To dislike exercise?

[Differentbenefits]

I do an exercise class twice a week because I recognise its benefits but I absolutely hate it. I just find it so, so boring. The other women seem to genuinely enjoy it but I hate it.

I know the thread will fill up with telling me to do something I do enjoy but there isn’t anything. The only things I might enjoy are way too expensive and impractical to do regularly.

So - AIBU to dislike exercise? And is anyone else the same?

I mostly enjoy it. Listen to an audiobook or podcast on my phone in the gym. Don’t do that in the pool obviously but I enjoy swimming.

I now genuinely enjoy exercise (well, not pool swimming even through underwater headphones are a bit of a game changer to alleviate the boredom) but it definitely wasn't always the case and it took me a while to find what I enjoy. I have a chest infection at the moment and I really miss being able to exercise - I'm more cranky, don't feel good in my body and am getting way behind with my regular podcasts.

There are still times when I find it tough to get out the door but once out I do really enjoy the sense of freedom and headspace and me time when I'm out for a run, plus there's a real joy in moving strongly through beautiful places and seeing the seasons change. I can just feel the stress melting away and everythign relaxing. Getting the intensity right so it's a good workout but not painful definitely helps! Though there's also a strange satisfaction in pushing your limits knowing you're getting fitter and stronger - throwing in the occasional fast-as-you-can 20 second sprint mixes it up and feels great.

The exercise high is real (endorphins, endocannabinoids etc) but seems to vary in intensity between individuals, plus some of the chemicals require about 90 minutes of exercise before they're released. And very unfairly you produce more of them if you're fitter, which can be a block for people starting off. (This is also discussed in Dan Lieberman's Exercised where he goes into the different types and the research that has been done.)

I can sympathise! The game changer for me was outdoor bootcamps. I started at a military fitness style one which was great because you never knew what was next so you had no idea of the time and the trainers and the rest of the group were fantastic. I was always the slowest but gradually I realised that I was going further and doing more reps each time. (Though a particular highlight was a group of teenage boys offering me a backie on one of their bikes to help me catch up with the rest of the group....) I go to a local group now which is a bit less variety and not as hardcore rolling in the mud as milfit was but there's something about being outside whatever the weather that really helps to make it better.

I run with the dog, and I'm definitely checking how long I have left! 🤣🤣

I do sort of agree. I'd rather read a book on the sofa than run or lift weights. But like teeth brushing it's just part of life if you want good health.

How about a team thing? There are netball and football groups for women coming back to sport. Or badminton/tennis/volleyball. These are social and fun.

I do genuinely find exercise interesting, because I fence twice a week, rather than running or using a gym. It’s a technical skill as well as a work out. And it motivates me to do other exercise between sessions to help with the fencing.

But it’s not something you could just start safely doing without kit and training.

There are loads of fun and interesting ways to exercise, but they are expensive. And that is a bit shit.

@Wellhellooooodear

not all of them but if going to the office then I do

7mins yoga
40 mins walking
standing desk - balance board

if at home
15 mins skipping or rebounding if raining
10 mins weights
10 rowing or yoga or more weights.

Takes a bloody age but you can fit it around everything else.