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Original poster

To think that you're really lucky if you enjoy exercise?!

194 replies

bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 22:06

I will preface this by saying that I'm really fed up because I've been dieting and exercising since March and lost a very minimal amount of weight despite really trying, and have now plateaued for weeks, so this is probably more of a vent 😆

I hate exercise. I always have, every since school, I am rubbish at it, am not remotely competitive, and I just don't enjoy it. I have tried many many different types of exercise, it's all the same, I don't enjoy any of it. I don't enjoy watching sport, hearing about sport or being involved in sport in any way.

I go to the gym 3 times a week because I feel like I have to, because I am overweight and I need to sort myself out, but I hate it. I know I need to do it, but I don't enjoy it, and I think this is really unfortunate. My DH on the other hand, LOVES sport, his entire career is based in sport, he loves nothing more than going for a 5 hour bike ride or spending an hour or two in the gym, it's his happy place. Which is great because obviously it's really good for him!

I keep seeing fitness influencers saying how important it is that you find the sport that you love so that you will keep it up, but I really don't think there is one for me?! So I think I am basically stuck with forcing myself to do something I hate a few times a week, despite hating every second of it.

So am I being unreasonable to suggest that it's actually really lucky if you enjoy sport and exercise?! I am not talking about being good at it, I appreciate that being good at it takes a huge amount of dedication and not luck etc, but if you really enjoy it regardless of whether you're good at it or not, then that's really fortunate, right?!

I appreciate that this is very much a first world problem and is meant in a light-hearted way!

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:27

anxiousatnight · 03/09/2022 23:18

I hate exercise, but I do like listening to audiobooks. My tip is to start a really good audiobook but only allow yourself to listen to it when running. That way, you're keen to go on your next run because you want to find out what happens next.

Actually I do something similar and I think that's the only reason I am sticking to it as much as I am 🤣 I listen to a podcast every time I go and I only listen to it at the gym. I am pretty sure that's the only reason I go 🤣

OP posts:
Cavagirl · 03/09/2022 23:28

I genuinely put on almost 2 stone since my dog has got too old to go for nice walks any more!

I know this is a vent thread but not walking because you'd miss your dog being with you does sound like a bit of an excuse to be honest.

But I'm also out there with those saying you can't outtrain a bad diet - exercise is great for health and an aid to weight loss but it's not going to help your weight loss significantly, compared to diet. You say you use MFP, are you adding on your exercise calories as part of the calculator?

NoseyNellie · 03/09/2022 23:29

SmileyClare · 03/09/2022 23:12

What about finding ways to incorporate exercise into your life rather than viewing it as a stand alone activity?

eg; walk, cycle to work or meet a friend for a walk? Offer to clean an elderly neighbour’s house? Or join a volunteer dog walking scheme where you can help unwell or elderly dog owners? Gardening?
There are other volunteer roles you might enjoy; litter picking on beaches, delivering leaflets or charity envelopes..that sort of thing.

^This!!

what do you do for work/do you work. In the last couple of years I’ve changed jobs because the sedentary job I had (call centre) was making me sedentary in the rest of my life. I now work in a warehouse, walk 12-15000 steps a shift & burn an extra 1500-2000 calories a day - lost 2 stone in 6 months without changing my diet.

obviously that’s an extreme example but exercising because it’s your job, or transport choice or a side benefit to a hobby is so much easier than exercise for its own sake

KatnissNeverdone · 03/09/2022 23:30

I started an adult ballet class last week (with my 69 year old mum). It was hysterical and my two left feet just made it funnier. The teacher said that I was going to need a huge dose of botox to combat the confused look on my face throughout the class. I was not good but did actually enjoy it.

Didn't feel like much exercise when I was doing it but my legs the next day were on fire.

Xmasbaby11 · 03/09/2022 23:31

I know what you mean. I am 46 and have found some forms of exercise I sort of enjoy - gym if I listen to music, or a handful of fitness classes, walking if I am with friends - but it's just duty really, I don't get any kind of rush and if I have an excuse to miss it, I am always pleased. I am envious of people who get a buzz or rush out of it! I know so many people who go crazy for running or cycling.

Body pump and body combat are engaging - they are the best I have found - but I still don't go every week! I do wonder if I was slimmer, I would find it easier to exert myself and then get to the buzz?

Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:33

shepherdlincoln · 03/09/2022 23:22

Ok, so I completely understand you- I find weight loss very difficult as I have an underactive thyroid and although it's managed with medication it still has an impact.

CICO works. It does. It's simple maths, even for people like me it just takes longer than it often does for others. If you have supposedly been eating 1200 a day for weeks and had no results you were not eating 1200 a day. Calories hide everywhere! Most people have no idea how much they're really eating and where the secret calories are. You have to be absolutely religious with it, weigh every grain of rice. (At least until you get the hang of it and then you can usually estimate things easily)

That aside, a great tip I heard that genuinely works for me is if you're not eager to exercise find something to add to your exercise that you are eager for. Maybe it's an audiobook or TV show that you ONLY watch when exercising. So if you are desperate to know what happens next you are forced to exercise. You don't get to watch it outside of working out. That way you technically are motivated!

Good luck 😊

I promise you I eat 1200 calories a day. I weigh everything and log everything that I put in! And I haven't lost anything in 3 weeks. It has worked for me in the past, but this time it isn't, and I have no idea why, but I am definitely not overeating. Honestly! I think I've messed up my metabolism from years of yo-yoing!

OP posts:
CockingASnook · 03/09/2022 23:34

Have you worked out what it is about exercise that you don't enjoy? Feeling in pain? Out of breath? Too hot? Bored? Personally, I hate gyms and going round in circles indoors like a hamster. Much prefer being outdoors in all weathers so I go for long walks, bike rides etc. Anything except running, which I cannot do. It helps that I'm ridiculously competitive so will try to better my last effort. Have you tried wild swimming? Climbing? Bell-ringing? Something that's a bit different. If you work out what it is about exercise you don't like, you might be able to find something that doesn't have that element.

PeloDramatic · 03/09/2022 23:36

I enjoy it BUT only because I'm actually allergic to exercise, as in full body hives
I started a medication which is the first thing in 25 years to relieve it and I'm so busy marvelling at the novelty of no hives when I exercise.. Grin

Couple of quotes that helped me were
You don't have to, you get to (I think I'm so fucking lucky to be able to move my body)
And one that was saying it's habit that keeps you going after motivation has failed (reading that a coach only enjoys exercise about 20% of the time, the rest is habit)

I bought a peloton and that's what I do daily, spin classes plus barre, yoga, stretch classes

rosyvalentine · 03/09/2022 23:41

Do you have an F45 Studio near you OP? F45 is basically a 45 minute circuit class (the class format and focus changes daily). Each station lasts from about 30 seconds to a minute so even if it's really hard, it doesn't last long. The music is good, the class flies by and it burns loads of calories. It's never boring!

Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:41

Cavagirl · 03/09/2022 23:28

I genuinely put on almost 2 stone since my dog has got too old to go for nice walks any more!

I know this is a vent thread but not walking because you'd miss your dog being with you does sound like a bit of an excuse to be honest.

But I'm also out there with those saying you can't outtrain a bad diet - exercise is great for health and an aid to weight loss but it's not going to help your weight loss significantly, compared to diet. You say you use MFP, are you adding on your exercise calories as part of the calculator?

Oh it's totally an excuse, I hold my hands up to that! But I used to like walking because it killed two birds with one stone, if that makes sense? Like we were both getting something out of it? That said, I do struggle with anxiety, and walking with a big dog definitely helped combat that!

I hear you re:diet. I have a tendancy to obsess over food when I'm trying to lose weight, and get into a cycle of feeling guilty for eating things even when they are within my calories. I don't log exercise calories, I only log food. I think maybe the issue is that I am doing what I think I should be doing, i.e eating no carbs, very low fat, and loads of salad and veg, but maybe it's not balanced in the right way? I'm not sure.

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:44

NoseyNellie · 03/09/2022 23:29

^This!!

what do you do for work/do you work. In the last couple of years I’ve changed jobs because the sedentary job I had (call centre) was making me sedentary in the rest of my life. I now work in a warehouse, walk 12-15000 steps a shift & burn an extra 1500-2000 calories a day - lost 2 stone in 6 months without changing my diet.

obviously that’s an extreme example but exercising because it’s your job, or transport choice or a side benefit to a hobby is so much easier than exercise for its own sake

Show quote history

I own a dog grooming salon, which doesn't sound like it, but is quite physical a lot of the time, dogs aren't always the most co-operative 🤣 I used to have a desk job though years ago, and I used to pick at food all day, so that's easier now as I can't really pick at food when I've got my hands on dogs all day!

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:46

KatnissNeverdone · 03/09/2022 23:30

I started an adult ballet class last week (with my 69 year old mum). It was hysterical and my two left feet just made it funnier. The teacher said that I was going to need a huge dose of botox to combat the confused look on my face throughout the class. I was not good but did actually enjoy it.

Didn't feel like much exercise when I was doing it but my legs the next day were on fire.

Oh my goodness, I would LOVE adult ballet! I love ballet so much. I think the class would go the same way as it did for you, I am certainly not a natural ballerina, but it's worth a try!!

OP posts:
hamstersarse · 03/09/2022 23:47

Just reading the thread, I wonder about your expectations of what it should feel like when you exercise.

I exercise a lot but most of the time I hate it when I am actually doing it, it after it you feel good. You never feel bad after doing exercise. But it is kinda supposed to be hard while you are doing it.

I've heard it described in terms of type 1 and type 2 fun. We seem to expect that exercise is Type 1 fun - i.e. you enjoy it while doing it, but the reality is most exercise is not Type 1 like, say reading or having a drink with friend, it is Type 2, where you feel a sense of satisfaction after the event.

I can assure you I have only ever experienced Type 1 maybe a handful of times when exercising, usually in a team sport, and most of it, like running, cycling etc. is Type 2 - because it is hard!

hamstersarse · 03/09/2022 23:50

In cycling there is a phrase about going up hills: They never get easier, you just get faster.

And that is where the kick is - simply that you get stronger. It is not that it suddenly becomes 'enjoyable' while your heart is pumping out of your chest as you struggle up a hill.

Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:52

CockingASnook · 03/09/2022 23:34

Have you worked out what it is about exercise that you don't enjoy? Feeling in pain? Out of breath? Too hot? Bored? Personally, I hate gyms and going round in circles indoors like a hamster. Much prefer being outdoors in all weathers so I go for long walks, bike rides etc. Anything except running, which I cannot do. It helps that I'm ridiculously competitive so will try to better my last effort. Have you tried wild swimming? Climbing? Bell-ringing? Something that's a bit different. If you work out what it is about exercise you don't like, you might be able to find something that doesn't have that element.

I think it's a combination of things really? I feel really stupid and self conscious, like everything jiggles and people must be staring at me? I know it sounds like an excuse, but I think anxiety plays quite a big role! In the comfort of my living room I can calmly tell myself that in reality, no one in the gym gives a rat's arse what I look like or what I'm doing, but then when I'm there, it's entirely different?! But also, I sweat a lot which is embarrassing and gross, and I don't enjoy the aching and pain the next day. Too many reasons 🤣

Maybe I should look at more unique things. It's just that with working and the kids etc, and the gym being round the corner from my house, it's so convenient to nip there for an hour once the kids are in bed. Although that's probably an excuse 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:55

PeloDramatic · 03/09/2022 23:36

I enjoy it BUT only because I'm actually allergic to exercise, as in full body hives
I started a medication which is the first thing in 25 years to relieve it and I'm so busy marvelling at the novelty of no hives when I exercise.. Grin

Couple of quotes that helped me were
You don't have to, you get to (I think I'm so fucking lucky to be able to move my body)
And one that was saying it's habit that keeps you going after motivation has failed (reading that a coach only enjoys exercise about 20% of the time, the rest is habit)

I bought a peloton and that's what I do daily, spin classes plus barre, yoga, stretch classes

Oh my goodness, I didn't realise you could actually be allergic to exercise! Poor you! Great that you have medication that works though.

You are so right, I am lucky to be able to do it, that should be enough of a motivator!

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:56

rosyvalentine · 03/09/2022 23:41

Do you have an F45 Studio near you OP? F45 is basically a 45 minute circuit class (the class format and focus changes daily). Each station lasts from about 30 seconds to a minute so even if it's really hard, it doesn't last long. The music is good, the class flies by and it burns loads of calories. It's never boring!

I don't have one of those near me, although my gym actually started doing a class very much like that last week, so I have signed up for the next 3 weeks. Out of all the classes I have tried, I definitely found it the least boring, although I felt it the next day 🤣

OP posts:
Veryverycalmnow · 03/09/2022 23:58

PE lessons from the 1990s at high school have made me hate exercise. I've enjoyed aspects of exercise since. I used to burn calories jumping around to music on nights out- that was definitely fun. But I've slowed right down in that respect and now get out of breath walking up a hill I used to stride up with ease. Exercise now hurts or brings me out in hives, likeheat rash that then turns to raised bumps all over. Dieting might be the way forward.

Veryverycalmnow · 03/09/2022 23:58

PE lessons from the 1990s at high school have made me hate exercise. I've enjoyed aspects of exercise since. I used to burn calories jumping around to music on nights out- that was definitely fun. But I've slowed right down in that respect and now get out of breath walking up a hill I used to stride up with ease. Exercise now hurts or brings me out in hives, likeheat rash that then turns to raised bumps all over. Dieting might be the way forward.

Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 03/09/2022 23:59

hamstersarse · 03/09/2022 23:47

Just reading the thread, I wonder about your expectations of what it should feel like when you exercise.

I exercise a lot but most of the time I hate it when I am actually doing it, it after it you feel good. You never feel bad after doing exercise. But it is kinda supposed to be hard while you are doing it.

I've heard it described in terms of type 1 and type 2 fun. We seem to expect that exercise is Type 1 fun - i.e. you enjoy it while doing it, but the reality is most exercise is not Type 1 like, say reading or having a drink with friend, it is Type 2, where you feel a sense of satisfaction after the event.

I can assure you I have only ever experienced Type 1 maybe a handful of times when exercising, usually in a team sport, and most of it, like running, cycling etc. is Type 2 - because it is hard!

That is a very good way of looking at it! You're right, I definitely never feel bad after I have done it, and I never regret doing it, I just sort of hoped that I could enjoy it while I do it? But maybe that's very much wishful thinking 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 04/09/2022 00:02

Veryverycalmnow · 03/09/2022 23:58

PE lessons from the 1990s at high school have made me hate exercise. I've enjoyed aspects of exercise since. I used to burn calories jumping around to music on nights out- that was definitely fun. But I've slowed right down in that respect and now get out of breath walking up a hill I used to stride up with ease. Exercise now hurts or brings me out in hives, likeheat rash that then turns to raised bumps all over. Dieting might be the way forward.

Haha, I hear you re:1990's school PE! I will never get over having to do Cross Country through a terrifying nuns graveyard pretty much on my own because everyone else was miles ahead of me 🤣

I do diet as well, but the weight seems to be super stubborn! Years of yo-yo dieting to blame I think!

OP posts:
ItsyourSam · 04/09/2022 00:03

I was on 1200 calories a day and stopped losing weight for weeks because the low calories slowed my metabolism down. So depressing! Then I started the 5:2 fast. The 5 days of maintenance calories kick-started my metabolism, and the 2 days of 800 calories started taking the weight off again. I was losing 1-2 lbs a week again.

I've lost the weight I need to but I'm still doing 5:2 for maintenance. I've upped my calories on the non-fast days to stop losing weight. Would recommend!

Original poster
bumblebee1987 · 04/09/2022 00:07

ItsyourSam · 04/09/2022 00:03

I was on 1200 calories a day and stopped losing weight for weeks because the low calories slowed my metabolism down. So depressing! Then I started the 5:2 fast. The 5 days of maintenance calories kick-started my metabolism, and the 2 days of 800 calories started taking the weight off again. I was losing 1-2 lbs a week again.

I've lost the weight I need to but I'm still doing 5:2 for maintenance. I've upped my calories on the non-fast days to stop losing weight. Would recommend!

It's soul destroying eating that little and seeing no results isn't it?! I am starving most of the time, yet remain the same weight! I even tried eating nothing for one day a week, then eating 1200 the rest of the week, and even that didn't work. I think I've massively messed up my metabolism.

I'll have a look at the 5:2, I've not heard of that one before. At this point, I'll try anything!

OP posts:
MintyChipton · 04/09/2022 00:09

The type 1 and 2 thing is interesting. I've never experienced type 2 with anything except swimming. I genuinely feel awful after anything else which is why I never stick at it.

clopper · 04/09/2022 00:10

bumblebee I hate exercise. I always have, every since school, I am rubbish at it, am not remotely competitive, and I just don't enjoy it. I have tried many many different types of exercise, it's all the same, I don't enjoy any of it. I don't enjoy watching sport, hearing about sport or being involved in sport in any way.

^ I could have written this. I grew up in a competitive and sporty family who just are baffled and disappointed by my lack of interest. I didn’t mind the Wii fit! But now that has broken sadly.