Anyone here just *never* enjoy exercising?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I just turned 30 and I've been heavier than I've ever been (5'5", 160-165lb, sight gut but people say I have a naturally trapezoidal build that I needn't do anything to maintain)

I did Crossfit when I was 27 for a year before stopping due to motivation and a slipped disk and sciatica pain. Despite the workouts getting easier because of my higher level of fitness (the highest in my life) and my general happiness at the results, never once did I ever want to go to a session. Every single time I had to drag myself to the session.

The workouts themselves always sucked. I simply don't like panting and having aching muscles. I've never gotten that runner's high where I feel like I can just run on forever or get into a state where the actual process of working out actually becomes enjoyable.

I was always relieved after each session. It should go without saying that when I travel I do nothing in terms of working out on my own.

I once traveled with a buddy in the middle of China who was actually eager to go out every day and take a run along the river, do sets of pullups and pushups in a public park, go up to random trees and do inverted pushups, etc. To him it seemed to be just as fun as playing video games or something.

It was play, not work.

Is there anything I can do to make working out feel physically and mentally enjoyable during the actual workout? The only thing I like physically is tennis, but it's difficult to do while traveling and requires a partner. Plus I suck at tennis.

 

[Ancalagon44]

No, I'm similar and I think it has a lot to do with your childhood. Maybe genetics plays a role too, I don't know.

I do find that going for a run when I am stressed out does help me. If my mood is already good, then going for a run doesn't do much for me. Sure I feel good that I've exercised, but no high. If I'm really stressed about something, going for a run really takes the edge off and puts things into perspective.

The only thing that motivates me to exercise is knowing that I'm working to make my body better and more attractive. If not for that, I don't think I'd bother. I think its like an RPG game - you know that if you do a certain amount of this, you will "level up" and be able to lift greater weight. Do I enjoy the actual exercise itself? No, I don't.

What helps me is that I own some weights which I can use at home in front of my TV. So, its in my own space and I don't have to be part of some group. I don't have to share weights, or drive to a gym, or anything. I exercise when I want to exercise, while watching what I want to watch, and when I'm done, I jump in my own shower. It makes me more likely to exercise.

They say finding a sport you enjoy is the best way to keep physically active, so maybe look at joining a tennis club. Doesn't matter if you suck, other people will suck too. And you will improve. And maybe meet new people.

 

[Zivic]

I feel the best when I train. I also look the best. It's hard to beat the pump you get from lifting.

 

[Mursilis]

To me, exercise (in my case, running) is like doing your homework when you were in school. Part of you doesn't want to waste an afternoon doing your homework when you could be doing plenty of better things - playing sports or video games, hanging out with your friends, whatever - but another part of you wants to get good grades, and knows that in order to do that, you have to do your homework. I've gotten positive results from exercise - less weight, better fitness, lower cholesterol, etc. - things I would not have if I did not run. Every once in a while, I'll have a really exhilarating run which feels amazing, but most of the time, I'm just putting in the miles. Basically, if I want the results, I need to keep up the work.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Most of the fun is seeing gains. Running 3 miles faster. Lifting heavier. Lifting the same weights but being able to add more exercises due to endurance improvements.

Having pride in the fact that you are probably stronger than 90% of the population in your age group.

Looking at fat people at Wal-Mart and realizing that what you are doing is giving you an improved quality of life. One step is just having a normal body type. But knowing there is also a difference between normal body types and fit, I am glad that I am fit. In terms of quality of life:
fit > normal body type > obese

As others have said, it's a great stress reliever.

And sometimes it sucks getting started. But 1 minute in and I'm good to go for however long it is (60-90 minutes for weights). And up to 50 minutes for running.

 

[Kaido]

Yes & no. No, I don't enjoy exercising just to exercise. I am not an outdoor person & by default, I am not a physically active person. I'd rather chill & nef or watch movies than run around. I have to incentivize myself, like with cardio I have a small TV setup with a Roku for watching Netflix to keep me entertained because just listening to music doesn't cut it, and I do pretty well following a growth plan so I can check things off & stay on track every day.

But also yes, because if I go to bed early & get enough sleep consistently, then I get super motivated & I can't help but do something physical during the day because it gives me too much pent-up energy. But I really struggle with going to bed at a reasonable time (usually 11pm instead of 8 or 9) so I don't really feel that internal motivation to go out & bounce around all over the place too often these days.

Like Mursilis said...I want the results, therefore I have to keep up the work.

 

[Kaido]

To him it seemed to be just as fun as playing video games or something.

It was play, not work.

Is there anything I can do to make working out feel physically and mentally enjoyable during the actual workout? The only thing I like physically is tennis, but it's difficult to do while traveling and requires a partner. Plus I suck at tennis.

What has worked for me:

1. Go to bed early, get enough sleep. For at least a few days in a row to get your body caught up & in the habit. I get a lot of physical & mental motivation by doing this. I mean a LOT. Aside from circadian rhythms & all that stuff, it doesn't really make much sense, but it works for me!

2. 80/20 diet. Or 100/0 diet for healthy food vs. junk food. I also like to eat every few hours because bigger meals make me sleepy & I tend to get hungry between meals. Not skipping carbs is important because I don't have much energy without them. You kind of have to figure out what your body likes the best.

3. Habitualizing my workout routine. Basically - 45 minutes a day of mixed cardio & calisthenics (usually 30 minutes cardio, 15 minutes calisthenics). Nothing too crazy & no gym required - usually the elliptical & pushups, stuff like that. Ideally, wake up at 4am, 30 minutes cardio, 15 minutes calisthenics, shower/dress 15 minutes, ready to party by 5am.

4. Making it fun. The top way to do that is by having an exercise buddy. I used to bike with a friend every morning, but after some close calls by cars I gave that up haha. But having a gym buddy or an accountability tracking thread here on AT H&F or even a workout log or journal is a big leg up because we get motivated by social stuff. Or in my case, putting a TV in front of my elliptical & watching 24 or something that I can get sucked into for a half hour keeps it entertaining.

Mostly it boils down to sleep for me. If I'm even a little bit tired, exercise becomes a barrier for me. It's not something I want to do anymore. It's hard to be consistent with sleep, however, so it's a constant struggle for me haha.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Have you tried any other sports?

 

[DigDog]

I'm heavier than I've ever been (5'5", 160-165lb, )

noob

 

[Sabrewings]

The only exercise I've ever truly enjoyed is mountain biking. Maybe give that a shot?

 

[smackababy]

There is no better feeling than after doing some real lifting. That feeling when you leave the gym having expelled all the energy you have in your body with exception to the little you need to make it to your car and drive home. The actual exercising itself isn't so much enjoyable, just that feeling after. It could be partly because I have a sedentary job and the most actual "labor" I do is lifting my lunch to my face.

So, to answer your question: no.

 

[shortylickens]

If you call it Exercise I cannot enjoy it.
If you call it Sport, Game, Competition, or Training, I will probably be able to enjoy if not outright love it.

 

[Joepublic2]

Hell no I don't enjoy exercising I love progress and endorphins/endocannabinoids, though.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I feel better after I work out....not during the workout. I've started getting up earlier and have more energy as a result of my workouts.

So...I don't enjoy doing it, but it helps keep my energy levels up.

 

[Koing]

noob

Bro is 5'5' and 165lbs and looks amazing.

I love training and competing. I've always loved sports ever since I was a kid. I just love being athletic and doing things physical.

I was always one of the fastest if not the fastest in school and went to county championships. I was in all of the school sports teams and captain in Rugby and athletics.

I don't get a runners high either. I personally can't think of anything worse than running long/ middle distance. I'm not good at it and I'm not built for it. I'd much rather play 2hrs of Tennis.

My passion is weightlifting. I love training and competing. I can't wait to do my next comp even after 55 competitions in over 16yrs. This year I've been on 2 training holidays.

You have to find something that YOU enjoy doing. I was speaking to two girls the other day. They never train but they don't enjoy it. They want results but are too lazy to train. I told them I never go in to the gym with the intention of training to look better. I'd have given up many years ago as that isn't enough of a motivator for me. I just love throwing weights over my head. And after many many years I'm pretty good at it.

Koing

 

[Ns1]

There is no better feeling than after doing some real lifting.

sleep feels way better, second only to eating a whole pizza and then passing out due to food coma.

 

[ControlD]

It depends on the exercise in question for me. I love running. I look forward to when I can get out and put some miles in and I enjoy it while I am doing it. I feel the same way about swimming. Doing strength exercises (which I need to do so I can keep running) on the other hand is something I hate doing. As soon as I start I can't wait to be finished.

I guess you need to keep looking until you find something you enjoy.

 

[Kaido]

You have to find something that YOU enjoy doing. I was speaking to two girls the other day. They never train but they don't enjoy it. They want results but are too lazy to train. I told them I never go in to the gym with the intention of training to look better. I'd have given up many years ago as that isn't enough of a motivator for me. I just love throwing weights over my head. And after many many years I'm pretty good at it.

I don't like exercising & I don't like eating clean. My preference is Netflix & junk food. What I do like is how it makes me feel (physically in terms of feeling good & having energy, that is) & the results I get. I feel good being in shape, I feel good during the day after I exercise in the morning, and I feel good when I eat well. I sleep better, which is a big deal for me because I suffered from insomnia for most of my life. With exercise & a clean diet, my body feels like it has earned its sleep - I actually feel tired at the end of the day & ready to crawl in the sack & pass out. I can fall asleep quickly & stay asleep when I'm paying attention to my health & fitness like that. That alone is a HUGE benefit for me.

I'm also a super self-conscious person & feel acutely embarrassed in public when I'm in tubby mode. It may be shallow, but I hate having to deal with having a gut when I know I should be in shape. It's not quite body dysmorphia or lack of self-confidence (well, yeah to the latter lol) but that's something that motivates me to stay in shape. It's nice to not be embarrassed about your own body all the time when you have the power to not be a total loaf.

I do think it's important to find what motivates you. For example, the most motivating thing to me is an early bedtime, because then I have the energy readily available to exercise. I've also gotten into meal prep as kind of a weird hobby and that helps me with the food aspect, because then I don't have to use willpower when it comes to eating, like getting hungry between meals is no problem because I carry stuff like energy bites with me. Exercising first thing in the morning before I do anything else means I actually get it done before I get distracted, so that's really important for me as well. Other than that, following a plan & keeping track of my progress helps keeps me in the game because then it's on paper & not just all in my head.

Bottom line? It's work. But cooking for a few hours once a week & doing a 45-minute morning workout pays off all day every day for the rest of the week, so it pays off the other 98% of the time I'm not doing H&F-related stuff.

 

[smackababy]

sleep feels way better, second only to eating a whole pizza and then passing out due to food coma.

Nope. Incorrectomundo.

 

[Ns1]

Nope. Incorrectomundo.

I verified it last night actually; 'twas glorious.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I love exercising. I love to sweat, love the burn. I just plain enjoy moving and the accompanying feelings of freedom, not to mention the satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment. As I get older, I realize that I won't be able to do some things forever and know for a fact that without exercise that day will come much sooner.

My biggest problem is getting started. You'd think that with as much as I get out of it, it would be easier, but it's not. I think we're all just naturally programmed to not do anything more physically than is absolutely necessary.

 

[Phanuel]

I verified it last night actually; 'twas glorious.

Maybe he's just never had a good pizza in his life. :shrug:

 

[z1ggy]

I hate all forms of cardio, except for when "cardio" is involved in a sport. I hate just running on a treadmill (or road) or doing some monotonous elliptical machine until I burned enough calories for the day.

I love lifting weights though. Could never hate on any of that.

 

[IGemini]

I can't really rationalize a separate cardio workout when I do a lot of moderate activity at work (walking + some lifting). Don't do much beyond pushups and some core workouts.

When I was doing weight training I probably liked that the most, but not enough to get equipment or a gym membership currently. Right now I weigh about the same with a bit less muscle (and my diet is way better than back then) so I'm okay with that.

 

[magomago]

You are doing the wrong workouts then.

Whatever premonitions I have before a workout, they dissolve once it begins. For certain activities, especially cycling, I see it more as much and excitement than a workout.

Of course, if you take me off of a bicycle, and put me on a stationary bike in a gym I'm going to hate it.

I love to hike and backpack as well - its entirely a workout, but I see it as a journey. That makes it all the better.

I recently started to weight train, and it feels fun/fine. Nowhere as exciting as cycling or backpacking, but I don't loathe doing it. I see it as a great future investment.

If you like tennis, try racquetball - you can at least play against yourself. See if you like hiking - you are constantly traveling and on the go so I would think that would be amazing for you.
See how you take to cycling (i.e. throw a road bike on a car rack and take it anywhere). Keep trying out different activities to see what you actually enjoy - if a workout only feels like a workout and you dread every minute of it....you are doing it wrong.

P.S. Get a pair of blue tooth headphones and listen to upbeat music. I love cycling and can do without music, but there is a unique high when I'm simultaneously listening to Top 500 EDM on Spotify. On the flip side - I personally don't like listening to music with hiking because I find it interferes with the connection to nature...its all about enjoying what you are doing.