Page 5 | To not understand how anyone enjoys exercise??

AuntyMabelandPippin · 26/12/2020 20:11

I've exercised for years, just because I knew I should.

Lockdown changed that. I decided if I was going to get this virus I would be as fit as I possibly could be. I was doing online classes 6/7 days a week, and I lost half a stone and my body changed shape drastically.

I now do classes 5/6 times a week, am a sweaty mess afterwards but I know I'm extremely fit and feel good.

sbhydrogen · 26/12/2020 20:15

I used to run a lot (have a bad knee now) and I felt so good from it. I was so fit, so living was just easy, and when I ran my mind would shut off and it was a welcome break. Plus it was rather addictive seeing my improvement being tracked on a graph.

I'm now really unfit (baby, working from home, lack of going outside) and I just feel awful. I miss running, and I'm going to start getting out on my bike again when I move out of London in a couple of weeks (I don't feel safe here).

Original poster

Baileysoncereal · 26/12/2020 20:24

Ok so sounds like I need to rethink this all, and not expect to go in enjoying it.

I do walk the dog, for up to an hour a day
But it’s really more of a leisurely stroll.
Perhaps I can try jogging since I’m out anyway.

Does anyone know any free resources for at home classes (obviously YouTube, but any recommendations of particular channels/trainers?) or recommend any free online courses (like couch to 5k for example)
..as I say covid has hit hard this year so an investment in an expensive gym/ sports equipment/clothes isn’t a position I’m in at the moment

OP posts:

LindaEllen · 26/12/2020 20:25

There are lots of exercises out there. You can't hate all of them.

Most people will perhaps try running and go to the gym a couple of times then decide they hate it.

Do a workout video online
Join a class with other people (loads of different classes)
Join a sports club/team like netball, tennis, football, rugby, hockey, athletics, badminton
Walk, but find scenic places to do it

There are SO many things you can try. Exercise - the right one for you at least - makes you feel amazing, and releases endorphins that lift your mood.

Just try a few things!

alltheadrenalin · 26/12/2020 20:26

Find someone you enjoy, I couldn't imagine life without running or weights. Highlight of my day

Shelby30 · 26/12/2020 20:35

Ok I'm with you to some extent. I never enjoy it. I do feel better after it though. The thought of it is worse than the actual exercise for me.

The breathlessness is bad while I'm trying to build bk up my level of fitness. That's the part I hate. After a while it's not as bad and u can do more and more before feeling like ur dying.

I go through spells of going to the gym regularly. Recently as I had a baby and was trying to tone up and get the last few pounds off. As soon as I was back to Pre baby weight I stopped 😂

I hate running but I know that helps if i want to lose weight so I was planing just to do weights and toning exercises once I was bk to pre baby weight. However I was also fed up of the gym opening and closing constantly here.

AuntyMabelandPippin · 26/12/2020 20:37

Hasfit and Fitness Blender are both good.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 26/12/2020 20:37

For me I know there is a point 4 or so weeks in where it feels better and I start to enjoy it. If I have a break for a bit though I still struggle badly to get back into it.

Eckhart · 26/12/2020 20:42

Can you just up the pace when you walk the dog? An hour's brisk walk a day is as much exercise as anybody needs (unless you're training for the Olympics, in which case, don't take the dog)

It's free, it's beautiful, it's not very hard, it won't encroach on your day, it surely ticks all your boxes?

Wellpark · 26/12/2020 20:42

I bought a step and a mat and I step up and down to disco tunes that cheer me up. Have worked up from two tracks to ten. Then I do some reps with hand weights and some floor work exercises and stretches. I love it and I record what I did in a notebook so I can motivate myself when I'm feeling lazy (which is often)

RickJames · 26/12/2020 20:43

Sweating is so good for you though. It cleans you out! Why is sweating so horrid for you?

I like exercise because it's easier to be strong and in decent shape than be puffing around struggling to do stuff. It's fun to do different types of exercise - sports are fun. Exercise classes with other people are fun.

jamie980 · 26/12/2020 20:44

I think you need to find what motivates you and also something you enjoy. For me I spent years exercising as a way of punishing myself for eating and of trying to look a certain way. When I let go of that and focused on how exercise made me feel I found it a lot easier to enjoy it and keep at it. For me I mainly exercise to keep chronic pain at bay, which is a pretty powerful motivator for me, knowing how I feel without it. Running has also got me through some really tough times mentally and emotionally - but it might be that you find the same benefits from swimming, yoga, gymnastics, karate, pole dancing, whatever floats your boat. Obviously options are limited at the minute but when things go back to normal, try some taster sessions of anything that takes your fancy and see what sticks. It’s much easier if it’s an activity you actually look forward to and don’t see as a chore that needs to be ticked off. Also: start slow and build up. Nothing will make you lose motivation more than overdoing it and exhausting or injuring yourself early on. Start off gently and work your way up to longer / more frequent sessions and you’ll notice the little improvements each time which will hopefully spur you on. Good luck!

dementedma · 26/12/2020 20:45

Hate it here too. Done c25k a few times in the hope I would get hooked but hated it and stopped as soon as i reached the end of the programme. Walk sometimes but not enough to get me fit. No motivation and no enjoyment.

Vitaminsss · 26/12/2020 20:47

Exercise definitely feels good for me. It’s such a proud moment when you see yourself doing better than before, ie more stamina, faster speed etc. And you notice it whilst doing everyday tasks eg casually doing a 15 minute walk in 10 minutes with no effort as your natural pace has improved. The little changes you’ll notice in your body keep you going. It’s just a constant stream of achievements.

Tbh I have always been slim and don’t really sweat much, so have never really experienced the initial slog of starting. I weight lift in gym and occasionally run. Over lockdown I have been doing lots of long, brisk walks - places that I thought were driving distance only weren’t as far as I thought and it feels good walking there!

Also I have an Apple Watch and the rings & achievement system really keeps you motivated

Thebearsbunny · 26/12/2020 20:50

I agree. I hate exercise. Don’t like any sports (taking part or watching). I do like to walk but have very limited free time and I am expected to be glued to my desk all day. Half an hours lunch break doesn’t really give me time to do anything but eat. I’m mid 50’s now, and still a size 10 so whilst I know I’m unfit at least I’m not overweight I suppose.

lilylongjohn · 26/12/2020 20:51

I'm with you op. I'd love to find something that I enjoy that is also good for fitness. The only thing that I remotely liked was horse riding but it's so expensive I can't afford to do it often.

I hate being tired, aching legs, breathless etc. I really wish I enjoyed something like tuning but when I do it, I hate it

kilburnfrenchie · 26/12/2020 20:57

If you like yoga/ Pilates etc the Glo app has loads of great classes. Also some internal training. About £15/ month

Jordan yeoh on you tube has some good low impact workouts- free and no equipment needed.

JovialNickname · 26/12/2020 21:03

@Baileysoncereal

How do you motivate yourself to exercise when it’s horrible being out of breath and sweaty

I’m not moving around at work anymore (covid related furlough/unemployment) and after a few months, I’m really noticing a difference in how unfit I am and how easily I’m out of breath. I’ve tried a ton of sports, and there’s nothing I enjoy and I can never be bothered putting in the effort anyway
Eg. Why run if you can jog, why jog if you can walk.

I hate being sweaty, I hate being out of breath, I hate not being good at something and I love sitting on the couch and watching TV.
So how do you motivate yourself or even shock actually love exercising?!

I don't know how to part quote

but I'm referring to the last bit of your post here.....

Once you have started exercising and done the same thing a few times, you WON'T feel sweaty, you WON'T be out of breath, you WILL be good at the exercise you've been practising, and sitting on the couch and watching TV feels so much better when you're actually resting from exertion and not just lounging! You will be sitting on that sofa with a huge head rush feeling amazing about yourself, and that you've achieved something. The feeling of your self esteem lifting is really good.

So, the first ten minutes of proper exercise (say running) is hard work and yes does feel like a slog. More so if you're not used to it. But once you get through those ten minutes the happy hormones start to release in your brain and then you start getting the rush, and that spurs you on. Once you're tired out and finish you get a lovely come down, whole body relaxation like nothing else. A bone deep sense of well being. Doing stretches afterwards and then a hot shower both give your muscles the same feeling as being massaged, it's wonderful.

Plus of course you can eat as much as you want in the post-exercise glow and you won't put any weight on (disclaimer : I'm not a real doctor)

So no no one is born with a love of exercise. But once you start trying your mind and body take over, and reward you for doing it.

speakout · 26/12/2020 21:05

I force myself to enjoy it/
I am nearly 60, I have a 6 pack, hard buns, size 10

Changechangychange · 26/12/2020 21:07

Once you are used to running you don’t get properly out of breath unless you want to (powering up a hill, if sprinting somewhere). I can run a slow 10K, chatting to DH the whole way.

Being sweaty has never really bothered me - I wear breathable fabrics so I am not actually damp, and don’t overdressede so I am not too hot (I do hate running in hot weather, so I’ll give you that).

I actually really enjoy the peace and quiet of running, cycling, swimming or whatever. It is time for me, which I don’t really get otherwise. Cycling in particular is great - you get to focus on where you are going, and feel completely free to point your bike wherever you fancy. Swimming is very meditative, with a focus on breathing which I find very similar to Hatha yoga (I do front crawl, but I’m not powering up and down the fast lane). Ocean swimming in particular is great for that sense of solitude and smallness in nature.

Tennis makes you think on your feet, so I never really notice I’m running about. Body pump has such great music that again I never really notice how hard I’m working.

LoveFromDeauville · 26/12/2020 21:09

Gosh I love it. I’m a barre core addict and run a few times a week too. We have a home gym and a peloton so no real excuse not to get moving.

TheHoundsofLove · 26/12/2020 21:20

I think you have to decide on something you think you'll quite enjoy and then just force yourself to do it until it becomes a habit. I'm a runner and love it (am really looking forward to my long run tomorrow morning), but it's also very much a habit now, so I don't even have to think about motivating myself, really. Plus, it also means I can more or less eat whatever I want and not have to worry about putting on weight.

RandomWordsandaNumber5 · 26/12/2020 21:24

I exercise and love it.
I have a back problem and tailor my exercise to take account of this.

I think classes are a good way to start exercise.
I also think that being out of breath and a bit sweaty aren’t anything to worry about; actually, that’s what we should be aiming for.

Crumbleandcake · 26/12/2020 21:26

I love things that don't feel like exercise but get my heart rate up and breathing in fresh air. I walk several miles every day with our dogs. Up hills, through woods etc. At the weekends we will do a good 10 miles just because we love it. I cycle a lot too and will happily do 25 miles in a morning through the countryside.

I adore the feeling of my heart rate going walking up a hill. Especially in winter wrapped up in my coat with rosy cheeks. I love how alive you feel when you have exerted yourself.

Every morning I do yoga as I love the feeling of starting my day that way.

However to make sure I get some extra cardio in the week as well just to stay in shape so I run (we have a home gym so I run and watch TV) or I do body attack class or body pump. Those things I do more because I "have to" as calorie burners and to raise my heart rate and keep me fit.

heseesyouwhenyouaresleeping · 26/12/2020 21:29

I go crazy if I sit down all day and do absolutely nothing. I don't sleep well, I feel heavy, sluggish. I hate it.

You just need to find whatever makes you tick, you can exercise without signing up for a marathon.

You can dance, swim, run, ski, ride, cycle. Yes you will be out of breath when you start, but you need to build up and take it easy. Some people love exercising indoors, others prefer outdoors - it's freezing here outside, if you start sweating you are warming up, it's a good feeling.

I hate walking, I get bored and it doesn't do anything for me. Some people like to improve, others just to have fun. So many classes online.

Stop looking at "exercise" as a painful chore, just try to find something as a hobby you enjoy. It could be tennis or zumba!