the gym

I hear people talk about how great the feel after a workout, they have tons of energy, they lvoe it blah blah blah. How do you get yourself to that point? I have worked out for a while now and while I do like the results, the whole "i went worked and feel great doesn't happen", tends to be more "I worked out and i feel like crap". Just trying to get myself motivated and, well, working out kind of sucks.

Replies

  • scott1111111
    scott1111111 Posts: 53 Member
    How long have you been doing it? I know when I started working out again the first couple of weeks sucked I was so out of shape and felt so frustrated. Even though I was easing into it slowly just trying to get back into the routine I slowly started feeling better afterwards. Although even though I feel good after I still hate going lol. So you might just need more time.

    You could also look at changing things up to make it more fun what are you doing when you go? Some people do better in classes, some like me are solo people. Finding something that you enjoy and will stick with is more important than trying to stick with some plan you came up with or someone else came up with for you.
  • shadowgem13
    shadowgem13 Posts: 29 Member
    I have been back to it for about 2 months, going back into my routine very slowly. Prior to this I worked out for about 7 months and due to, well, life, I had to stop for a few months. I have been getting back into my routine and I know what I have to do, I have just never enjoyed working out. Would be easier to do this if I felt great after my workouts. Classes generall don't work for me due to my work schedule.
  • I have just recently started back at the gym.
    I have not been in over three years and feel so unfit.
    I too am finding it really hard to get motivated and am hoping that once I can see a difference it will help motivate me.
  • brendadale1
    brendadale1 Posts: 90 Member
    I feel the same way..that is one reason I have no desire in ANY high impact exercise....even though I am considering swapping this bo flex for a walking treadmill:) that way I can post while walking..MUTLI TASKER:drinker:
  • Katey911
    Katey911 Posts: 80 Member
    I totally feel crappy after a hard workout but it's a good crappy, if that makes sense. It's like, "wow, I really pushed myself...sure I'm tired as hell but that's because I'm working towards a goal...sweat is just fat crying and I made the whole playground cry today!"

    I'm not a competive person but I try to best my own records. I know it takes me abotu 15min to complete an elliptical mile, can I do that in 14:30 instead today? And if I can do that once, can I do the 2nd mile in 14:15?

    Stay with it. It gets easier and better and more fun eventually. And not all days are good days, either. Sometimes I kill it and some days just doing the minimum is hard work.

    Keep the faith!
  • MGSR
    MGSR Posts: 35 Member
    I agree you should try and mix it up a bit. There are times when I really hate running, but I always love weights. I like cycling and swimming, but am not that keen on rowing. Try new things and see if there is something you enjoy :)
  • Your nutrition can effect your workouts too, if you aren't getting enough carbs, protein, etc. Having that well balanced diet can make a tremendous difference when it comes to working out. I love getting my workouts in but if my food has been off that day my workouts tend to suck.
  • Lisa_Rhodes
    Lisa_Rhodes Posts: 263 Member
    I wonder sometimes if it just depends on the person. I know with me, I get that weak feeling at first, like it just kicked my butt; then about 15-20 mins later, I have a good amount of energy. Sometimes it's more than other days, but generally a good feel.
  • Lisa_Rhodes
    Lisa_Rhodes Posts: 263 Member
    Your nutrition can effect your workouts too, if you aren't getting enough carbs, protein, etc. Having that well balanced diet can make a tremendous difference when it comes to working out. I love getting my workouts in but if my food has been off that day my workouts tend to suck.


    Very true... didn't think of that!
  • IronPlayground
    IronPlayground Posts: 1,594 Member
    052C832D-AD96-423C-B7AE-2F8F5E237EF0-27535-00001635C8F9D91F.jpg
  • lasmit4477
    lasmit4477 Posts: 308 Member
    052C832D-AD96-423C-B7AE-2F8F5E237EF0-27535-00001635C8F9D91F.jpg



    No doubt!!!
  • salgalbp
    salgalbp Posts: 218 Member
    Just a thought....

    When I finally wrapped my head around the fact I wasn't eating enough my whole attitude has changed....

    I no longer leave the gym tired and contemplating if I could get away with not showering because I was just too dang tired. I leave happy, alert and ready to get home make dinner, shower and do other things instead of passing out at 7pm.

    Why?

    I'm finally fueling my workouts since I bumped my calories to almost 2000 a day. This has to be the difference for me as I've been working out a long time and I know I need to bump them up again to about 2400 (But I'm easing into that as it's just nuts to wrap my head around it but I believe in it and so far it's working for me.)

    Best of luck to you, if you can start with a higher carb snack (I make my own protein bars) and I have one about 1/2hr-45mins before the gym and I eat another one right after or within 1/2hr of my workout. I haven't felt depleted since I started doing this and my workouts are more intense, more powerful because I have the energy to do it.

    Sal
  • Ralphrabbit
    Ralphrabbit Posts: 351 Member
    I do it
    I don't enjoy it
    but I do enjoy the way it effects my weight & measurements so......
    I keep at it!!
    Just because we do not feel right does not necessarily mean we follow our feelings!!
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    I only get into it if I enjoy the workout itself. If it doesn't make me smile at least occasionally, I am probably not going to make it a habit.
  • Just a thought....

    When I finally wrapped my head around the fact I wasn't eating enough my whole attitude has changed....

    I no longer leave the gym tired and contemplating if I could get away with not showering because I was just too dang tired. I leave happy, alert and ready to get home make dinner, shower and do other things instead of passing out at 7pm.

    Why?

    I'm finally fueling my workouts since I bumped my calories to almost 2000 a day. This has to be the difference for me as I've been working out a long time and I know I need to bump them up again to about 2400 (But I'm easing into that as it's just nuts to wrap my head around it but I believe in it and so far it's working for me.)

    Best of luck to you, if you can start with a higher carb snack (I make my own protein bars) and I have one about 1/2hr-45mins before the gym and I eat another one right after or within 1/2hr of my workout. I haven't felt depleted since I started doing this and my workouts are more intense, more powerful because I have the energy to do it.

    Sal

    YES!!!! :love:
  • Diahann_Hughes
    Diahann_Hughes Posts: 58 Member
    I hear people talk about how great the feel after a workout, they have tons of energy, they lvoe it blah blah blah. How do you get yourself to that point? I have worked out for a while now and while I do like the results, the whole "i went worked and feel great doesn't happen", tends to be more "I worked out and i feel like crap". Just trying to get myself motivated and, well, working out kind of sucks.

    For me in the very beg when my fitness was terrible and I was loads overweight I felt the exact same I actually hated the gym :( Now 6 stones lighter with my fitness being dramatically change I love the gym. I feel that there is nothing being than gym or classes you will get to the point I never thought I would. In the beg I couldnt even walk up the stairs or run to a lamppost without being shattered you can do it x
  • mikegl1
    mikegl1 Posts: 238 Member
    I hear people talk about how great the feel after a workout, they have tons of energy, they lvoe it blah blah blah. How do you get yourself to that point? I have worked out for a while now and while I do like the results, the whole "i went worked and feel great doesn't happen", tends to be more "I worked out and i feel like crap". Just trying to get myself motivated and, well, working out kind of sucks.

    Tell us more. What way do you feel like crap? Tired, hurt, sore, mentally unhappy, etc.?
  • laccy40
    laccy40 Posts: 136
    I joined a gym last week. I've been 3 times and have surprised myself how much I've enjoyed myself. I've tried something different every time. I don't like treadmills (pointless - I can and do walk for free) so I don't do them. I do enjoy the rowing machine and the bikes have a built in tv screen. I'm scared of the free weight area, but I've enjoyed lifting power bags and using medicine balls with a rebounder. Try different things - you might find something you like.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    Your nutrition can effect your workouts too, if you aren't getting enough carbs, protein, etc. Having that well balanced diet can make a tremendous difference when it comes to working out. I love getting my workouts in but if my food has been off that day my workouts tend to suck.

    Exactly what I was going to say. You know the saying "fuel your workouts"? For me, it's true!
  • ApexLeader
    ApexLeader Posts: 580 Member
    if i have a really intense workout, where i'm giving it about 90-95% of what i can physically do, then i always feel great after i'm done.
  • mathera26
    mathera26 Posts: 90 Member
    I find that the harder I push myself, the better I feel afterward... In the "I accomplished more than I set out to do" sort of way. And if I can do that, what else can I do today!?
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    being tired from a work out is normal. However, overall I have a ton of energy. I work out hard, I run a lot of miles, and sometimes I'm like a zombie after working out (hello endorphin high) but overall, I feel amazing, and tha'ts what matters. The gym has become my second home. maybe you aren't doing the right workout. Running gives me a high like nothing else. strength training tends to bore me a bit so I do spartacus twice a week (metacon/strength) and that knocks out my strength training, it's quick, painful, but offers amazing results!
  • trojanbb
    trojanbb Posts: 1,297 Member
    The feeling was there on day one and it's stronger now than ever before. The pump...nothing feels better than a skin-splitting muscle pump.
  • Alidecker
    Alidecker Posts: 1,262 Member
    I do generally enjoy working out, but I have friends at the gym I go to and that makes it more enjoyable for me. I go to a couple of classes that I really enjoy, I have a friend that I try new classes with, we have done pretty much everything we can think of, Zumba, Yoga, TRX, Bar Method, Boxing, Boot Camp, CrossFit. We take advantage of Groupons and Living Social and we have both found classes we like - some together, some not. You need to find what you like.

    That being said, sometimes I don't enjoy the workout, but I am always happy when I have completed one. Also, I have been very consistant with working out for 3 1/2 years now. When I don't workout for a couple of days, I feel awful. I hate that feeling. Sometimes the thought of that feeling is what makes me get my butt in the gym.
  • jkestens63
    jkestens63 Posts: 1,164 Member
    I am one of those people who honestly feel great after a workout. It wasn't always that way, when I first started workouts were just draining. I don't know what happened to change how it affects me other than I am so much stronger and healthier now. My reccomendations would be:

    - get enough sleep. If you are tired, working out is just going to take whatever energy you have
    - fuel up before and after. I eat breakfast about 30 min before. I have a sandwich thin with peanut butter immediately after while changing and an apple on the drive home.
    - Mix things up, I think changing routines and exercises helps keep the body challenged and excited.
    - I wear a heart rate moniter which really helps when I am doing something more routine/monotinous... it allows me to read on my nook while keeping an eye out on my heart rate, I can do something I really enjoy but still make sure I keep the effort up so it doesn't feel like a workout especially when I get into a good book.

    Keep at it!
  • SexyLovinmeCook
    SexyLovinmeCook Posts: 1,393 Member
    Sorry to hear that...It is possible that you may need to follow a gym regimen like program...that requires a mix of cardio and weights....Check out bodybuilding.com. It will provide you with a few programs and visual on how to do the them properly. As far as how you get to the point of leaving and feeling great...Not sure If I can help you there....I just love working out in the gym....I feel accomplished and driven....I could literally live in there if asked to...lol....
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    What exactly is your workout routine? That makes a big difference...if I was just droning away on some cardio machine for an hour I'd probably feel like crap when I left the gym too...because I don't like cardio machines. Do what you like...exercise doesn't and shouldn't have to be a chore.

    I like pumping iron...I enjoy it...so I love going to the gym and doing that...and I love the way I feel when I'm done. I like to do my cardio outdoors...I use my imagination, I don't just like to go jog for 30 minutes or xx miles or whatever...I'll do sprints...cone drills...run the stairs in the bleachers at the soccer field across from my office, etc...always something different. On the rare occasion that I'm forced inside to a dreaded cardio machine, I hate it...and I am miserable...and I only do it to keep up with some as-semblance of a routine.

    Do what you like doing.