Exercise Hater, Here

LuckyNumbers

I want to love it, but I don't. I want to want to do it, but I don't.

I know that I just need to do it. Every single time I employ a tactic I think will work - schedule a specific time, sign up for classes through work, wake up at dawn, etc. - I come up with an excuse to not do it. Every. Single. Time.

So, any advice for me, especially if you're a reformed fitness hater? A little background: have never been athletic in my life, ever. Am a 32 year old female who works a full-time desk job and likes to spend as much of her free time with her husband and young daughter as possible. I don't even really know what workouts/exercises/activities I actually like, because I haven't done a whole lot of them (yoga is nice, but not exactly heart-pumping). A gym membership could theoretically fit in my finances, but I am afraid that I will just be throwing money away, given my track record.

NorthCascades

You can lose weight without exercise. So you probably don't have to exercise. A lot of people hate it and just eat less to meet their goals. (I'm assuming your goal is to lose weight because that's what 90 % of people are here for.)

Walking is exercise. It isn't heart pumping, like yoga, not all exercise is. But it gets you out in the fresh air. Same applies to riding a bike, and it's fun.

girlinahat

I hate 'exercise', but I like 'activity'.

Is there something you do that you enjoy that is active? I go for the 'sneaky exercise' idea - I dance, I hike, I swim, all of them are active but not necessarily under the category of 'exercise'.

You want to spend time with your husband and daughter, so maybe look at things that involve them - messing around in the park, going for walks, going for bike rides (I personally think being outside is one of the BEST things you can ever do).

queenliz99

I walk for fun or rather hike. Fresh air and sunshine, good for the soul. Exercise is not necessary for weight loss, a calorie deficit is.

TeaBea

A couple possibilities

Get a FitBit or some other activity tracker. Work toward a 10,000 step a day goal. That probably won't get you fit, and likely won't increase your fitness level......but it's something. Sitting 8 hours a day is deadly (I'm a desk jockey too).

Another idea is a very small goal. I started with 60 minutes per week (3x20, 4x15, 6x10....whatever). I logged it in a spreadsheet, but you can mark a calendar.....anything to keep yourself accountable. Kept trying new things.....YouTube is great for this. I can stand 10 minutes of (almost) anything. After awhile I found things I liked more than others. Then exercise became more "routine," and I added more minutes. I like that exercise helps me sleep better, and gives me more stamina.

ChxSurf782

You can lose weight without exercise...yet, the benefits of exercise go beyond weight loss. Find something - anything - you like (or can tolerate) and find a way to make it fun. You don't have to be a marathoner, body builder, or yoga queen to be fit.

If you don't enjoy what you're doing, or at least get addicted to the afterglow of a punishing workout, you'll never stick with it.

Hiking? Biking? Swimming? Paddling? Anything where you're in motion is key. Hope you find what you're looking for, but you have to make it a priority!!!

msf74

LuckyNumbers wrote: »

So, any advice for me, especially if you're a reformed fitness hater? A little background: have never been athletic in my life, ever.

I think you simply have to accept that whatever you choose it is going to suck, at least for 3 months or so, and say "screw it, I'm going to do it anyway".

Given you've never been athletic before there will be a learning curve, which will be steep, which you will have to push through - learning new movements which may seem odd, dealing with a level of discomfort you are not used to, feeling out of place.

It will get better and you amaze yourself as to what you can achieve but only if you can look to the long term.

genpopadopolous

I hate it.

Still. Over two years in, working out 6 days a week, and I freaking hate it. My favorite is strength training- and by favorite I mean don't dread but still would rather not.

I can't do the gym because it's too easy to not do. I can think of 2,953 not to get in the car and go.

I use FitnessBlender, my elliptical, jogging outside, and riding bikes with my kids.

The only thing that has worked for me is to pretend it's not optional and I have added it to my morning. I get up, get dressed to my shoes (so I don't have the excuse later), have one cup of coffee and half a banana, and then do it.

I have young kids, too (2.5 and 4.5) and on days I lift I set them up with a show, on the other days they either ride bikes with me or they are in a stroller for a walk/jog.

It has become easier to stick to because I get stronger, I see my butt get higher

TheLifeDetoxer

Have you thought about getting a wii and doing some wii fit games?

From personal experience ( I used to hate working out also) starting is bloody horrible. But if you can find something fun your fitness level gets better without it feeling to much effort.

Once you're abit more used to it things like the gym seem less daunting

Would defo start with fitting in as much walking as you can and if you can fit it in with family time it'll be easier to fit in.

lemurcat12

When you say you hate it, are you being overly restrictive about what you consider exercise? What about things like dancing, walking, biking? I would maybe try to see if you can do some active family activities, like a family walk (don't know how old your daughter is, but pushing a stroller can be good exercise) or bike or just all going outside to play around. Maybe a dance class (couples) or combine a brisk walk with a book on tape or something you don't normally get a chance to do for some on your own time. Yoga is fine -- doesn't need to be heart pumping, especially to start.

cariduttry

i loathe exercise. seriously. i wish so much that i could say that i enjoy it, but i really don't and i suspect i never will.

i got a gym membership because i'm cheap and hate wasting money more than i hate exercising. in order to further guarantee i go to the gym, i bring my gym bag with me to work, get changed at work, and go straight to the gym (do not pass 'go', do not collect $200 LOL). i work at a desk all day and honestly, by the time i'm done with work, i'm ready to move around...so i guess it's the best time for me to work out, all things considered. on the plus side also, i'm home and done by 5pm.

i've noticed that, by being more active, i want to be more active. not like "let's throw in an extra spinning class" active, but like i find myself urging family members to go for a walk, bike ride, etc., so that's very pleasing to me.

good luck to you :-)

LuckyNumbers

Thanks for your replies, everyone. Glad I am not alone. :-)

I do love being outside, but it's usually on the patio with a beer in my hand. But I think taking the kiddo for a walk would be great for both of us, and DH too if he wants to come along. @TheLifeDetoxer - I hadn't thought about the WiiFit before. We have a PS4 and could get the Move. Not a gamer myself, but I'll look into it.

To clarify, I know that to lose weight, I just need to be at a calorie deficit, which I have been doing fairly consistently since January. I have lost some weight, and have about 20 more pounds until my goal, but I don't want to be "skinny fat". I'd also like to have the benefits that come with exercise, such as more energy, better sleep, overall better health, etc.

I got a Fitbit for Mother's Day, and it has been a simultaneously eye-opening and depressing experience. I need to move more, and I have a plan for doing that at work now - a lap around the building whenever I go to the ladies' room, which is approximately once per hour since I drink all the water.

Thanks again, everyone!

TheLifeDetoxer

@LuckyNumbers good luck! Let us know how it goes!

When I started working out it really helped to remind myself that I'm not in competition with anyone but the person I was yesterday

Cheesy I know, but it kept my spirits up when starting and stopped me comparing myself to others and getting despondent xx

Cindy01Louisiana

I am nearly 50 and have been "skinny fat" ALL of my adult life. I've never enjoyed exercise. I could never make it a habit.

When I quit smoking and then quit vaping, the scale slowly but surely creeped up. Then there are all the age-related changes that come with not being fit.

In February of this year, I decided to get a free trial membership at the gym. I wanted to see if I could possibly create a habit. Coincidentally, the gym was starting a group competition thing just a few days later. I ultimately decided that this was just the push I needed -- to be accountable to a team along with being accountable to myself. Our competition just ended a few days ago and I am happy to say that 90 days of hard work and the results I got ABSOLUTELY created the dedication and motivation to keep going that I have been looking for my whole life. Now, it feels pretty firm in my brain and body that the gym is not an option. Like another poster, I plan my route home so that the gym is on my way and I plan to continue to go 5-7 days per week.

So, maybe having a workout/accountability friend would help - whether you exercise at home or at a gym. Maybe committing to a shorter window -- 30 or 60 days of true effort and hard work to see how you do would help.

BrianSharpe

"LuckyNumbers;10392028"

So, any advice for me, especially if you're a reformed fitness hater? A little background: have never been athletic in my life, ever. Am a 32 year old female who works a full-time desk job and likes to spend as much of her free time with her husband and young daughter as possible.

Are there things you can do together as a family? Hiking, biking, family swim time at the local Y?

Gwinny2016

Hi

I was (and still am pretty much) like you. Not an athlete, would love the physique but despise the work that it takes to get it. Summer days = beer. I'm with you.

One day I decided to learn to run. I was at a race the same weekend (my hubby is a runner) and watched, in absolute awe, these women who were fairly-to-extremely overweight but running 10k races and completing them. And still smiling, and breathing etc. Awesome. I wanted that!

I don't do gyms, don't want the constraints of certain times/days for classes, and don't wanna pay for torture to be honest. So. Running will give good results. Fast. And you'll get a tan at the same time. Yay!

I went onto Bupa Training and downloaded the "couch to 5k" programme. I followed it religiously and found that I could actually do it, as it starts off reeeaaally easy. Almost to the point that you wanna skip a few but don't! It's all part of the wondrous plan. I can now run 4 miles, no more or my knees will disintegrate but I feel and look great (if I say so myself!)

Go and do it. If you want good results, fast and a feel good factor, running is the bees knees. I asked an orthopaedic surgeon about ill effects of running on knees, back etc. He told me he'd rather people did exercise than not, as doing nothing is more damaging. So there you go.

Good luck! xxx

Cyriatan

I have come to like exercise with time but because I learnt to focus it on a new light. There was a time I could not run 5k. That's terrible. I'm 25yo. I just couldn't stand that. Why? Because I want to be fit, I want to be healthy. Why? Because being healthy is the fundamental aspect to ANY life you want to live. I'm pretty sure very few people imagines a desirable feature where they can't walk, they can't talk. We all imagine we'll be somewhat healthy. With some autonomy. Every single life I desire for myself, every opportunity I think I'd grab involves being somewhat healthy. Health does not depend only on yourself. You may exercise, you may eat healthy : maybe in 10 years you won't walk. Maybe you'll be dead. But there's a % that's your responsability. I can't stand being the person that let life pass and never did anything to ensure that I could be FREE. Now every time I run I know I'm running for my freedom. For my future. It's not that I think this every time I work out, but I know why I'm working out and it fills me with energy, in my mind exercise is connected to so many important things. What I do think every time I leave the gym is "I like who I am right now".

Another thing that works for me is this: every time you give yourself excuses you're not putting all of your effort to share more time, and more quality time with your loved ones. That's something that also fuels me. I don't have kids yet but I FOR SURE want to be there for them and I wouldn't allow myself to not be my best self if I decide I'm going to assume such a big responsability, I'm really terrified of having kids and dying when they're still not full adults or just not being able to play with them to the fullest because I'm sick, weak, etc. I fear that and will do everything in my hand to avoid it and it includes being healthy now, from my 20s onwards. I feel the same about dying earlier than my parents, or just not making such a little effort -some hours each week- for my loved ones, including myself. I'm not like that, it's not who I want to be. Etc.

This just works for me but what I mean is that for me I didn't have a clear motivation to strive and give it all. I did exercise because "I want to be attractive" "It's healthy", blah, blah...I just "had to", because we all should, don't we? With time I came to feel all these really in my gut and now I just feel I'm taking care of myself in a broad sense when I work out. And I came to LOVE feeling alive and free when doing exercise, whatever exercise, I just enjoy using my body in any way. Hell now I even run, I used to HATE those running tests in high school, running was the worst. Now I easily run 5k and I'm focusing in speed...maybe thinking a bit more about your motivation will do the trick as it did with me I think most don't enjoy exercise per se, but they like the person they're when they do it, for several reasons.

gmallan

Keep trying new things until you find something you enjoy or at least don't hate. Think outside the square. There and thousands of different ways to get active and you can't possibly hate them all. Make it social, with friends, your partner or your kids. That way if you end up not liking it you're at least in good company. Aim to try one new thing a month and stick to if for a month. Try making exercise purposeful - ride, walk or run to work. Always focus on how good you'll feel afterwards.

Exercise may not be essential for weight loss but it is for good general health. A little bit of time put in now will increase your chances of spending more good quality time with your family down the track.

DearestWinter

I used to hate exercise. Now I can go to the gym without bribing myself but I still prefer activities to working out. I recommend doing things you think are fun. Such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, walking places, dancing, swimming, biking, etc. Basically anything that gets you moving. It's a plus if you can do it with other people because the social aspect helps with motivation too.

JeromeBarry1

Watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8JbTKR50rk

She's using a 15lb kettlebell. Start with something smaller. Much smaller. If this isn't inspirational I'll direct you to the obituary page of your local newspaper. Read about the young people. Better yet, look into your own high school class and find out who has already died and what they died of. I predict that at least one of them was a slim young girl who died of complications from obesity.

You can't start at her level of conditioning, but you also can't start toward your conditioning if you don't

start.

meritage4

How old is your young daughter? Can family bike together? Play soccer? walk the dog? go swimming?

LuckyNumbers

Thanks for all the new responses!

To answer a few questions: the kiddo is going to be 2 next week and we don't have a dog (or bikes! Geez ...), but we do like to go for walks as a family, and Mr. LuckyNumbers has said he'd like to do that at least a few times a week after work. I would love to just stop at the gym after work, but the whole family carpools and that would be a bit difficult to swing. If I did join a gym, I would likely go early morning, before everyone is up, so I didn't miss out on any family time.

@Gwinny2016 - I've started and stopped C25K a couple times, before having a kid. I liked how easy it was to start, but I just didn't stick with it. Maybe now is the time. And summer is for beer, right?!

@Cindy01Louisiana - What sort of workouts do you do at the gym? I see all of these women on MFP who are lifting, and their results are AMAZING. I feel like that could be something I could get into, but I am completely intimidated by it.

I know I just need to try a few different things. I am going to sign up for a fitness pass through work for summer classes. They offer a variety of different things, several times a week at different times of day. I was going to yoga last semester, but stopped when it got cold because I am a weenie. But I think instead of doing just one thing, I will take full advantage and try different types of classes and see if I can find my "thing."

capetownz

If you are intimidated by lifting exercises at the gym, try Fitnessblender for free in the privacy of your own home? They have a great range and definitely introduced me to some new exercises! I also watch their videos with some mad music on which adds to the fun for me.

Wicked_Seraph

The trick is to make exercise as rewarding and fun as possible.

I was the kind of person who always said, "if you ever see me running, you better be following because somethin' nasty is comin' after me!" I always liked the IDEA of running, but the few false starts I had were so discouraging and unpleasant that I always gave it up.

I did two things: I found an app that made it fun for me, and made sure I had good music. I gave myself a goal and ample time to work with it. I got a FitBit - and running drills just happen to be a nice "cheat" for me to get my steps in during my friends' weekly challenges.

Basically... make it fun. Gamify it. Reward yourself. Do as much as you can to make it less like "exercise" and more like "being active".

lorrpb

A gym membership might motivate you to try new things because you will have already invested the money. Look for someplace you can pay a monthly or per visit fee. Don't pay hundred$ up front for a membership.

I never liked exercise, but once I started personal training and experienced the results, I got hooked. Even walking is good for you and a fitbit has definitely helped motivate me and keep me accountable.

chocolate_owl

LuckyNumbers wrote: »

Thanks for all the new responses!

To answer a few questions: the kiddo is going to be 2 next week and we don't have a dog (or bikes! Geez ...), but we do like to go for walks as a family, and Mr. LuckyNumbers has said he'd like to do that at least a few times a week after work. I would love to just stop at the gym after work, but the whole family carpools and that would be a bit difficult to swing. If I did join a gym, I would likely go early morning, before everyone is up, so I didn't miss out on any family time.

@Gwinny2016 - I've started and stopped C25K a couple times, before having a kid. I liked how easy it was to start, but I just didn't stick with it. Maybe now is the time. And summer is for beer, right?!

@Cindy01Louisiana - What sort of workouts do you do at the gym? I see all of these women on MFP who are lifting, and their results are AMAZING. I feel like that could be something I could get into, but I am completely intimidated by it.

I know I just need to try a few different things. I am going to sign up for a fitness pass through work for summer classes. They offer a variety of different things, several times a week at different times of day. I was going to yoga last semester, but stopped when it got cold because I am a weenie. But I think instead of doing just one thing, I will take full advantage and try different types of classes and see if I can find my "thing."

For lifting:
1) Pick a program. Strong Lifts 5x5, Strong Curves, New Rules of Lifting for Women, etc. Read about all the exercises. Watch videos of form. Try doing the moves at home without any weight.

2) Most gyms come with an orientation when you sign up. If there's no orientation, pay for one personal training session. Get the trainer to check your form for all the lifts in your program.

3) Follow the program. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the regulars who know what they're doing if you need it.

4) Remind yourself you have as much of a right to be there doing your thing as anyone else.

5) See awesome results.

I hate exercise, I really do. Most days it's a chore. I'd much rather sit on my butt and never move, preferably with wine in one hand and chocolate in the other. But I really like how awesome it feels when I hit a new PR on a lift, or when I see muscle definition, or when I get a lower 5K time. And I don't get to feel awesome unless I put in the work.

neafus55

LuckyNumbers: There was a point where I loathed the thought of going to a gym. I have a treadmill in the basement, but stopped using it because it was in the basement (hubby didn't want it anywhere else). I'm a morning person; I enjoy getting up with a cup of tea and listening to the birds with the sunrise. Then two years ago for Mothers Day hubby and I got bikes. Not mountain/race bikes, but cruiser bikes, the ride-around-the-neighborhood kind of bike. I started riding in the morning before work. First just around the block (about 5-10 minutes--I was taking my time, it had been a long time since I was doing any kind of exercise), which soon turned into 30-45 minute rides through several local subdivisions.

But enough about me. It doesn't matter what you do, just move. People are saying now 10-15 minutes a couple of times a days is just as beneficial as a full-blown, long, sweaty workout in the gym. You mentioned you have a desk job, and that you are trying to increase steps walking around the floor as part of your bathroom visits or breaks. Is your job in a multi-floor building? Have you considered taking the elevator only part of the way to your floor, and the steps the rest of the way? Or instead of eating in the break room, go out at lunch and walk around the building. Or walk around the city block; before you realize it you may want to go past that one block walk and it may turn into seeing how far you can go and return in 30 minutes. For that first visit to a gym, as you start, set a time, say 5 minutes for whatever exercise or machine you want to try. At the end of that time, stop. Congratulate yourself. YOU DID IT--five minutes on the machine! Over time gradually increase the time and exercise.

mbaker566

i guess find things that don't feel like exercise.
dance, zumba, a fun group fitness class.
i took up aerial yoga

RoxieDawn

I was a lazy slug two years ago. I work at home and had all the time in the world to get up an exercise before. I did not really hate it per se, but putting in any effort to get dirty and sweat, or put forth more effort than picking up my fork was ridiculous.

I now cannot live with out my exercise. This is just as important as brushing my teeth and eating of course.

You can be inspired by all others that will post here .. what they have done to continue to keep moving or why they exercise in the first place, but you have to find your own reason for exercising, and find what it is that you love to do for exercising and make it as important to you as it does to the rest of us.

The other thing, what I get out of exercising will totally not be the same to others.

What will you like? Well I did not have one weight in my house and did not own a pair of real walking or running shoes. I just started walking in the beat up shoes I had and got started. Now I have bedroom turned into a total weight lifting room and I own more running clothes than I need...

Just get up and move.. try something, anything.. got to start somewhere.. or NOT... it may be that you are just one that really cannot move past what it is that you hate about doing any exercise. But you won;t know unless you put in effort to rule out true hate for the benefit you will receive in return.

LuckyNumbers

TheLifeDetoxer wrote: »

@LuckyNumbers good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Quick update, just so you all know that your words were not wasted on me.

Started C25K today. Even though I didn't want to, even though it was raining outside, I did it! Did not enjoy it per se, but I certainly feel better and more energized already. I feel like this could be a good thing to help get me started on the road to fitness. I'll start getting more adventurous later.

Again, thank you all for the ideas and motivation!

ETA: And to keep myself accountable, I promise to come update here once I have actually FINISHED C25K.

TeaBea

LuckyNumbers wrote: »

TheLifeDetoxer wrote: »

@LuckyNumbers good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Quick update, just so you all know that your words were not wasted on me.

Started C25K today. Even though I didn't want to, even though it was raining outside, I did it! Did not enjoy it per se, but I certainly feel better and more energized already. I feel like this could be a good thing to help get me started on the road to fitness. I'll start getting more adventurous later.

Again, thank you all for the ideas and motivation!

ETA: And to keep myself accountable, I promise to come update here once I have actually FINISHED C25K.

Good for you!