gym honesty
pattycakes80
Posts: 118 Member
i go to the gym as planned but despite my best efforts, i still view the gym as a job.
i started my journey in may 2013 and fully believed that there would be a point where i looked forward to my workout. sadly, that has yet to happen. i appreciate the benefits (clearly, or else i would not partake), but there are moments when i look around and cringe knowing that working out is going to be a necessity for the rest of my life.
maybe i am just noticing this as a result of burn out - i don't ever recall feeling so blah about working out in past.
anyone else experience ups and downs regarding the gym? and i mean still going, but less thrilled? and if so, any ideas to brighten my perspective? hoping this is a just a phase.
i started my journey in may 2013 and fully believed that there would be a point where i looked forward to my workout. sadly, that has yet to happen. i appreciate the benefits (clearly, or else i would not partake), but there are moments when i look around and cringe knowing that working out is going to be a necessity for the rest of my life.
maybe i am just noticing this as a result of burn out - i don't ever recall feeling so blah about working out in past.
anyone else experience ups and downs regarding the gym? and i mean still going, but less thrilled? and if so, any ideas to brighten my perspective? hoping this is a just a phase.
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Replies
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Well it sounds like the gym isn't what makes you find your happy place (which I can completely understand).
It could be that you need a different gym (lighting, crowding, general layout all affect your mood).
It could be you need a different routine (classes vs. machines).
It could be you need to leave the gym on nice days and work out outside.
It could be that what you really would love is a skill vs. workouts: martial arts, tap, ballet, fencing, etc.0 -
I completely feel you on this one. I hate it. I do it because I have to, and because I like what I see in the mirror these days alot more than when I didn't go. But I still hate it. This is the first time in my life I have exercised at least 3 times a week every week for such an extended period (16 months). I still hate it. In another 16 months I will still hate it. I'd rather be home playing video games and jamming cookies in my face.
Sometimes I read about how others just love running or love lifting or insanity or whatever they are doing. I'm not jealous, I just don't really believe it... That could just be my natural cynicism shining through though.0 -
Maybe whatever you're doing at the gym isn't right for you. Do you do group classes? Try a different one!0
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If you don't like the gym, don't do it. There are plenty of other options: running, swimming, biking, yoga, pure barre, Crossfit, etc. I despise going to the gym and lifting on my own. Just not fun to me. So, I started with triathlons in 2011, moved on to just running when I got tired of the bike and took up Crossfit late last year. Now, I have found something that I love and look forward to. "The gym" isn't the only option if you want to get in shape. Try something new and keep trying new things until you find something you DO like. Otherwise, there is frankly no way you are going to stick with it long term.0
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Is there something else you love that you can do for exercise? What about joining a rock climbing gym? Is there hiking in your area? Martial arts? Are you weight training? Cycling?0
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I think FireOpal nailed it right on the head - switch something up. I travel a lot for work so I have to use a lot of different gyms and there are some that you just walk into and its like the energy is sapped out of you - could be lighting or setup or just a bunch of douchey dudes in the weights section. There are others that I go in and just can't wait to go back to again the next day - so think about trying a new gym (I know that is much easier said than done if current one fits budget or location or any of the million other reasons we pick a gym).
Otherwise like others mentioned try different programs - crossfit, or swimming or classes or whatever. It is tough if you hate doing something to keep at it. I loathe cardio - hate hate hate it - but I don't mind to lift so I try and find a way to incorporate them together a little bit more so it doesn't feel as bad (I will run a lap around track in between each set or each lift, etc.).
Hope you are able to find something to help you out!!!0 -
Step it up! You've plateaued. Try Boot Camp classes or Cross Fit. Use MEET UP to find other classes at other gyms. There's a lot of groups out there who have free classes and they can be a lot of fun. Try bike riding, swimming, running, hiking, etc. Change it up!0
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i go to the gym as planned but despite my best efforts, i still view the gym as a job.
i fail to see the problem.
just like a job, you're getting it done and reaping the benefits whether it's all sunshine and lollipops or not. that said, you can try different routines, different exercise styles and protocols, different gyms, and different exercise partners. there's more than one way to do this0 -
i go to the gym as planned but despite my best efforts, i still view the gym as a job.
i fail to see the problem.
just like a job, you're getting it done and reaping the benefits whether it's all sunshine and lollipops or not. that said, you can try different routines, different exercise styles and protocols, different gyms, and different exercise partners. there's more than one way to do this
I'm with this. I would much rather be reading a book than going to work or exercising. I don't have the option not to for the former so I look at the later in the same way.0 -
It's normal to have days where you don't want to go to the gym, but at the end of the day, you either did the work or you didn't.0
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I originally loathed the gym - but now I hate the way I feel if I skip exercise for a few days. Endorphins are awesome!
Switch it up. Find something that suits you it's not the gym or nothing :bigsmile:0 -
Technically you don't have to like it.
just do it
it helps if you love it and you might want to try something new, but still....0 -
i go to the gym as planned but despite my best efforts, i still view the gym as a job.
i fail to see the problem.
just like a job, you're getting it done and reaping the benefits whether it's all sunshine and lollipops or not. that said, you can try different routines, different exercise styles and protocols, different gyms, and different exercise partners. there's more than one way to do this
Yep. I don't always love going to the gym, or running. It's hard, it's messy, and sometimes it's painful. But, I do love what it does for me, and that's make all of the other things that I do love to do possible. Like a job, there is a payoff.0 -
i go to the gym as planned but despite my best efforts, i still view the gym as a job.
i started my journey in may 2013 and fully believed that there would be a point where i looked forward to my workout. sadly, that has yet to happen. i appreciate the benefits (clearly, or else i would not partake), but there are moments when i look around and cringe knowing that working out is going to be a necessity for the rest of my life.
maybe i am just noticing this as a result of burn out - i don't ever recall feeling so blah about working out in past.
anyone else experience ups and downs regarding the gym? and i mean still going, but less thrilled? and if so, any ideas to brighten my perspective? hoping this is a just a phase.
I feel the same way as you. I used to work out a lot before my chronic illness made that almost impossible and I hated going to the gym. I just saw it as something I absolutely had to do and something that I dreaded. The weight I've lost right now has been 100% calorie counting with no work outs because it's really hard for me to work out without passing out, but at some point I am going to have to start at least doing weights because although I've lost a ton of weight, I still look fat to me. I have loose skin and it drives me insane.0 -
The things that really motivate me might not work for everyone, but I love games. I love video games, board games, word games, drinking games, etc. Plus, I love gadgets. The surest way to get me to do something is to give me a new electronic gadget to help me do it.
So...for exercise, I rely on gamification and gadgets at a lot. I purchased a Bodymedia and I make a point of trying to get checks on every goal, every day. I use the Zombies! Run! app to motivate running. I bought a Zephyr heart rate monitor which syncs with a bunch of different apps on my phone so I can always try something new if it's feeling stale. I even started Stronglifts instead of NROLFW because of the app.
Anything with an app or a gadget is going to be much more likely to motivate me toward my goals...because I can see the checkmarks and graphs tracking my progress, and that's much more rewarding than just knowing that I'm getting there.
All that is to say, find what works for you and exploit the heck out of it. If it's rewarding yourself with treats, like new clothes or whatever, do it. If it's checking in on Facebook or Foursquare every time you make it to the gym, do it. There are some apps which let you earn money or points for going to the gym. Find ways to reward yourself or be accountable to someone other than yourself.0 -
Well it sounds like the gym isn't what makes you find your happy place (which I can completely understand).
It could be that you need a different gym (lighting, crowding, general layout all affect your mood).
It could be you need a different routine (classes vs. machines).
It could be you need to leave the gym on nice days and work out outside.
It could be that what you really would love is a skill vs. workouts: martial arts, tap, ballet, fencing, etc.
As above. I never thought I would enjoy running. Never in a million years, in my younger days I was a gym bunny and so that's what I thought I would enjoy again, my old gym was new, well lit with lots of entertainment and good music and in the business district so the people were all preppy office types, the new gym is in the burbs, poorly lit, old and filled with meat heads and I was the only woman which is not as much fun as it sounds. I hated it. But running I fell in love with. I only realised how much when DP had to leave the family home for work and so now I can't get out for a run. I am counting down the days until we move to our new home and all back in together and I can get back out there!
Point being if the gym isn't doing it for you perhaps you need to try something new, bootcamp, zumba classes, pump classes.0 -
i appreciate the helpful responses. part of why i hit the gym is to get into shape so i can play tennis. i long for the day!
i think part of my post was coming from a place of fear. never before had i worked out for such a consistent amount of time - just over 11 months. i love that my body craves it and my mood changes if i am not able to work that day. it is amazing; however, i was getting worried i would revert back to my old non-active self. i guess i was just checking in to see if anyone else got stuck in a rut of dreading the gym only to find it was just that - a rut.0 -
Well it sounds like the gym isn't what makes you find your happy place (which I can completely understand).
It could be that you need a different gym (lighting, crowding, general layout all affect your mood).
It could be you need a different routine (classes vs. machines).
It could be you need to leave the gym on nice days and work out outside.
It could be that what you really would love is a skill vs. workouts: martial arts, tap, ballet, fencing, etc.
I love my gym. But I don't do anything except classes there. I discovered that I liked exercising in a social environment more than by myself. Sometimes I mix it up by going to some classes at specialty places. Right now I'm taking Salsa once a week for a month. I also use Fitness Blender on the computer occasionally.
Find something that you look forward to.If the gym is not a match for you there are tons of other things to do. I used to do distance running. Years ago I did three Jazzercise classes a week. Find and follow your passion. Dare to be happy about working out.0 -
Ruts happen. Sometimes you need to take time off and there's nothing wrong with it. BTW, why isn't tennis your exercise of choice if that's what you like?i appreciate the helpful responses. part of why i hit the gym is to get into shape so i can play tennis. i long for the day!
i think part of my post was coming from a place of fear. never before had i worked out for such a consistent amount of time - just over 11 months. i love that my body craves it and my mood changes if i am not able to work that day. it is amazing; however, i was getting worried i would revert back to my old non-active self. i guess i was just checking in to see if anyone else got stuck in a rut of dreading the gym only to find it was just that - a rut.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I dread exercise of any kind. I'm not in a rut -- I've just never been an active or athletic person. I like the feeling of having worked out, but I hate the act of doing so. I don't get an endorphin rush or any of that. It will probably never change for me. I go through the motions anyway because I like the benefits.
You're probably in a better place than I am since at least you have a physical activity that you look forward to (tennis). I on the other hand will always be slogging off to the gym and dreading it every single time.0 -
Gym is not required for progress. Choose another type of exercise that you enjoy... Any type activity will do the body good. It is true that it is not required to enjoy it but we are much more likely to stick with something that we DO enjoy. I like the gym so I go. Sometimes, my schedule gets in the way so I need to find something I can do that does not require driving 40 minutes (to and from) to do... Most days this is not a problem.. But there are times when life happens... Perhaps you may want to "mix it up a little"... Go to the gym a few days and play tennis other days... Activity is what you need to find progress... Best wishes on every success.0
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Yeah I'm with some of the others, just do something else.
I actually dreaded the gym and had to force myself to do an hour inside one under the premise that it would make me healthier.
One day I got fed up with it and dusted off an old bicycle in the garage.
It's been a month and now I'm going on 50-60 mile bike rides every day or two getting out for hours at a time and loving it.
Maybe I could burn more calories in the gym but that's not sustainable. Bike rides. Getting out and doing something in the sun. The human body was made for that.0 -
Bump. Because this is a good thread for me to read.0
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If the gym bores you, or you no longer like doing it, try something else you like. An exercise class, sports, tennis, racquetball, swimming, whatever makes you happy. Gym's and machines bore me to death. I like to work out with others, so Jazzercise is it for me.
You've got to like it, to stick with it.0 -
I discovered that I liked exercising in a social environment more than by myself.
This made all the difference in the world for me. I HATED the gym but I forced myself to go... Then I joined a kung fu class with a friend and within a week quit my gym membership forever. One hour at the gym felt like eternity but I could do 6-8 hours' worth of kung fu in a single day - not just because I love kung fu (it's a workout for the mind, spirit, AND body) but because it was intensely social. I made so many very close friends in that class that I came to look forward to working out. After class we would also do activities together like movies and dinner and so on.0 -
Sometimes I have to psych myself to do it. I never regret going, though.0
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you need to change your routine stat. Gym shouldn't be viewed as a chore more a lifestyle change and something that you can consistently adhere to.
Allow your MFP family to support you and once you receive the positive feedback their words will only encourage you.0 -
adding to this, getting there is one thing but if you don't feel invigorated and re-energised you may succumb to plateauing which you want to avoid.0
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I just kicked the gym's *kitten*. Meaning, my *kitten* is now sore.
But I also am already at half my Bodymedia step goal for today.
This is how I stay motivated.
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