I feel like I have zero time to exercise, also I frickin hate it

gallicinvasion

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

AliceDark

If you like walking...start walking. Could you start with a 20-minute walk once per day? I'm a huge podcast fan so I go for walks and listen to podcasts, but music and audiobooks are good too.

ETA: I love purposeful exercise but I'm really bad at incorporating activity into my day. The bulk of my non-exercise activity comes from one or two outdoor walks each day (usually with my dog, but sometimes without).

jjpptt2

I enjoy biking and running, so those are the things I make time for. There are lots of "purposeful exercises" that don't involve going to the gym.

Also, if you hate it, you probably don't *have* to do it. What are you trying to accomplish with it? Maybe there's an alternative?

erjones11

I used to really hate exercise. Now I rarely miss the opportunity mostly because I have made it a habit.

What I do though is watch an episode of something on my iPad while I either do a stationary bike or eliptical. I pick series types shows with approximately 40 minute episodes that I download in advance. Currently watching "Justified" and finishing season 4 but have been through many others series.

I get to enjoy a show while I exercise. Been doing it for six months so it is now a habit.

sublimerain9642

Exercising in the morning when I have energy works for me (sometimes). It also gets me ready for the day by starting early. Another thing is that I turn on the air or fan when I exercise, because I don't like to sweat as much as I did prior. Lastly try motivating music, it works for me. Hope I helped you

steveko89

The biggest thing for me was find activities I actually enjoy; exercise becomes a hobby you like doing, rather than something you should or have to do. You're certainly not alone with many users' exercise pursuits falling into the category of calorie-chasing.

All-in-all, you're not required to exercise to lose weight; just ensure you're in a caloric deficit. That being said, I believe exercise to be good for both the body and mind and think it's important to try to do something active. I tried a number of different exercises and trendy programs before I found the exercise methods I really enjoy and get excited to do. There could very well be something out there with which you can fall in love and you just haven't found it yet. Have you tried anything like yoga or tai chi? Either may help you relax and improve your work-life balance (assuming your job is mentally as well as physically taxing). Youtube can be a great place to start as free resource for videos of some things you can try.

emmies_123

It was so hard for me to make it part of my daily routine, it felt like I had nowhere to put it in either.

First off, find something you truly enjoy, it won't feel like such a chore if you look forward to doing it.

The way I found success was by switching from stationary exercise bike to doing 30 min workout routines each day. I found a youtube trainer I really enjoy (Jessica Smith) and who doesn't make me feel bad for not being able to be superwoman from the get go. I wake up slightly earlier in the morning to do my exercise first thing, as like you I"m exhausted and not motivated when I get home from work. I am NOT a morning person at all, but I have found that even if I'm yawning at the warm up phase, I'm alert by the end. My boss actually notices on days when I don't exercise because I'm not as perky in the morning, even though on those days I usually sleep in later.

mbaker566

you don't need to exercise to lose weight but it is good for fitness.
walking is exercise.
you might be able to find things you like to do. latin dancing, hiking, hula hooping, yoga, climbing trees.

i like to run, or hike with my dogs. and to fly thru the air with barely a care. it feels like exercise but it feels enjoyable too

kgirlhart

For me walking outside is exercise. When I started on mfp in 2015 the only exercise I did was walking with my dog. I eventually added in yoga and after I lost my weight I started running, but I have never gone to a gym and the only time I have ever run on a treadmill was at the running store when I had my gait analyzed to get fitted for running shoes. If you enjoy walking then do that.

moogie_fit

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

If you don't like exercise. It is not necessary for weight loss. What are your goals?

Most calories are burned during NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis) and when you exercise, often your NEAT goes down.

If you like walking, walk. If you would like to start to exercise, start small with maybe yoga, group classes, doing things with a friend, or YouTube videos. Honestly, this picture (from IG) says a lot

jemhh

Is there literally nothing in the world that you like to do that involves physical activity?

Work on finding something that you enjoy but, at the same time, I think you need to suck it up and just do it. You are young. Don't take the ability to move around for granted. Daily aches and pains, along with limited mobility, can make for a very unenjoyable life.

Packerjohn

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

What do you consider the fun activities you want to save your evenings for, vegging on a couch watching a tube? If so, don't say you don't have time for exercise.

There are plenty of people who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc and still have time for purposeful exercise.

If you are too tired after work, workout before you go to work.

emmies_123

Packerjohn wrote: »

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

What do you consider the fun activities you want to save your evenings for, vegging on a couch watching a tube? If so, don't say you don't have time for exercise.

There are plenty of people who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc and still have time for purposeful exercise.

Please don't be so quick to judge. Those kind of attitudes are exactly why it takes some of us so long to start, or leads to unhelpful mental arguments with ourselves about "is it worth it?"

Those of us with sedentary hobbies are very aware that others are forces of nature and make time to do everything. Making the mental effort to take time away from our hobby (which is likely something we gravitate to for mental well being) is the first hurdle we overcome.

jjpptt2

emmies_123 wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

What do you consider the fun activities you want to save your evenings for, vegging on a couch watching a tube? If so, don't say you don't have time for exercise.

There are plenty of people who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc and still have time for purposeful exercise.

Please don't be so quick to judge. Those kind of attitudes are exactly why it takes some of us so long to start, or leads to unhelpful mental arguments with ourselves about "is it worth it?"

Those of us with sedentary hobbies are very aware that others are forces of nature and make time to do everything. Making the mental effort to take time away from our hobby (which is likely something we gravitate to for mental well being) is the first hurdle we overcome.

To be clear...

No one has time for everything. We prioritize based on what's important to us, and (as you suggested) what is "worth it". For some people, that includes exercise. For others, it doesn't. Both are fine. I think the thing some people struggle with is admitting to themselves that exercise (or whatever the issue at hand is) may not be worth it to them given other responsibilities/priorities/interests. And again, that's fine. And that can change, too.

I'm basically agreeing with you both. Everyone has time to exercise, but not everyone prioritizes exercise highly enough such that they have time for it.

Packerjohn

emmies_123 wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

What do you consider the fun activities you want to save your evenings for, vegging on a couch watching a tube? If so, don't say you don't have time for exercise.

There are plenty of people who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc and still have time for purposeful exercise.

Please don't be so quick to judge. Those kind of attitudes are exactly why it takes some of us so long to start, or leads to unhelpful mental arguments with ourselves about "is it worth it?"

Those of us with sedentary hobbies are very aware that others are forces of nature and make time to do everything. Making the mental effort to take time away from our hobby (which is likely something we gravitate to for mental well being) is the first hurdle we overcome.

I'm not being quick to judge. The vast majority of people (including most recent US presidents) can find time to exercise, IF they choose to make it a priority. The OP apparently isn't choosing to make it a priority, which is fine, but facts are, she most likely has time if she chooses to.

janejellyroll

emmies_123 wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

What do you consider the fun activities you want to save your evenings for, vegging on a couch watching a tube? If so, don't say you don't have time for exercise.

There are plenty of people who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc and still have time for purposeful exercise.

Please don't be so quick to judge. Those kind of attitudes are exactly why it takes some of us so long to start, or leads to unhelpful mental arguments with ourselves about "is it worth it?"

Those of us with sedentary hobbies are very aware that others are forces of nature and make time to do everything. Making the mental effort to take time away from our hobby (which is likely something we gravitate to for mental well being) is the first hurdle we overcome.

Nobody makes time to do everything. Nobody. Everyone on earth is giving something up.

When you look at people who are exercising regularly, you're not looking at "forces of nature." You're just looking at people who decided to give something else up. And most of us were terrible at it when we started, we struggled with energy and feeling out of breath, feeling like we didn't belong in the gym or on the running trail or in the pool with all the fit people. But we kept doing it. Sometimes we still have bad days where we feel like the slowest or the lumpiest person. Still we keep at it.

That's the only difference. But it's a difference that can change for anyone if they want it to. Every day is a chance for us to become that person who is sometimes tired or sometimes bored or sometimes self-conscious but does it anyway.

kimny72

gallicinvasion wrote: »

Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).

I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?

Walking outside is exercise. Playing tag with the kids is exercise. Biking, rafting, volleyball, rowing, dancing around the living room. All sorts of fun stuff is exercise. I have been exercising 3-5 times a week for years, and I have literally never been in a gym since I graduated college.

Having said that, as others have said, we all make choices in life. Setting aside time for physical activity - (whatever it may be) to improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle, burn calories - is something you need to determine whether it is a priority in your life right now. It doesn't have to be, that's up to you. But perhaps you just need to expand your idea of what exercise is, rather than force yourself to do whatever it is you are imagining it to be!

And all you need to lose weight is a calorie deficit. Exercise can help, and will make you more healthy and perhaps more fit, but it's not required for weight loss.

emmies_123

I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.

It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."

I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.

jjpptt2

emmies_123 wrote: »

I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.

It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."

I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.

Ok, maybe this is my own sensitivities coming out, but I have a real problem with that. EVERYONE'S path has hills and valleys. Everyone. Period. Some things that are very easy to you are very hard for me. And vise versa. That doesn't mean that either one of our "hills" are steeper than anyone else's. They are just different hills. You yell about being judged, yet here you are judging others for having easier paths in life. You have no idea what other people are dealing with.

janejellyroll

emmies_123 wrote: »

I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.

It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."

I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.

Just based on my own observations, those people who look like they're doing everything . . . they're probably giving something up. It might be different than what you would give up in their situation, but they're giving something up.

I think everyone has some kind of uphill struggle. We all have stuff we'd like to do more often -- whether it's scrubbing the bathtub, doing volunteer work, spending time with family, learning new skills. Some of us just value exercise enough to work it in regularly (and we're probably doing less of something else).

I run about six hours a week. That's six hours I could be doing other things, things that are also valuable. This is just the choice that I made. Nobody gets it all.

Packerjohn

emmies_123 wrote: »

I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.

It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."

I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.

YOU determine what you put in your mouth or if YOU want to move or not (assuming no disabilities). It's not a blessing or a curse, it's what you CHOOSE to do.

Need to own one's actions not attribute to a blessing or a curse.