Do you think working out/exercise is boring?

Go_Mizzou99

I finding lifting weights to be as boring as a treadmill, elliptical, etc. I find being fat to be worse.

terri_mom

Tbaby1514 - Thank you for the suggestions. In my teens I exercised for fun. Now with OA and RA, it is a struggle. But if I keep my mind occupied, time goes by faster. It doesn't matter how you find your joy, just find it. While I won't be inviting people over to zumba in my livingroom, I do invite friends to walk outside, or join me at my gym, so we can chat. And if I have to go alone, I hope for something interesting on the TV. "to each his own"!

singingflutelady

I don't work out.. I train and no it isn't boring.. I love it

JoRocka

singingflutelady wrote: »

I don't work out.. I train and no it isn't boring.. I love it

I like how you said what I was saying- only in once sentence.

You win. LMAO.

jacksonpt

JoRocka wrote: »

I'm confused.

well not really because here's the thing.

There are people who train.

and there are people who check the box to work out.

and then there are people who are kind of addicted to the feeling of working out- but are still just working out- because it's their hobby and it's "fun"

I do not have fun when I'm lifting- it hurts. It sucks- I'm in pain. sometimes my muscles burn- sometimes my lungs burn- sometimes I bleed- sometimes I puke- I pass out. It SUCKS.

But I LOVE it. I love every second of it- I love it for what and who it makes me.
People who run 5/10Ks. a lot of them aren't "checking a box" they are having fun- and they like the feelings they get.

Then there are marathoners- who sacrifice short term- suffer long term- and grind through for a bigger long term goal- training. They don't have 'fun" a lot of times- but they do it because they love the long term bigger aspect of it. Same with power lifting.

I'm a dancer- I do not go to bellydance class for fun. I don't go for aerobics- I'm a serious dancer- sometimes- many times- it is not fun. Its hard- it's sweaty- I have to deal with other women and we get cranky- and it's frustrating b/c the *kitten* we do is hard. But I LOVE it.

I'm training for bigger goals.

This goes far beyond "fun". Saying it's fun just doesn't even cover it. I'm not looking to be entertained by my workouts.

People are so wrapped up with being entertained and having to check their stupid little box that they worked out they forget about anything bigger. It's sad.

I like this.

singingflutelady

JoRocka wrote: »

singingflutelady wrote: »

I don't work out.. I train and no it isn't boring.. I love it

I like how you said what I was saying- only in once sentence.

You win. LMAO.

LOL thanks and just for the record I didn't read any of the replies before answering

Beautifulreflections

Tbaby1514 wrote: »

digginDeep wrote: »

Tbaby1514 wrote: »

civilizedworm wrote: »

Because of our make up,

Agreed.10/10 chance if I put on make up, I do not feel like going to the gym.

tee hee

ucabucca

To me it is sad to see how many really hate exercise and if they could do something else would. I love it all. I love how it makes me feel, the challenge, solidarity, time to zone out, relax and have fun. Yes, I mean treadmill, running outside, weights, ok maybe not situps but there are other core exercises and yes even stretching. DO I use music yes to set pace keep me focused and eliminate background noise or conversations. Some of my passion comes from twice having to start over once learning to walk again. If you couldn't be independent that is so much worse

JoRocka

singingflutelady wrote: »

JoRocka wrote: »

singingflutelady wrote: »

I don't work out.. I train and no it isn't boring.. I love it

I like how you said what I was saying- only in once sentence.

You win. LMAO.

LOL thanks and just for the record I didn't read any of the replies before answering

LMAO- I type way to much- I barely expect people to read it- but I can't help myself LOL.

train- not workout. I should say that more often.

teagirlmedium

I think exercising is boring. So I listen to music while I exercise to keep me from being so bored. If I did not want to see what I look like with muscle and want to be stronger I would not exercises. I would just change my everyday diet, because I would not see the point in doing anything else.

Kalikel

The gym is very boring. I could walk all day outside. Ten minutes on a treadmill and I'm ready to leave. Those weight machines...I don't know. When my shoulder heals, I'll try them one more time. But the gym - even the idea of the gym! - bores me.

Swimming is fun. Walking is fun. Running - we shall see, but it isn't boring, that's for sure!

I don't see very many people continuing to do exercise they don't enjoy. I think the smart thing to do is to find things you enjoy and do those.

dbmata

well, just keep in mind, machines are boring.

starryphoenix

No... I have a blast at the gym. I am varied in my workouts. I do a lot of different stuff. Like for example yesterday I went swimming, did weight lifting on a lot of different machines, did ab exercises, stretching, barbells, Dumbbells, TRX, kettlebelll, and cardio on 5 different machines.

randomtai

singingflutelady wrote: »

I don't work out.. I train and no it isn't boring.. I love it

/thread.

Wronkletoad

dbmata wrote: »

well, just keep in mind, machines are boring.

and a third- or fourth-best alternative to weights...

for those who "train" -- for what are you training? to me that entails for a specific event / sport (e.g., BJJ with or w/o competition; a 1/2 marathon, etc), whereas "working out" is "exercise with a program and progression"... semantics at this point, but I'm just curious about "training"

jacksonpt

Wronkletoad wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

well, just keep in mind, machines are boring.

and a third- or fourth-best alternative to weights...

for those who "train" -- for what are you training? to me that entails for a specific event / sport (e.g., BJJ with or w/o competition; a 1/2 marathon, etc), whereas "working out" is "exercise with a program and progression"... semantics at this point, but I'm just curious about "training"

Not to get toooo bogged down by semantics, but to me -

working out is putting stress on the body, i.e. working it out. It can be very willy nilly, or it can be very intentional, purposeful, and goal oriented.

training is training the body for something specific. It can be to bike a certain distance, to run a certain pace, to lift a certain amount, etc. It can be event based (for a race or competition), but certainly doesn't have to be... sometimes it's just about setting a PR.

Training is always working out, but working out is not always training.

branflakes1980

JoRocka wrote: »

I'm confused.

well not really because here's the thing.

There are people who train.

and there are people who check the box to work out.

and then there are people who are kind of addicted to the feeling of working out- but are still just working out- because it's their hobby and it's "fun"

I do not have fun when I'm lifting- it hurts. It sucks- I'm in pain. sometimes my muscles burn- sometimes my lungs burn- sometimes I bleed- sometimes I puke- I pass out. It SUCKS.

But I LOVE it. I love every second of it- I love it for what and who it makes me.
People who run 5/10Ks. a lot of them aren't "checking a box" they are having fun- and they like the feelings they get.

Then there are marathoners- who sacrifice short term- suffer long term- and grind through for a bigger long term goal- training. They don't have 'fun" a lot of times- but they do it because they love the long term bigger aspect of it. Same with power lifting.

I'm a dancer- I do not go to bellydance class for fun. I don't go for aerobics- I'm a serious dancer- sometimes- many times- it is not fun. Its hard- it's sweaty- I have to deal with other women and we get cranky- and it's frustrating b/c the *kitten* we do is hard. But I LOVE it.

I'm training for bigger goals.

This goes far beyond "fun". Saying it's fun just doesn't even cover it. I'm not looking to be entertained by my workouts.

People are so wrapped up with being entertained and having to check their stupid little box that they worked out they forget about anything bigger. It's sad.

^^^^So much Win Right there!!

little_simon

Exercise for the sake of exercise? Yes

Programming a routine for a desired outcome or purpose? No

MeanderingMammal

Wronkletoad wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

well, just keep in mind, machines are boring.

and a third- or fourth-best alternative to weights...

OK, weights are boring as well. A neccessary evil.

And personally my training is, at the moment, half marathon, building to marathon, building to Ultra.

yoovie

vada44 wrote: »

jacksonpt wrote: »

Step 1 - realize it's not about having fun, but rather about improving your health, appearance, and overall quality of life, and thus do the workouts anyways.

Yea but if your having fun along with everything else you are more likely to stick with it.

that's pretty subjective. For a lot of people, having something be painful and difficult and very very hard is much easier to stick to than something that seems like a game you dont have to take seriously

dbmata

Wronkletoad wrote: »

for those who "train" -- for what are you training?

Alpine climbing.
Hunting.
Bar fights.
Possible DL competition in January.

yoovie

jacksonpt wrote: »

Step 1 - realize it's not about having fun, but rather about improving your health, appearance, and overall quality of life, and thus do the workouts anyways.

I agree! (there is a flag button but no Like button? weird)

Step 1: Decide you are doing this and not all wishy washy nancy pansy like all the other times you were 'serious'

Step 2: Buy lots of healthy food from all the food groups, but especially lean protein sources and healthy fats like avocados to help with recovery. Create new staples.

Step 3: Designate and area or buy a membership to somewhere where you can do everything you need to do, regularly and without distractions.

Step 4: Continue to educate yourself when it comes to your workouts and programs.

Step 5: Remind yourself that motivation plays no part in achieving fitness or weight loss or healthy statistics. It is nothing more than sugar to help the medicine go down, you can still workout when you have zero motivation.

Step 6: Be as consistent as possible and keep checking your aim.

Step 7: If you come up with a great idea for people to have a lot of fun with their workouts together, post it in Motivation & Support on MFP!

Tada!!!

yoovie

jacksonpt wrote: »

JoRocka wrote: »

I'm confused.

well not really because here's the thing.

There are people who train.

and there are people who check the box to work out.

and then there are people who are kind of addicted to the feeling of working out- but are still just working out- because it's their hobby and it's "fun"

I do not have fun when I'm lifting- it hurts. It sucks- I'm in pain. sometimes my muscles burn- sometimes my lungs burn- sometimes I bleed- sometimes I puke- I pass out. It SUCKS.

But I LOVE it. I love every second of it- I love it for what and who it makes me.
People who run 5/10Ks. a lot of them aren't "checking a box" they are having fun- and they like the feelings they get.

Then there are marathoners- who sacrifice short term- suffer long term- and grind through for a bigger long term goal- training. They don't have 'fun" a lot of times- but they do it because they love the long term bigger aspect of it. Same with power lifting.

I'm a dancer- I do not go to bellydance class for fun. I don't go for aerobics- I'm a serious dancer- sometimes- many times- it is not fun. Its hard- it's sweaty- I have to deal with other women and we get cranky- and it's frustrating b/c the *kitten* we do is hard. But I LOVE it.

I'm training for bigger goals.

This goes far beyond "fun". Saying it's fun just doesn't even cover it. I'm not looking to be entertained by my workouts.

People are so wrapped up with being entertained and having to check their stupid little box that they worked out they forget about anything bigger. It's sad.

I like this.

me too, add me to the in-training list. definitely not a check box list, i would just have to check the box every day. my plan is way more involved lol. i have HUGE rewards over the next year because of training.

Wronkletoad

cool, guys and good luck in all the endeavors!

JoRocka

Wronkletoad wrote: »

for those who "train" -- for what are you training?

being fuking awesome.

yoovie

Wronkletoad wrote: »

for those who "train" -- for what are you training? to me that entails for a specific event / sport (e.g., BJJ with or w/o competition; a 1/2 marathon, etc), whereas "working out" is "exercise with a program and progression"... semantics at this point, but I'm just curious about "training"

tough mudder season. ALL TEH LONG HARD RACEZZZZZZZZZZ

Orione2

Tbaby1514 wrote: »

civilizedworm wrote: »

I don't know, perhaps its because I am at a stage in my life and with all the incumbent responsibilities that come with it, I enjoy the hell out of my workouts. I mean, I always did and especially when I couldn't take the physical beatings of skating or snowboardng any longer in my late twenties and early thirties I enjoyed the activity in the gym. Most workout amps go to 10, I wrote an 11 on mine because that's how I usually feel post workout - like I want to go back.

I'm talking about the over weight average person (mostly females lack the motivation for the physical part of diet and exercise) just trying to get into making all of these changes.

I'm a female 70lb overweight and love mountain biking and road biking. I tried ultra running, did a 30 miler off road, but my knees and back dont like running. Open water swimmings fun, the fat is an advantage. Try canoeing its a sit down sport. Just get out. What motivates me is feeling ruddy fantastic after a session. Looking forward to more awesomeness as the weight comes of. If you don't like what your doing find something that you like. I hate gyms, they are stuffy, boring and full of grunting sweating people...enough to drive anyone out into the real world... Rain wind and real weather beats it hands down. Feel the glow!

cwolfman13

Wronkletoad wrote: »

dbmata wrote: »

well, just keep in mind, machines are boring.

and a third- or fourth-best alternative to weights...

for those who "train" -- for what are you training? to me that entails for a specific event / sport (e.g., BJJ with or w/o competition; a 1/2 marathon, etc), whereas "working out" is "exercise with a program and progression"... semantics at this point, but I'm just curious about "training"

it can be semantics, but from my observations over the past few years of all this good livin' I can tell you that there definitely seems to be a complete difference in mindset. I like what JoRocka said about "checking the boxy"...in my observations, many people who talk about "workingout" and finding motivation to "workout" or suggest that "working out is boring, how do I now make it boring" are really trying to find a way to get up enough motivation to get that boxed checked.

Basically, they know they should be doing something, but they don't know exactly why other than to check that box...so how do I go about checking that box and staying motivated to keep checking that box day in and day out. In my observations, most of these people do not really have any actual fitness aspirations or fitness goals...their "working out" revolves mostly around how many calories can they burn; what's going to burn more, this or that; how many calories should I burn working out; does weight lifting burn as many calories as cardio....and should i just do cardio, etc. These are the types of questions you tend to see when people are trying to check the box...and most of them revolve around weight management objectives, not fitness objectives.

Someone who is "training" generally will have some greater purpose to that training that goes beyond burning calories or weight management. It might be participating in particular events...it might just be internalized goals of being bigger, faster, stronger...it might be achieving a certain physique, etc. In any case, they program their workouts or otherwise find existing programs to help them efficiently achieve their fitness aspirations.

In most cases I would say that people are also participating in activities that they ultimately enjoy...though training for them and putting in the work may not always be a joy. As an example, I'm an avid endurance cycling enthusiast...I'm not going to win the Tour de France or anything, but I enjoy cycling and I enjoy participating in events and I'm always striving to do better.

I basically have three seasons...off season, pre-season, and in season. pre-season is the least "fun" for me because that's when I'm having to be out there are really making sure I get in my miles and I'm upping my miles. During pre-season I really make it a point to get all of my rides in regardless of weather (it can be biting cold, windy, roasting hot) and regardless of my feelz because I know those rides and those miles are going to pay dividends later...this is when I have to be my most disciplined. There are times of pure misery in pre-season.

When I'm in season I can actually dial it down a little and relax a bit more...it's still important to get my rides in and get my miles, but I already have a solid base that goes beyond what most of my events would require so I really just worry about maintaining that base and resting up when I need rest.

The off-season (right about now) is nice because I can really take a load off from my training. This is when I will do any rehab work that might have been pending or I might just take a couple weeks off altogether to go do different stuff like yoga or rock climbing...early fall is also a good time for hiking our local mountains. I let my body de-stress and go have some fun. I also hit the weight room more, particularly as winter rolls in and I spend less time on my bike. I basically spend enough time on my bike in the off-season to maintain a reasonable base of endurance and cardiovascular endurance so that I can start off in the Spring refreshed and hopefully at a higher level than I was the previous spring.

TL/DR

Working out - generally translates to understanding the need to do something but not knowing quite what or why...goals are primarily focused around calories and weight management

Training - generally translates to more lofty fitness aspirations and greater purpose to whatever the workout is.

IMO, both can be enjoyable but neither are going to be "fun" all of the time.

47Jacqueline

No. And I see I missed an idiotic discussion.

ragenhay1

I hated going to the gym when I went before it was so boring. This time I joined a gym with fitness classes so I'm led through the work out and they change them about every six weeks. I love it now!