Has anyone stuck to something you didn't like because you know it's good for you?

[ZickZack]

I'm talking about weight training. I don't mind lifting weights when I'm actually doing it and I love the feeling after, but I find it extremely difficult to work up the motivation to get it done and I'm wondering if it's really something I can stick to long term (and I'm trying to find things I enjoy so I will stick to it long term).
I love walking and Zumba. I don't need motivation to do those, I do them happily. I love playing football and going ice skating and hiking.

However I know that lifting weights is important. It's good for future mobility, strength, for staying healthy. Does anyone stick to a form of exercise you don't like because you know the benefits are worth it? How do you motivate yourself?

Not what you asked but have you tried Bodypump? You'll get the benefits, but music and other participants might make it more fun.

I drink water because its good for me but fucks sakes I hate the stuff

Also lettuce

I cant really exercise a lot but I walk even though I bloody hate it because its the only exercise I can manage plus it's free

When I saw your title I immediately thought of weight training! I've only just started - I ran 3x a week for years but following illness a couple of weeks ago, and feeling like I'm just not toned, I've switched to weight-training. (Caroline Girvan) I'm noticing the difference in strength already, which is helping keep me going, plus I Google before and after pix of others who have done her workout programmes to inspire me to keep going. I was also thinking of printing out a schedule and crossing off the days to keep motivation up. It's tough OP, but keep going.

I stick to weights even though really dislike them. I motivate myself in three ways:

First, by trying to use my new strength in everyday life (and generally surprising myself!). For example, I recently painted a very high ceiling using a roller. Prior to doing weights, I would have massively struggled with that due to shoulder weakness but this time I managed it.

Second, I do lots of mobility and stretching. I've always wanted to be able to "pancake" and have discovered that I've made much more progress now that I'm stronger. It's like my muscles are more prepared to stretch now they "know" they are strong enough to control the stretch.

Third, by trying to use the strength to do "tricks". I'm currently trying to re-learn to do a handstand for example. Could do one no problem until my early 40s but I've somehow lost it completely in the last few years.

So, I guess I just try and use the strength gains from weight training for things that do interest me and otherwise just try and get the actual weight sessions over ASAP.

When I saw your title I immediately thought of weight training! I've only just started - I ran 3x a week for years

Ha funny I feel the same about running. I do it but god I hate it. While I have no issues grabbing my weights.

I hate running. I only do it once a week now because I have a fabulous running partner and we put the world to rights when we run. I'm totally rubbish when I run on my own and can't believe I did parkrun most weeks for about 3 years

Yeah I only do weight training and pump classes cos weights is supposed to be good for you
it is ok once I am doing it but like you I would no say I actually enjoy it

a hiit class however I get aREAL high from I love it

I’ve found CrossFit and a very friendly gym. It’s taken a few months but I’m miserable if I don’t manage to go now. I’ve got more flexibility and muscle than I’ve ever had.

The best exercise is the one you’ll do.

Life is too short to force yourself into something you don’t like - especially if there’s a form of exercise you DO like!

I love lettuce 🤣

I hate every form of exercise but I have stuck at weight training for 3 years now. In my mind it’s like the washing up - I hate doing that too but it needs to be done.

I did this.

I knew I needed to do something about my level of fitness, and despite doubts, I went for C25K (I though that everyone who posted positively about in on MN was secretly the sporty girl at school - I never was, and was convinced I was the wrong shape to run, and had a heap of other sceptic thoughts)

But I did it, as a kind of prescription to myself. Something to be ticked off the "to do" list. A necessary chore (like several other necessary chores, to be done because it was required; so it didn't matter if I liked it or not, it just needed to be done)

And that was how I stuck to it. A necessary evil. Which I could feel was doing good. Logging progress helped (Strava)

Even when I'd finished C25K, I kept going, running 3x a week and seeking the odd new challenge

It took about 9 months+ to start to enjoy it. I joined a running club, did parkruns and entered the odd event. And then really enjoyed it.

I think the key part was seeing progress. Didn't matter how little, or how long it took at see any at all. There was a real sense of achievement

I don't think I could do a handstand though - but used to do all sorts of flips when I was a girl. Working to recapture youth, by strength training and then doing the things you used to love, might be a satisfactorily nostalgic thing to try. Skipping? Elastics? That ring/string/ball jumpy thingy?

"lifting weights is important. It's good for future mobility, strength, for staying healthy. "

I am Struggling to believe any of that. Prove it to me.

I don’t really enjoy yoga but I do it because it makes me more toned and has improved my posture a lot. I also used to have backache and that’s gone, not sure if it’s down to the yoga or not. I’ve found getting into a routine with it has helped, so I just think ‘yoga time’ and go ahead and get it done.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Pushed through my workout yesterday. Going to try my best to keep it as something that just needs to be done