How did you find your exercise?

fitoverfortymom

I'm really struggling finding exercise I enjoy and can stick with. There's a lot of things I'd like to do or try, and I will for a time, but then I get bored, get busy, etc. and my interest fades.

For me, once I "get" something, I'm hooked. Like MFP, once I nailed down the calorie deficit/weighing foods is how you lose weight, it's stuck with me. Has changed my life. I'm constantly progressing toward my weight goal.

But it's more than just my weight. I want to look and feel a certain way, too. But finding that "thing" that makes it stick. That makes the workout almost an extension of who you are---that's what I'm looking for and I don't know how to find it. Right now I'm in the excuses phase; not a lot of time, not a lot of energy, it's cold outside, gym anxiety, etc.

How did YOU find it? What made fitness become as much a part of you as breathing?

NorthCascades

My main exercise is cycling. It's 8:15 am, I've been to work a little more than an hour, I've already had a conversation with a coworker about how it sucks that it's been raining for weeks and bad bike weather. Like you, I fell into it and got hooked. When I can't do it, I daydream about it. I can't say how it all got started because it goes back as far as I can remember.

This winter I took up cross country skiing and got that same feeling of amazement. I've been skiing as an adult for a few years but my honey bought me gear and I've been on a trail ever chance I've had.

One obvious thing these both have in common is that they're outdoor exercise. Besides the endorphins and the speed and the turns and all the other fun, I get a break from cabin fever and great scenery.

beerfoamy

My PE teacher sent me to play squash with the boys when I was about 15/16 as I had spent half the lesson tripping over hurdles that were flat on the floor (learning which foot to lead with or some such nonsense).
Thus began love of squash and it is awesome exercise

Swimming - have always been part fish. Swimming gala at school was the only sporting event I was actually keen on! Was lucky that our school had a pool and I went swimming once a week with mum or dad as well growing up.

My partner got me into Les Mills Combat and Pump about a year or so ago, so grateful to her for that, they are brilliant work outs.

I now get grumpy if I don't do these 3 regularly. This week is on the extreme side (4 squash games, 5 swims and one Combat and 2 Pump) but I love every minute!

I'd try everything you have a chance to. Gym offers classes, go along, see what they are like. I have found the classes to be much friendlier than the gym and less anxiety inducing.
Local club starts offering kickboxing or martial arts or fencing? See if they do a taster session. Same with Yoga and Pilates.

Hope you find that thing/things you can enjoy and continue with!

KatieBaack

I guess my fall back is martial arts. I started when I was like 5, 20+ years later, I teach karate on a regular basis (heck, I taught karate 2 days before having a baby). The nice thing about that sport for someone who gets bored with something, is there are constantly new things to learn and work on. Once you get one set of requirements down, you test to a new belt and have new stuff to work on. Once I hit black belt and there weren't really new things to learn, I started teaching and that's a whole new territory of learning, you refine techniques and have to keep you mind working to find fresh ways to teach each of your students.

bbell1985

I guess I was just getting back into the gym because I knew my weight was getting out of control. I always like the weight machines more than cardio. I was on a machine one day when I trainer came up to me and though she was hustling for my business, she was kind of nice...and I was in the mood for a challenge.

I told her straight up my goals were to lose weight, and that I like lifting weights. She immediately got me downstairs with a barbell. I took to it instantly. Soon enough I started understanding the difference between training for strength and training for physique, and found that I liked strength better. The rest is history. I don't miss workouts. I hired a coach. I sign up for competitions. It's my life.

JeepHair77

I started running when I was in law school - my then-husband was a runner, and had been encouraging me to run with him for years, but I just didn't want to. But when I was in school - and especially during finals time - the stress was really intense, and I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't think of anything else. So I finally started running, as a way to get all that *kitten* out of my system. I had no discipline, didn't look at distance or pace or any of that crap. I just ran until I was tired, then I'd walk, and then I'd run some more - lather, rinse, repeat, until I was so exhausted I couldn't stand up anymore. (I don't really recommend this) And magically, I started sleeping again and was better able to cope with the stress. And I'm still a runner, although I'm a much smarter runner, now. I can't say that I love it, but I need it. Nothing else releases tension the way running does, for me, and if I miss a week, it shows.

I've tried lots of cross-training exercises, and like you, I just don't stick with it if I don't love it. I want to enjoy lifting, but I just don't. I hated yoga. I can cycle with my husband sometimes, but it's really not my thing. I like swimming, but there's just not a convenient outlet for that, in my universe.

But about a year ago, I tried a kickboxing class, almost by accident. And I love it. LOVE it. I've gained a lot of strength and it's improved my running, and it's fun and I have a fantastic instructor. It satisfies some part of my messed-up brain that running hasn't seemed to get at. It's been harder to get to class lately, but I get there once a week (in about an hour, actually) and my husband bought me a heavy bag and I do a workout in my garage about once a week, too.

I think finding your *thing* is more mental than physical. If you love it, you'll keep doing it. It shouldn't just be about the weight loss or the physique.

H_Ock12

My mentor suggested I get stronger as a scrawny 13 year old girl. I started lifting weights....lifted through high school and college, crashed and burned after a health diagnosis, but picked the weights back up a year ago....the love affair continues. Running is the outlet for my competitive spirit.

tinkerbellang83

Couldn't motivate myself to the gym and don't enjoy working out with weights around a load of broscience types so I bought some weights for home and came across the HASFIT channel on Youtube. I've saved myself the cost of my gym membership and I do it 4-5 days per week after work and when I get up on a weekend, as opposed to trying to drag myself to the gym after work and maybe getting there 4-5 times a month.

I am kinda hooked on it now, was great for beginner - intermediate level, particularly with a back injury and I enjoy it, and I think that's the most important thing, if you enjoy something you want to do it. If you don't enjoy it, you're constantly trying to motivate yourself.

I also love going hill walking, I moved over to Ireland 18 months ago and there is some stunning scenery that I could never get bored of.

cwolfman13

I bounced around doing various things while I was losing weight...mostly lifting and some jogging and rucking. I always have enjoyed lifting, but I wasn't much into the jogging...I just did it because jogging and everyone seems to jog. The only thing that kept me remotely interested was signing up for 5Ks and such.

When I went to maintenance I decided to sign up for and train for a sprint triathlon with a friend. I never ended up doing the race due to injury, but that's when I discovered that I love to ride.

I've been riding ever since. Not all of my rides are sufferfest training bouts...most of them are in fact easy endurance pace rides that are simply pleasurable...more than a recreational pace, but certainly nowhere near race pace.

I sign up for two or three events annually and dedicate a number of weeks training for those specifically...otherwise, I'm pretty much just out there enjoying the sunshine on a nice ride. My miles are already starting to go up as Spring is in the air...they drop quite a bit during winter and I spend more time on my trainer...but with Spring rolling in, I'll be back up to 80-100 miles per week in no time. I'll likely be around 60 this week.

I also mix it up here and there with some hiking and I enjoy a good swim now and then. I lift a couple days per week.

ETA: it can also be beneficial to train seasonally to mix it up.

ocrXfitter

I do obstacle racing, so my workouts are focused on the goal of doing well. I run, do crossfit, and do yoga. I'm never bored because I alternate between long, hill, and easy runs as well as speed intervals. Crossfit takes care of itself by never being the same. I need the yoga to stretch out my tight hammies.

I used to do power lifting and still love trying for a 1RM, but the training gets boring for me...especially reps over 3!

VintageFeline

I'm a former gymnast and dancer. I knew whatever I did had to be challenging and constantly changing. Even if it was just variation on a theme. I started with Insanity, which probably was a little insane given my weight at the time. By then end my knees hated me but I'd found my exercise mojo.

I then got into running for a little while but my anxiety issues make it hit and miss. When running was becoming harder for me due to that I turned to Youtube. Found Fitness Blender. Haven't looked back. Have bought adjustable dumbbells and really enjoy that there are so many workouts to choose from, their paid for programs are cheap and they're just easy to workout with without getting annoyed with their personalities.

As a byproduct I discovered I really enjoy strength training, makes me feel like She-ra. And for me, the quick change superset style or moderate weight moderate sets keeps me interested. I'm not sure I ever want to pick up a barbell and that's okay. Especially when you look at Kelli's body, that's goals pretty much right there!

LiveLoveFitFab

I was a cardio bunny at the gym when I was in my early twenties. There were a bunch of super muscle freaks at my YMCA and after the gym one day I had dinner with one of them. It wasn't a love match, he was waay too into himself for my tastes but he thought I'd love lifting.

These guys actually had a bunch of sayings that stuck with me - Like, if you can't squat you can't do squat. Be the 90 year old who can actually get off the toilet - do some squats now! Dead lift now, in case you ever need to move a body...that kind of stuff.

I started off with just the machines. Then I found out the only way to get results was to move to the free weights. And I've been lifting off and on for the past 14 years or so. I don't look like a weight lifter. I follow pretty close to the kind of lifting those guys did then, lift heavy and concentrate on using multiple muscle groups. The only difference being some of the true roid cases only did their one rep max once a week. I couldn't ever do that!

Anyways, I still love cardio but I will always go back to weights. And at 37 my booty is still perky, thanks to those squats! Hopefully when I'm 90 I'll still be able to stand up from the toilet, and I hope I never need to hide a body because I can still only deadlift about 150lbs.

NorthCascades

I went through a rock climbing phase. It ended when my climbing partner retired, I'd love to keep climbing but it's not something you can really do solo.

A few years ago there was a thread on the local hiking forum, looking for people who want to climb. Some people are being tested for their certification as guides, and need mock clients. A free lesson! I wasn't interested in rock climbing but had done a bit of glacier climbing and wanted to continue, so I took the class to get some experience tying into the rope and stuff like that. I was wrong, though, it was incredible fun, and I spent the next couple years doing it. If I ever find another climbing partner, I'm going to buy a drone to get photos and video.

virginiashannon

I lost all my weight (75 lbs and still counting) and my exercise for the most part just consisted of walking! Of course with it being winter and still being cold here in Michigan, I have totally missed my walks. Some people walk in the cold, but as I continue to drop in weight cold goes right through to my bones and its not enjoyable anymore. Since I have not been walking I have since tried the Treadmill, eliptical, and walking on the Indoor track and it is NOT the same. Give me a walking trail, being outside in nature (listening to the birds, animals or just enjoying the breeze) I can walk for miles. Exercise doesn't have to be anything Drastic, individuals just to find out what they particularly enjoy and stick with it!

MelanieCN77

My gateway activity was roller derby. I originally tried it because it looked exciting as *kitten* and who doesn't love to roller skate, but it was also empowering as a full contact women's sport. I needed a team sport as I wasn't into working out for the sake of it. 5 years later, I am cross training to be better at derby, the irony. Now I run (well, I trot, I do intervals, I can run 5k straight on the treadmill but not every day and outside, yeah I'm working on that) and I have a stationary bike to change things up, and I do free weights and hiit and junk, whatever I feel like. But mostly cardio, partly for the calorie burn when I started trying to get this 40lbs off, but now I enjoy it and it's given me killer derby endurance.

rsclause

I started walking and that led to running. I like being able to step out my front door and hit the road. It has become my me time, at 5:00 AM I have the whole city to myself.

amandaeve

When I first started cycling, I knew I liked it, but didn't think much of it. I found myself doing long rides, but it still didn't hit me as a passion. Then, I met a friend who had a riding style that really clicked with me, and then I was hooked. I guess when I rode by myself, it didn't occur to me that riding long distances on roads was a "thing", I only knew mountain bikers and that just didn't do it for me. I was pretty lucky to meet her, she changed my life. There are a lot of activities that don't interest me; running, ball sports, others. It's fine to keep trying new things, but pay attention to what you do enjoy with each activity and find things that are similar, for example I never enjoyed competition, so I avoid competitive activities.

Also- I thrive on novelty! You might be similar. I have to keep changing things up and making things seem new to me or else I get bored.

sammyliftsandeats

It wasn't until I found Stronglifts that I really got into lifting. I was doing the typical isolation moves, doing what I saw in magazines, and floundering about without a real plan. I wasn't getting anywhere.

I was browsing on this forum when I found someone suggesting Stronglifts. I had always admired the people in the free weights section, especially the ones in the rack. I read up on it and watched the videos and then I got started. I got hooked about three weeks in and enjoyed seeing progress. I also enjoyed having a set list of things to do.

All the other times I've exercised, I would stop six weeks in but it's been almost a year since I started lifting and I don't see myself stopping! I don't get bored and yes, it can be frustrating some days, but the sense of accomplishment is great when you hit a new PR.

rybo

I was lucky. I knew a long time ago I wanted to be strong and run fast. A high school & college track career, that morphed into lots of lifting with the occasional runs & 5ks. Got out of it a few years in my mid 30's, but quickly recaptured the fire once I started back. Shifted my running to the longer endurance type, my strength training to incorporate much more body weight/gymnastics and viola. Here I am. Within the past couple years I've also got into crossfit. Certainly no boredom there. I'm loving my current fitness life, and really into exploring getting both stronger and better at endurance events simultaneously. Which isn't as impossible as many believe.

middlehaitch

I get so inspired when I read stories like those posted above and really wish I was one of those people, but I'm not.

Nothing has ever clicked or become a passion. I could try to put it down to starting late, 54, I could put it down to the fact that none of my family were active (nothing much happening in industrial northern U.K in the 50's & 60's), but in all honesty- I really don't know why.

What I do know is setting an hour aside a day and doing a drop in class, or group sign up class, going for a fast paced walk, or stroll, or even doing nerdfitness, Hasfit, or any YouTube video, along with lifting x3 keeps my all around fitness level up, and my interest engaged.

You don't have to have a love or a passion; you just have to realise that a good fitness level means you have a better quality of life.

I like that in my 60's, when on vacation, I am off with those half my age hiking, swimming, snorkling, riding, climbing, etc- not getting on a bus for a guided tour around those areas, watching the fitter folks at a seated distance, wishing I could take part, like so many of my contemporaries.

You may find something you love, but if you don't go for variety to keep your interest piqued.

Cheers, h.

spiriteagle99

I was never athletic growing up. Last one chosen for the teams and all that. Then when I was about 30, I started walking as a way of dealing with severe stress and depression. That led to hiking, since I found that I could handle the garbage a lot easier after spending some time in the mountains. That led to backpacking, and eventually long distance backpacking. I did hiking and backpacking for 25 years and didn't really need any other activity. It kept me fit and healthy and happy. However, my husband started to have some health issues and couldn't go with me, but didn't like me to go alone, so I needed something new. Someone on a dog forum was looking for people to do C25k with her. I didn't think I could run (bad knees) but said, I'll try it. I was the only one who finished. Now, 6 years later, I run 30-40 mpw and am training for my 3rd marathon. I would like to get into long distance biking as well, but my husband doesn't ride and the area we live in is not at all bike friendly.

lorrpb

Just keep trying different things. You don't have to settle on just one thing. Also consider that you might be setting unrealistic expectations "That makes the workout almost an extension of who you are" and makes you "look and feel a certain way". If you find that, it's a bonus, but I don't see it as the criteria of a workout. I've just tried to establish good exercise habits. Some days feel great, others not so much, but I know it's good "for" me and will help me achieve my fitness & health goals.

lilawolf

Got fat and sedentary. One day, just decided to change.

At first I just walked.... Half hour at lunch and 10-15 at 3pm(ish), and longer on Saturday. Lost probably 10 pounds with no other exercise.

Started lifting: Stronglifts because I wanted to be beastly. Stuck with it for a long time because I love how it makes me feel. Need to get back to this.

Wanted something to fill a couple evenings a week and I was always interested in martial arts, so I tried a Krav Maga class. Loved it and never looked back. Stress release, safety, calorie burn, beastliness...

Decided to do a couple obstacle races and fun runs, so I started running. I don't like running all that much but loved the spartan and others!

Got divorced, so I got back into salsa dancing... Almost nothing makes me happier!

Want to go camping more, particularly backpack camping, so I hiked 14 miles on Sunday with a 25lb pack...

I mix it up with swimming, kayaking, white water rafting, snowshoeing, stairstepper while watching netflix, whatever... Goals depend on season and what I'm feeling. Right now I'm focusing on hiking/running/cardio because I want to climb Kilimanjaro this summer.

Basically, I suggest finding something you want to do, either all of the time or as a goal to work toward. If you have no idea what you might like, creep the fitness portion on here, groupon/living social, local YMCA (or similar), google activities in your area etc. Most classes/sports will let you try 1 for cheap or free, groupon/LS has coupons to try rock climbing or whatever...

Just do it.

__TMac__

I have a pretty short attention span, so I like to try new things. I've built it into my yearly calendar to sign up for various fitness-type events. This year, its rowing, with one 5k road race in the fall. Last year, it was triathlons and open water swimming. I'd like to spend more time backpacking next year, maybe tackle the NY-CT-MA sections of the AT. The common factor for me is to pick a goal, and then do the training required to meet it.

jenilla1

I had a lot of stress after I graduated from high school and had to start thinking about being an adult. That's a tough transitional time for most people I think. I needed an outlet. So, the summer before college classes started, I began hiking many miles on trails in a local nature preserve. The time I spent there was meditative and therapeutic for me. Eventually, hiking turned into running. I've picked up other fitness hobbies (weight training, mountain biking, backpacking, etc.) from other people along the way...

Decades later, I'm still going! It's kind of like a part of my personality. Fitness is just something I do. When I'm not active, I'm not as happy.

JaxxieKat

fitoverfortymom wrote: »

How did YOU find it? What made fitness become as much a part of you as breathing?

When I started seeing results. When I started seeing muscle definition that was better than when I was in high school (I'm 36 years-old). When I finally felt like a boss, and not an intimidated girl, walking into the weight room at the gym. When I realized how great it makes me feel. I typically do 20-30 minutes of Yoga 3-4 times per week. I hit the gym 5 days per week. One day a week I don't do Yoga or the gym, because I have back-to-back 45 minute dance classes. Don't get me wrong, machine cardio about bores me to tears, but I usually take my Bluetooth headphones and watch YouTube videos while I do it. It helps pass the time. Once you commit to a no excuses approach to fitness, it won't take long for you to find your groove.

rhileyschubbygranny

I LOVE Battle Ropes and Stronglifts 5x5. Battle Ropes are super fun an burn about 10 calories a minute. It is great cardio while burning fat and building muscle at the same time.

tamarbatavraham

I started climbing about a year ago, and it's the first fitness thing aside from yoga that I've stuck with for that long. With the climbing in conjunction with just eating less crap, I hit my weight loss goals after about a year and, since I've been maintaining that well for a while, am hoping to work harder on actively gaining some of that weight back in muscle.
In the next couple of weeks I'll be taking a Lead class, participating in the amateur levels in a climbing competition, and taking a women focused climbing training clinic from a pro climber. I love that I have constant goals, both short and long term ("Finish this climb right here" and "Increase overall climbing levels") and that it keeps my brain engaged enough it whatever I'm doing on the wall that I don't worry about whatever else is going on in my life.

For me, it was key to find something that would keep me really engaged, but everyone has to find their own way! ^_^

TavistockToad

A friend of mine did a 10k race in a wheelchair, I went to support him and thought what a fabulous atmosphere it was, so decided to run a race.

I signed up for a 10k that gave me about 15 weeks to train for.... so I started running, completed the race, did another 10k the following year, running sporadically in between, and then got injured. At this point I didn't mind running but didn't love it.

I couldn't run for around 8 weeks and then once I was fit again I signed up for a half marathon. Completion of the half made me love running, and I'm training for my second which is in about 8 weeks time!

JustinAnimal

I go through trends. First, it was running. I still love it, especially for mental health, but it wasn't doing to my body what I wanted. So now running is 1-3 times a week, either for fun or as a secondary work out.

I really enjoyed lifting heavy, but burned out on it for whatever reason. I'm actually now not sick of it (yeah, highly ADD over here), and would like to get back into heavy lifting. This will work well for the summer with the home gym (when the kid naps).

My current favorite is HIIT and various videos on youtube. Sometimes I'll google HIIT work outs and do random stuff like The Spartacus Workout, the 1% work out (extended and heavily modified) and the 1,000 rep HIIT work out. Sometimes I do Fitness Blender and things that are even more silly and embarassing for a grown man to be doing (you try keeping up with those tiny, fit ladies, I dare you!).

For me, it's all about variety. HIIT gives me variety, but a variety of different types of exercise also gives me variety. When it's nice out, we hike, trail run, paddle board, just generally try to be active and out of doors.

Fallfrenzy

I started going to the gym in the morning to avoid commuter traffic and going to work early and leaving late. The gym became a bonus or me. Because I did it for so long, even when I moved closer to home, I still go to the gym for strength training and cardio. I like that I now have some muscle definition and feel more fit. When I want to run 5Ks, it doesn't take me as long to ramp up training to run a decent time. When I start getting bored of what I'm doing, I do change up the cardio by taking some classes or just doing it outside, or try some new strength training routines. I find that I need to force myself to take a couple of rest days because it has become such a big part of my life.