What do you enjoy about exercise

[iwantsunshine1]

I haven't exercised in years (bar walking) but I need to start and get healthy. As I don't enjoy it I find it such a chore and lack motivation. I have 2 young children so if I get time to myself I normally just want to relax and watch Netflix. What do you enjoy about exercise? How do you motivate yourself?

Also to add I can only exercise at home so things like swimming and classes are out of the question

Following with interest as I too am struggling with finding the motivation

You won’t stick to it unless you find something you enjoy.

I’d explore some kind of movement you can do outside the home and get childcare for this time.

I’ll get shouted down for this I’m sure, but there’s not really anything you can do at home, other than very vigorous cleaning, that you’ll stick to if you don’t like exercise.

I started ice skating last year and I love it, I now have weekly lessons.

It's how I feel in myself after, I subconsciously eat better, feel positive about myself and am more productive in general so mentally for me it does wonders.

It's really hard to juggle it, I am single mum of 4 and work so I find a good routine, getting the kids to bed for half 7 (or bathed and settled with a book for the older ones) and then I manage to do a 15-30 minute hiit workout (while listening to my music in headphones) and have a shower and be able to chill by half 8 so I can watch an episode or two on Netflix before I fall asleep and it starts over again haha!

I also find at the weekends, swimming with the kids, walking the dog, cycles, recently I've been going for a run with the dog on a harness and my youngest cycling next to me down by the river really enjoyable (while my middle one is at a club and eldest teens chill at home)

I find once I do it I enjoy it it's the getting started but the more I do it the more I want to so it's that initial week or two of getting started! Then I find the eating healthy/ drinking water etc just follows it as like I said I am in the right frame of mind.

It makes me feel so much better about myself and improves my mindset.
It makes me strong and toned.
It helps me sleep.
I do dumbell HIIT workouts on YouTube 5/6 days a week. I fit it in around work and kids. Sometimes do it while the kids are playing around me.
I start to feel really shit when I haven't done it for a week or two and that motivates me to get right back to it.

@user2037272727273 you sound like a seriously impressive individual! Genuinely, you are smashing life!

I so didn’t want to earlier but, after an at home weight workout, I feel strong, energised and I’m thrilled with how my muscles are developing.

You need to find a form of exercise you enjoy and, ideally, online trainers that you like (see below for suggestions...).

Also, for me, exercising is me-time. An hour while I listen to the radio whilst physically challenging myself. I get a tremendous buzz from working out and knowing that, at 70 years of age I am fitter than most women half my age.

Some suggestions (in rough order of difficulty/challenge):
Yoga with Kassandra
Lucy Wyndham Read
Rebecca Louise
Popsugar Fitness
Growingannanas
Jake DuPree
Heather Robertson
Sydney Cummings
Caroline Girvan
Especially Caroline Girvan..... life- changing

The endorphins! I have ADHD, I'm a dopamine junkie. I'll take it wherever I can get it, and exercise is a really easy way of getting it. The first few weeks of a new exercise program suck, but once it's a habit it's great, you get used to it.

If you need distraction, try running with audiobooks, or doing a workout routine (written down) whilst you watch TV.

If you can, join a running club that has a v slow group - the social aspect is amazing, if you can do Couch25K you'll be fine and will likely really enjoy it.

I run and I can’t describe why I love it but I do and I came to exercise rather late in life.

I run with a group and its mostly ladies of a certain age. Everyone is very encouraging and it’s become a bit of a social thing. I’m one of the faster ladies which is saying something. We never leave anyone behind.

The best bit I find about exercise is STOPPING and have a Tunnocks teacake (2) and a lsrge cappuccino.

And removing those ridiculously constraining leggings (presumably introduced by the Spanish Inquisition).

I thought exactly the same! Amazing effort!

How young are the children? Do they have bikes/scooters?
You could get yourself a scooter or bike as well?

I worked on a stroke ward before I retired,I didn't want to be a patient,we had people in their 30s 40s diabetic, overweight,I never got the bad back of the colleague's half my age. That was motivation enough. Before we moved to the top of a hill (I'm in my 70s now) we cycled,played badminton and squash.at 50 I was doing full contact karate. I have a little gym set up in my summer house,F bike, weights,bench,bands,etc. I had 4 kids, worked ft nights with very little sleep, and I firmly believe that exercising has kept me fit. I have always had dogs and big gardens. I used to look after 5 of my GC in the days while working nights. I didn't have a cough/cold anything for over 15 years.

Running. I ran in the pouring rain today and loved it. I feel like a dog set free, like when you see dogs looking all dopey and happy running through the grass. I'm a bit like that 🤣

Motivation is a tough one. The actually getting started is hard. Once I start I'm off.

Weight lifting makes me feel ace but I do struggle with getting into it. With running it's the being outside I like.

I'm the same. Don't enjoy it and would rather be doing something else. I've just started parent and child cross fit session and it's amazing. I look forward to it and get a hell of a workout. Never thought I'd enjoy exercise!

Oh sorry so afterwards I love the feeling of achievement that I've really pushed myself and I'm really proud. I'm also feeling a lot stronger than I was so that's really nice

Seconded!

Chapeau, @user2037272727273 😎

Walk whenever possible.

If you work out with weights at home, it feels nice afterwards - sort of warm inside your muscles.

It also makes your skin feel nice to the touch.

Oh, and it makes you look better too.

I totally agree with your post, @Nannyfannybanny - especially this:

I firmly believe that exercising has kept me fit

So many people seem to kind of give up in their 60s, or even earlier, and how this affects their lives is really scary. So many age related disorders (especially diabetes and osteoporosis) can be kept at bay, or at least kept in check, through exercise.

How old are the children? How long til they are in pre school/school. Would classes be an option then.

Finding something you enjoy is key but the social aspect is a huge motivator for me and seeing my group of friends has always made even the days you wonder how you dragged yourself out if bed let alone did back to back classes , something possible and enjoyable.

As far as home work outs go, there's a good selection on Netflix, ones that are broken down into bite size chunks so to speak so u do each thing for like a minute or two . Seems more achievable than a full on 45/60 min work.out at first. Start small and gradually increase.

Move a muscle, change a feeling. I like it cos it makes me feel good. I like going for a run, listening to cheesy upbeat music on my headphones and daydreaming. I love getting in a warm swimming pool and just feeling weightless and swimming up and down. I love the boost I get from a Zumba class and all the laughing and silliness. I love hillwalking for the peace and beautiful views and feeling grateful for my body, which, despite not being perfect is strong and healthy and has brought 3 kids into the world. Hope you manage to find something that brings you as much joy as my exercise does me.

Same! @user2037272727273

Inspirational 👏

a combo of @Heelworkhero and @KvotheTheBloodless ..

i have ADHD and i've found something that gives me a buzz

i have an intense, stressful job with long hours and a Dd6. I've been doing an early morning spin class (6:15) for the past year /18 months. it's made a huge positive difference my mental health and self esteem (and not because i look better or thinner. or similar.... i simply feel healthier and somewhat virtuous )

in many ways it's a selfish pursuit but it keeps me sane

i'm terrified of falling out of the habit/ off the wagon but it's a little community of people who egg each others on