be arsed.

TatianaLarina · 09/04/2017 16:41

That was to Quod^

JanetBrown2015 · 09/04/2017 16:49

cory is right that even just housework can help.
They found an Italian village where everyone lived to 90 - 100 and the reason > It's on a hill and every single day people of all ages get out of breath walking up the hill. Mind you I live on a hill which is one of the excuses I use not to walk or cycle because you always have that horrible hard work trek back up which you don't get if you go by car.

It's hard to do something you don't like. That's the trouble.

It is a very important thread. 60% of people my age are over weight and many don't move enough. It's one of the biggest issues of our ages - how to persuade people to do it.