how to not hate exercise?
Replies
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englishmuffinruns wrote: »If you feel that bad after working out, you really should see a doctor. You could be anemic, have a thyroid issue, or any number of things. Last year I started falling asleep at 8:00pm, after working and going to the gym. I felt like crap. Had some tests done and it turns out I have myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that can cause weakness and fatigue. I'm by no means saying YOU have this, but if you feel that bad you aren't doing yourself any favors not to be seen by a physician.
Blood tests have ruled out anemia and thyroid issues, and it's possible something else is causing the problem but whatever it is, they haven't found it. The weird thing is that I have chronic insomnia and even though exercise exhausts me, it doesn't help me go to bed any earlier when I do exercise.When's the last time you saw a doctor.. check your blood work etc?
Start there..
Last August (in fact it wasn't just a regular blood test, it was an endocrinologist and they tested all my hormones) and they didn't find anything.3 -
Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?1
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laurenq1991 wrote: »englishmuffinruns wrote: »If you feel that bad after working out, you really should see a doctor. You could be anemic, have a thyroid issue, or any number of things. Last year I started falling asleep at 8:00pm, after working and going to the gym. I felt like crap. Had some tests done and it turns out I have myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that can cause weakness and fatigue. I'm by no means saying YOU have this, but if you feel that bad you aren't doing yourself any favors not to be seen by a physician.
Blood tests have ruled out anemia and thyroid issues, and it's possible something else is causing the problem but whatever it is, they haven't found it. The weird thing is that I have chronic insomnia and even though exercise exhausts me, it doesn't help me go to bed any earlier when I do exercise.
I also honestly have to wonder if part of the problem is how you are defining "exercise" based on some of your responses. If you don't have specific fitness goals other than all-around wellness, just work out at a lower pace/lower weight/shorter time so you aren't exhausted. The goal of exercise isn't to be huffing and puffing and sweating. It's just to get your heart rate up a bit or challenge your muscles a little to keep them strong or to stretch yourself out a little so you stay limber.10 -
MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.I also honestly have to wonder if part of the problem is how you are defining "exercise" based on some of your responses. If you don't have specific fitness goals other than all-around wellness, just work out at a lower pace/lower weight/shorter time so you aren't exhausted. The goal of exercise isn't to be huffing and puffing and sweating. It's just to get your heart rate up a bit or challenge your muscles a little to keep them strong or to stretch yourself out a little so you stay limber.
It's hard to be much slower than an 11 to 12-minute mile.3 -
Get a second opinion. Get a third opinion. It took four physicians to figure out that I had MG. It took SIX OB-GYNs to find one who agreed that I needed a hysterectomy and didn't tell me to suck it up and wait for menopause.
Point being - YOU are your best advocate for your health and well-being. If your current physician can't figure out what's wrong, keep going until you find someone who can. If your vitamin D is low, and you're not being treated, ask WHY. Ask what else could be going on, if it's not thyroid or anemia.4 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.I also honestly have to wonder if part of the problem is how you are defining "exercise" based on some of your responses. If you don't have specific fitness goals other than all-around wellness, just work out at a lower pace/lower weight/shorter time so you aren't exhausted. The goal of exercise isn't to be huffing and puffing and sweating. It's just to get your heart rate up a bit or challenge your muscles a little to keep them strong or to stretch yourself out a little so you stay limber.
It's hard to be much slower than an 11 to 12-minute mile.
You absolutely can though. I know people who have completed marathons at a slower pace than that (I think 14-15 minutes per mile). If the pace you're going at is causing undue fatigue, you can always go slower.15 -
It's hard to be much slower than an 11 to 12-minute mile.[/quote]
Really? When I first started walking I was a 20 minute mile. On a good day. That was in 2014. I'm fiercely proud of my 12:11 mile and have completed 2 half marathons at that pace.
Slow progress is still progress.
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englishmuffinruns wrote: »Get a second opinion. Get a third opinion. It took four physicians to figure out that I had MG. It took SIX OB-GYNs to find one who agreed that I needed a hysterectomy and didn't tell me to suck it up and wait for menopause.
Point being - YOU are your best advocate for your health and well-being. If your current physician can't figure out what's wrong, keep going until you find someone who can. If your vitamin D is low, and you're not being treated, ask WHY. Ask what else could be going on, if it's not thyroid or anemia.
Unfortunately the problem is that whenever doctors find out I have mental health issues, they just assume everything is caused by that.
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laurenq1991 wrote: »MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.I also honestly have to wonder if part of the problem is how you are defining "exercise" based on some of your responses. If you don't have specific fitness goals other than all-around wellness, just work out at a lower pace/lower weight/shorter time so you aren't exhausted. The goal of exercise isn't to be huffing and puffing and sweating. It's just to get your heart rate up a bit or challenge your muscles a little to keep them strong or to stretch yourself out a little so you stay limber.
It's hard to be much slower than an 11 to 12-minute mile.
I take 50k Vit D, once a week - as prescribed by my doctor. Yours may or may not make a similar recommendation. Just FYI.
(Totally not giving medical advice here!) 2 -
Maybe you should ask your mental health professional if they can refer you to someone who would be more understanding.4
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So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.41 -
I hear you. I used to hate exercise, too. I'm still not wild about it. But there's a whole list of other things I hate/have hated that went away when I started/as I progressed. Like:
- Stress issues
- (Mild) Anxiety issues
- TOM cramps
- Struggling to lift 15 lbs in one hand
- Shooting pains in my legs if I had to walk on sidewalks that hadn't been completely cleared of snow
- As problematic as aspiring to look like a Barbie doll is (and I'm not contesting it), looking like a Cabbage Patch kid? Not really any better.
Some days, I enjoy my walks or my glider or strength training. Some days, I enjoy that part at the end where I can finally stop. But I look at results like:- Better moods
- Little-to-no PMS issues
- More energy
- Sitting up in the recovery unit after surgery and getting complimented on my trunk muscles
- An RHR in the "athlete" category
- Training for my first 5K and coming in first in my age group (51st out of 500 over all), when two years earlier, I was getting winded going up two flights of stairs
- Lifting 35lbs in each hand
- Seeing something pop on my shoulder and realizing that it's a deltoid... and there's one on the other shoulder too...
And I realize that as much as I dislike exercise, I adore what it does for me. I focus on the results, not the process. And I play a lot of music to distract me while I'm in the process.16 -
janejellyroll wrote: »You absolutely can though. I know people who have completed marathons at a slower pace than that (I think 14-15 minutes per mile). If the pace you're going at is causing undue fatigue, you can always go slower.englishmuffinruns wrote: »Really? When I first started walking I was a 20 minute mile. On a good day. That was in 2014. I'm fiercely proud of my 12:11 mile and have completed 2 half marathons at that pace.
Slow progress is still progress.
So maybe I should try speedwalking instead, and try to not be ashamed of myself for not being able to do running or Crossfit like other people?englishmuffinruns wrote: »Maybe you should ask your mental health professional if they can refer you to someone who would be more understanding.
I don't have one.So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.
I haven't ruled out physical reasons. A lot of physical conditions are commonly undiagnosed for years. For example chronic fatigue syndrome is very hard to diagnose. But so far if there is a physical reason, no doctors have found it. It might not even be an illness or condition but just the way I am. Maybe not everyone is built for strenuous exercise. I've always found sports like running to be draining but I have walked over 20 miles in a day or hiked up and down mountains for 7 hours and not had a problem with it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do those sorts of workouts regularly.
Also I was on the track team for two years so I think I did give running a fair chance.
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So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.
But...
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cwolfman13 wrote: »
But...
Unfortunately some people don't realize that not everyone is like them. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean everyone else on the planet can.
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laurenq1991 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »
But...
Unfortunately some people don't realize that not everyone is like them. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean everyone else on the planet can.
I really don't think anyone here can help you...your attitude towards everything is just negative.
ETA: I'm very well aware that everyone is not me or like me...but there are literally thousands upon thousands of ways to be active. Not everyone is going to do the same things or enjoy doing the same things. My wife is a runner...I'll be damned if I run and if I'm running, everyone else better run too because something bad is about to happen. It is impossible to me that there isn't one single active activity that you don't enjoy.28 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »
The point is that you're putting a lot of emotional energy, absolutism, and black and white thinking into "hating exercise".
Take some of that energy, and focus it on what you can do, instead.
Some of the problem, truly, is your self-definition as "someone who hates all exercise". Open that up a little, and try to start thinking of yourself as someone who hasn't yet found a way of being more active that's fun.
Then start looking for and trying out ways of being active that might be fun. Give each one a fair shot, to get past the newbie blues. Make a list of what you like about it (even if you don't like everything about it). There are thousands of ways to be more active. How can you possibly hate all of them (unless you've simply firmly decided to do so)?
Start by thinking about it differently. You've painted yourself into a bad corner.13 -
There's been a lot of good advice so far on this thread, and I hope you try some of it. I guess I am just having a little trouble figuring out your "why" for all of this? If you really truly hate exercise (and it seems like your definition of exercise is strenuous exercise), and everything you are trying to do doesn't work and it just makes you miserable, quite honestly I'm not sure why you need to do it.
You've mentioned that you are not overweight, so you don't need it for weight loss.
You say that you want to do it for overall cardiovascular health, but you also say that you are pretty active in your regular life, walking places and carry laundry up three flights of stairs. It seems like you are doing enough to get most of the health benefits of exercise. The NIH recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Walking and the other things you do are considered moderate exercise. Doing hours of strenuous exercise a week isn't going to make that much of a difference.
You mentioned it would make your husband happy and that he won't call you lazy anymore. That sounds like its a bigger problem to be addressed between the two of you that needs to be worked out that can't just be solved by you making yourself miserable just to please him. I train in Martial Arts 5-6 hours a week. My wife doesn't really do any strenuous exercise. A 30 minute walk once a week would be a good week. I would never think of bringing her down and degrading her because of it.
I think maybe the answer to this is rather than learning how to not hate exercise, you should focus on ways to love and accept yourself where you are, and that who you are and what you are doing is good enough.20 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.I also honestly have to wonder if part of the problem is how you are defining "exercise" based on some of your responses. If you don't have specific fitness goals other than all-around wellness, just work out at a lower pace/lower weight/shorter time so you aren't exhausted. The goal of exercise isn't to be huffing and puffing and sweating. It's just to get your heart rate up a bit or challenge your muscles a little to keep them strong or to stretch yourself out a little so you stay limber.
It's hard to be much slower than an 11 to 12-minute mile.
Set an alarm on your phone.9 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »You absolutely can though. I know people who have completed marathons at a slower pace than that (I think 14-15 minutes per mile). If the pace you're going at is causing undue fatigue, you can always go slower.englishmuffinruns wrote: »Really? When I first started walking I was a 20 minute mile. On a good day. That was in 2014. I'm fiercely proud of my 12:11 mile and have completed 2 half marathons at that pace.
Slow progress is still progress.
So maybe I should try speedwalking instead, and try to not be ashamed of myself for not being able to do running or Crossfit like other people?englishmuffinruns wrote: »Maybe you should ask your mental health professional if they can refer you to someone who would be more understanding.
I don't have one.So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.
I haven't ruled out physical reasons. A lot of physical conditions are commonly undiagnosed for years. For example chronic fatigue syndrome is very hard to diagnose. But so far if there is a physical reason, no doctors have found it. It might not even be an illness or condition but just the way I am. Maybe not everyone is built for strenuous exercise. I've always found sports like running to be draining but I have walked over 20 miles in a day or hiked up and down mountains for 7 hours and not had a problem with it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do those sorts of workouts regularly.
Also I was on the track team for two years so I think I did give running a fair chance.
There's no real reason not to try walking. It's exercise too. Not everyone wants to run or do CrossFit, not everyone can run or do CrossFit. Given what we know of the physical benefits of exercise, I'd personally feel much better choosing walking over nothing.
I think sometimes people get this idea that they've got to go hard or do nothing, but it's really not like that.12 -
It's been said but maybe give yoga a go. Also I think consistency is key. Set a reminder on your phone or whatever, do whatever workout you have chosen and do it no matter what. Give it time - like 3 months or more and decide how you like it when you are seeing results and your routine is getting easier.1
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janejellyroll wrote: »laurenq1991 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »You absolutely can though. I know people who have completed marathons at a slower pace than that (I think 14-15 minutes per mile). If the pace you're going at is causing undue fatigue, you can always go slower.englishmuffinruns wrote: »Really? When I first started walking I was a 20 minute mile. On a good day. That was in 2014. I'm fiercely proud of my 12:11 mile and have completed 2 half marathons at that pace.
Slow progress is still progress.
So maybe I should try speedwalking instead, and try to not be ashamed of myself for not being able to do running or Crossfit like other people?englishmuffinruns wrote: »Maybe you should ask your mental health professional if they can refer you to someone who would be more understanding.
I don't have one.So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.
I haven't ruled out physical reasons. A lot of physical conditions are commonly undiagnosed for years. For example chronic fatigue syndrome is very hard to diagnose. But so far if there is a physical reason, no doctors have found it. It might not even be an illness or condition but just the way I am. Maybe not everyone is built for strenuous exercise. I've always found sports like running to be draining but I have walked over 20 miles in a day or hiked up and down mountains for 7 hours and not had a problem with it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do those sorts of workouts regularly.
Also I was on the track team for two years so I think I did give running a fair chance.
There's no real reason not to try walking. It's exercise too. Not everyone wants to run or do CrossFit, not everyone can run or do CrossFit. Given what we know of the physical benefits of exercise, I'd personally feel much better choosing walking over nothing.
I think sometimes people get this idea that they've got to go hard or do nothing, but it's really not like that.
If my exercise was a sufferfest, I'd never do it. Most of my exercise is active recreation. I rarely do a ride that isn't at a comfortable, conversational pace...I'm not panting and grasping for air and killing myself. Rock climbing is just plain fun. Hiking in the mountains is just beautiful.9 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »
Unfortunately some people don't realize that not everyone is like them. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean everyone else on the planet can.
Actually, EVERYONE here understands that just fine.
I am also 100% positive that NOBODY here is saying that you have to be like anyone else, or that everyone else can do a certain thing. But out of EVERYTHING that is available to you, you can do SOMETHING. Unless you are literally bedridden, you can do SOMETHING. I hate running. I don't do it except for when I have to. But some people love it. If that's what someone else likes to do, that's awesome - I have friends who do ultras and triathlons and all kinds of crazy stuff that I'm just like...ummmm nooooooope, not my thing. My kid hates most sports, but she loves karate, so guess what she does 2x per week? We had to experiment to find a physical activity she enjoyed (we tried soccer, basketball, softball, ballet, rock climbing...you name it. She likes swimming too, but that's something we mostly do outdoors during the summer months since not a big fan of our indoor pool). There were all these things she didn't like, but then she found something she DID, and heck yes if she likes karate and wants to thump on that one obnoxious red-headed boy in her class when she spars, ATTA GIRL!!!! But she gets EXCITED about karate class. She just had to try it first.
Up above you mentioned maybe doing like powerwalking or something. That is something! Absolutely that is something! you like hiking but don't live close enough to a good place to do it regularly so powerwalking - who cares how fast you do or don't go, especially at first - may be perfect FOR YOU. you don't have to crossfit or do a particular thing.
And don't assume what other people do/don't know or understand about mental illnesses. MANY people on these forums, myself included, have dealt with a variety of mental health struggles. I take meds 2x per day to help handle depression/anxiety/OCD. I have bad days. Fewer now than I used to, and generally not as bad as they used to be.
Attitude is huge though. If you decide you're gonna be miserable doing something...then...yeah.
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cwolfman13 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »laurenq1991 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »You absolutely can though. I know people who have completed marathons at a slower pace than that (I think 14-15 minutes per mile). If the pace you're going at is causing undue fatigue, you can always go slower.englishmuffinruns wrote: »Really? When I first started walking I was a 20 minute mile. On a good day. That was in 2014. I'm fiercely proud of my 12:11 mile and have completed 2 half marathons at that pace.
Slow progress is still progress.
So maybe I should try speedwalking instead, and try to not be ashamed of myself for not being able to do running or Crossfit like other people?englishmuffinruns wrote: »Maybe you should ask your mental health professional if they can refer you to someone who would be more understanding.
I don't have one.So if you've ruled out physical reasons for being so exhausted, it sounds like it's entirely psychological? Like do you THINK "I'm exercising and it makes me tired"? or are you actually THAT tired? I mean, yeah, start slowly and build up, but by no means should you be THAT exhausted that exercising consumes half of your day. I get up at 2am, hit the gym, then work a 12+ hour day as a police officer, go home and be a mom to a wild monkey of a 3rd-grader, then do it again the next day.
I don't wanna sound harsh, but as some others have pointed out, most of your post is negative -
you HATE working out
you HATE this
you HATE that
this WON'T work
you CAN'T do that
this takes TOO LONG
that DOESN'T DO anything
etc
etc
etc
I think your attitude is a HUGE factor here. I honestly didn't like lifting when I first started. But now I love it and it keeps me sane. You may have to wedge a crowbar into that closed mind, wedge it open a bit, and force yourself to give something a fair chance.
Or just continue to complain and come up with excuses about it. I mean, I'm sorry, but no matter how many thousands of people read/comment on this thread, we can't do it for you and if you won't try something (or maybe "try again, for the first time") and will only say why it won't/can't work, then...dunno. Stalemate.
I haven't ruled out physical reasons. A lot of physical conditions are commonly undiagnosed for years. For example chronic fatigue syndrome is very hard to diagnose. But so far if there is a physical reason, no doctors have found it. It might not even be an illness or condition but just the way I am. Maybe not everyone is built for strenuous exercise. I've always found sports like running to be draining but I have walked over 20 miles in a day or hiked up and down mountains for 7 hours and not had a problem with it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do those sorts of workouts regularly.
Also I was on the track team for two years so I think I did give running a fair chance.
There's no real reason not to try walking. It's exercise too. Not everyone wants to run or do CrossFit, not everyone can run or do CrossFit. Given what we know of the physical benefits of exercise, I'd personally feel much better choosing walking over nothing.
I think sometimes people get this idea that they've got to go hard or do nothing, but it's really not like that.
If my exercise was a sufferfest, I'd never do it. Most of my exercise is active recreation. I rarely do a ride that isn't at a comfortable, conversational pace...I'm not panting and grasping for air and killing myself. Rock climbing is just plain fun. Hiking in the mountains is just beautiful.
Yeah, I run by a rough 80%/20% rule (per Matt Fitzgerald). At least 80% of my runs are at a comfortable, conversational pace. The 20% that aren't are to achieve specific results that I know will lead to a more enjoyable running experience later, so I don't find doing them.
Even when I'm doing shorter, speed-focused workouts, I'm not out there killing myself.
I'm running for fun and fitness, not for prize money. There's no reason to suffer.7 -
Set an alarm. When I was taking mes that I needed to take on a regular basis that was how I made sure I took them.laurenq1991 wrote: »MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.
I would also suggest seeing someone to work on the trauma from your past therapist as well as the PTSD and OCD.3 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »MommyLifts3 wrote: »Low vitamin D will absolutely cause fatigue and it can cause depression. Has your doctor prescribed you a supplement?
Yes. Unfortunately, taking them is another thing I have trouble remembering to do every day. I usually only remember at night and it's not recommended to take them at night because they could cause insomnia. I did take them almost every day for a few weeks recently though and it didn't really seem to help.
Put an alarm on your phone, simple fix.0 -
I am the slowest runner on earth. If I had the attitude I cant run because I am not like the other athletes or athlete. I would be a couch potato.
I am not athletic in nature, clumsy as all heck, but I CHOOSE to run because it is good for my health and waist line. I will not break any records (Maybe the slowest record), but guess what, I am not in it for a medal.
You need to quit comparing yourself to everyone else and exercise at a rate you can tolerate without all the hates.
Attitude is Everything.
15 -
laurenq1991 wrote: »I've tried so many times to get into an exercise routine but I can't make it happen because I hate exercise. I've never been overweight but also haven't been in shape for most of my life.
*I hate the feeling of getting sweaty and itchy. - Don't do intense cardio. There are many options that don't work up a sweat.
*I hate getting out of breath and feeling like I'm about to die. In middle school we measured VO2Max and I had the second lowest in the class -- the lowest was someone whose parents were chain smokers. Don't do intense cardio. I dislike that feeling too.
*I hate going to the gym. I don't drive so it's very annoying to get there, they play annoying music so loudly that even if you have something else in your headphones you can hear their music over it, and I hate working out in public. Don't work out at a gym. The world is your gym.
*I also hate exercising outside. Even walking is not as enjoyable as it once was between the bad drivers and poorly trained dogs, and with those two things and the broken sidewalks in my town, running or biking are out of the question. Workout at home. Or find a nice quiet spot outside. On weekends, I bike to the park and do yoga by the lake.
*I hate that it takes out half my day between getting ready, doing exercise, showering, and the exhaustion afterwards. After exercising I feel so exhausted that I can hardly do anything for the rest of the day and hardly even get up. Workout at night before bed
*I also have bad associations with exercise because one of the worst times of my life was when I was on the track team in high school, and my physical health was terrible during that time (I was constantly exhausted and lost my period for six months) because the workouts were so draining. Spend some time finding out what you like to create positive associations. Don't run if that has negative connotations. Maybe try Class Pass. I found a fun dance studio right by my house by using Class Pass. The choreography classes are slow enough to not cause you to break a sweat or feel out of breath. And yes, I have no coordination or dance background, but who cares. Don't be afraid of looking like an idiot. No one cares.
*I don't get any kind of "runner's high." Don't run if you don't enjoy it.
*It's possible I might have mild exercise intolerance. See a physician
How can I make exercise not suck? By experimenting with different things until you find something you like.
I like to play a video game for cardio. Or hula hoop or row while watching TV. I enjoy leisurely riding my bike, bouldering, doing calisthenics, lifting weights, roller derby, dance, Krav Maga, aerial arts, etc. Everyone is different. I bet there is SOMETHING you would enjoy. I know I'm never going to do it unless I can find some way to enjoy it. Correct, unless you have discipline and care more about building strength than not. I don't get how other people can be excited to work out.Because they've found things that they enjoyMy husband gets pissed off if he can't run for an hour every day and he's constantly judging me for being "too lazy" to work out.Maybe time for a heart to heart or counselling.
Also - low Vit.D and insomnia can definitely affect your energy levels. Without adequate sleep, your body cannot function properly. Maybe work with a sleep Dr. to help correct the insomnia and get a days of the week pill dispenser to help you remember to take your vitamins.9 -
I am the slowest runner on earth. If I had the attitude I cant run because I am not like the other athletes or athlete. I would be a couch potato.
I am not athletic in nature, clumsy as all heck, but I CHOOSE to run because it is good for my health and waist line. I will not break any records (Maybe the slowest record), but guess what, I am not in it for a medal.
You need to quit comparing yourself to everyone else and exercise at a rate you can tolerate without all the hates.
Attitude is Everything.
nah you could probably outrun me
1 -
I am the slowest runner on earth. If I had the attitude I cant run because I am not like the other athletes or athlete. I would be a couch potato.
I am not athletic in nature, clumsy as all heck, but I CHOOSE to run because it is good for my health and waist line. I will not break any records (Maybe the slowest record), but guess what, I am not in it for a medal.
You need to quit comparing yourself to everyone else and exercise at a rate you can tolerate without all the hates.
Attitude is Everything.
I'm not that speedy myself. My motto is that the slowest runners are still faster than everyone who is sitting on the couch!11
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