I hate exercising but I know I NEED to
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Lauren, in terms of swimming, I've lived in small towns at many points, and often the local hotel will offer a membership to use the pool. That's actually true in big cities as well.
For me having someone to exercise with is often the key.
And I recently started using the Wii Just Dance and Zumba games. I do love dancing so I'm more likely to do these, and they're a good work out.0 -
I hate exercise too, so I don't do it very often. I try to move a little more than normal, maybe walking from the back of the lot or going to the bathroom on the third floor or walking around town exploring on weekends (I take the train someplace so I don't end up relying on the car) or dancing with my kid for awhile, but I don't consider that exercise like people who do work out videos or spend hours in the gym. Sometimes I go to the gym and do 30 to 60 minutes on one of the cardio machines, but it's an evil chore. You couldn't PAY me to run outdoors.
I lost 60 pounds a while back with only diet. I gained it back but that was because of pregnancy and eating wrong.
There's a sign in the gym that says. "YOU CANNOT OUT TRAIN A POOR DIET"
You can lose weight by diet without exercise changes, but you cannot lose weight by exercise without diet changes.
If you want big muscles or something, yeah, you'll have to lift weights... but you can lose fat alone by diet.0 -
I so needed this thread. I also can't stand working out. There isn't a single exercise that I see as "fun" aside from swimming and I don't have a pool. My mom does but she lives 40 mins away so it's not feasible to drive there every day. I hate gyms, treadmills, jogging, lifting weights, circuit training (the worst yet the one I do the most)...zumba I couldn't even follow all the moves. I just stood there looking around at what everyone else was doing like an idiot. I don't mind ellipticals but I know that's using the same muscles over and over...but at least it burns more calories than a treadmill. I'm also all about instant gratification so if I do work out and don't see results, I stop. Or I'll go to the gym for a week and get a cold and stop "to recover" and not go back for months. I hate being in pain for days after working out. And I DO stretch. If I don't work out as hard to "'pace myself", I don't sweat and feel it was worthless. People that say "it feels good" are masochists. It doesn't feel good. It hurts and I can barely walk or sit down, nor can I breathe. I know it's all excuses. I know this. But it's how I really feel.
Bump.
It's good to know I'm not the only one!!0 -
So like you, I have NEVER been a fan of the gym!! Everytime I look at the dreadmill I cringe! :frown: I had a really hard time getting back into exercising because being on cardio equipment is so boring and I am almost positive that time actually slows down when you are using the equipment. I get on that treadmill and I'm like hey its been 5 minutes I'm doing great. Next thing you know you look down and you're like OMG its only been 8 minutes and I'm supposed to be on here for 20 this will never end! :sad: Hahaha Anywho I got back into exercising regularly when I found Zumba! I am literally addicted.
It is so much fun and the hour FLIES by! Don't get me wrong the first couple classes are difficult as you need to learn the moves and dances, but most of the dances have the same key moves. Give it at least two to three classes before you give up. There are people of all fitness levels in Zumba. One class I'm in there are girls in HS as well as women in ther 70's and 80's. There is also women in there weighing anywhere from 100 pounds to 400 pounds. The Zumba world is extremely inclusive. The women are always so nice and friendly and everyone truly enjoys the time they spend there. I go three days a week and I love it. Give it a try! You never know it may become your new addiction 
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If you want to run, and you want fun, look no further than the Zombies, Run! app.
You're welcome.
^^this!0 -
When I started my fitness journey, walking to the mailbox was too much exercise for me. I was detirmined to lose weight without getting off my *kitten*. Clearly that didn't work out for me so one day I sucked it up and went for a "run". I could only run for about 30 seconds at a time but I forced myself out there for 30 minutes 3 times a week. After a certain period I couldn't even imagine NOT going out and running. It takes awhile to make something a habit. But after awhile you will fee worse if you DON'T work out.
Thanks so much! Knowing I'm not the only one helps a lot. I will try to do 30 mins just like you suggested!0 -
I can understand how you feel. I HATE exercise. I mean, I loate it with all my being. It's hard, my joints hurts, I get sweaty, I'm sore after...
But I also feel great. I feel like I accomplished something. And I know I am doing something good for my body and my mind. I started by making myself go on the advice of my doctor. He said start slow. 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. I figure if I can give the TV or computer 3 hours a night, I can give myself 30 minutes!
I started by walking on the treadmill. It's boring, so I bought a tv for the room I keep the treadmill in. I started watching dvd's of half hour shows I liked. Before I knew it, my half hour was up and I was done. I watched the entire series of Sex and the City while I walked. After a while 30 minutes was pretty easy so I increased my speed. It got a little harder but I kept going. Then I started to increase my time.
I wanted a new challenge so I started going to the gym after work. I found I liked the elliptical but it was sooo hard for me (I started at 357 pounds). I started at 3 minutes. That's it. That's all I could do. I was embarassed I could not go any longer. There were peole at my gym going for 2 straight hours. But everyday I went in there, with my head up and I kept trying. Now I am up to 35 minutes. I started adding weight training. I discovered I LOVE to lift weights.
I still don't love to work out, but I go to the gym at least 3-4 days a week and I have tried to find things I enjoy doing so it's not so much like work. I ride bicycles at home or walk while I watch my favorite shows. I reward myself for small victories. When I logged for 90 consecutive days I bought myself a Polar HRM to more accurately track my calories burned. It makes a big difference, I find myself competing with myself to up my previous burns for the same workout.
I won't lie, I still have alot of days where I'm tired and don't feel like going, but I MAKE myself do it. It's starting to become a habit for me and just like another part of my day. I always feel a great sense of accomplishment after a workout and I try to remember that feeling as much as I can. Good luck with your journey and I hope you find what works for you! :flowerforyou:
Thanks so much! You're an inspiration!0 -
I used to hate the gym. I would get a membership, go for a few months, then not go for 1-3 years... .still paying for it though!!
I only joined gyms that had group classes. I hated cardio with a passion, so I only did classes. I got sick of classes, especially since they get so packed sometimes.
After being on here for a while I started seeing the "buzz" about women lifting and stuff. I signed up for a 1 month trial of CrossFit and loved it. I learned how to deadlift and do barbell squats and kettlebell swings, and I never thought I would enjoy exercise so much!
That ended and it was holidays and I was eating and drinking and I gained about 5 lbs, and decided that I needed to do something. Read more on MFP in random threads about lifting and finally went out and bought the New Rules of Lifting for Women. Loved it.
Signed up for the gym and started lifting. My first day I was soooo intimidated. But since I am going early in the morning, there aren't many people there. And I found that if I ask someone to spot me, or ask how to work a machine or something, the guys there were very friendly and helped me out. Started working out with a few people, and just found out that one of them used to be a personal trainer and body builder. Awesome. I don't want to be a body builder, but he can help me with my form, push me for heavier weights, and spot me if I need it. He already offered.
I understand your reservations about working out at a gym on base where all the military guys are working out.... I just got married last week to a military man and I will be doing the same thing.
Maybe the first few times you can go to the gym with your husband. He can show you around and get you used to it. Then you won't feel as intimidated. Just put on your headphones and "get to work and get out".
As for the running, I also suggest getting new shoes and doing the C25K.
I started the C25K but my knee started bothering me and I have older shoes. So I am waiting till I get new shoes before I resume that program. But I'm looking forward to starting it again!!0 -
One thing I have heard of that helps is to find a local group. People are motivated by each other in groups. Do a local google search for running groups or stop by at the gym and ask around if anyone knows of any. Of even start one yourself on base. Post up an announcement in the community boards and see what comes out of it.0
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No one exercises for fun. Its work.
Not true. I play badminton for two hours every week with a club I help run. It is brilliant fun and I burn around 1000 calories! It's a social club so we have a laugh, chat in between games and when we play it is competitive but not too serious.
I would happily do it even if there was no health benefit at all.
Try looking for local sports clubs/groups that do a sport you are interested in. People come to our badminton club from a whole range of abilities. Maybe there is a rounders or basketball or tennis club you might enjoy.0 -
X360 Kinect
Dance Central
Hip Hop Dance Experience
Michael Jackson Experience
Zumba
Any of the outdoor games
Or just go for a walk...a workout doesn't have to feel like work to get you results. You just gotta move! :flowerforyou:0 -
Do something fun! It's doesn't have to be a "work out".
I agree with this... there's a recreational sports league for adults in my area. I've played a bunch of sports through that, from kickball to dodgeball to softball to hockey. Perhaps you could see if there's something similar where you live.
As far as running goes, a lot of people like the Couch to 5k program, though I have no personal experience with it myself. I don't always enjoy going for runs (sometimes I actually HATE IT!!), but I keep myself going by thinking about the "high" I'll feel after the run and/or thinking about my next race! Maybe you could sign up for a 5k as motivation. Once I ran my first couple of 5ks, I was kind of hooked... what an adrenalin rush! It's also fun using apps such as "Map My Run", not only to see your own progress but also to see runs that your friends completed.
Or, maybe you'll find that cardio just isn't really your thing. Maybe you would enjoy doing some lifting... I like "Day 1" especially in this link: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/circuit-style-trainer-women
Another option is to maybe try and workout with a personal trainer, though that can be expensive and it's not for everyone. I go to one once a week at my gym, and I've really learned a lot from him. He also REALLY pushes me... while the workout sometimes isn't fun AT ALL, I feel amazing afterwards. I think noticing my progress (faster run times, more muscle tone, etc) is also pushing me to keep going.
Good luck!! I hope you find something you enjoy.0 -
I love sweating to the oldies! Hahah Come on who doesn't love Richard Simmons! He's fun and sassy and doesn't yell at you or tell you to stop being lazy and work harder like all the other at home tapes!0
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A runner is anyone who laces up their tennis shoes and runs. You don't have to do any special walk-to-5K plans or anything. Throw on some ear-buds and walk for awhile. When you get the urge, run. Run for 5 minutes or run for 30 seconds. Walk some more. I dislike exercising myself but I absolutely LOVE running (or rather my variation of running which is when, where, and how I want to run). I started a few years ago and have gotten to the point that when I'm frustrated at work, I want...no, I NEED to run to de-stress myself and clear my head.
The thing about running is that you are your only competition. There is no one to judge you and you can go as fast or as slow or as far as YOU want to. I've never seen anyone young/old/big/little/lean/muscly that looked awkward running and the more you run the more confident you get at it. You can do it virtually anywhere and you can always change scenery/terrain when you get sick of looking at the same thing over and over. I switch up running in my neighborhood with running at the city track (or on the treadmill if it's rainy) so I never feel like I'm doing the exact same thing all the time.0 -
Yeah weights are much more enjoyable for me, I think because it has a more instant effect. I can feel how hard I've worked immediately after each set. Fortunately I get my cardio needs through cycling to work and playing badminton so I can use the gym just for weights.0
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I am doing Power 90 (NOT P90X)
Every day I wake dreading my workout.
Every day I hate my workout while I'm doing it.
Every day I am so damn proud of myself for having worked out.
Slowly the dread and the hate are melting away, just like the fat. The feelings of a job well done are increasing. It is getting so that when I miss a day, I just don't feel right.
If you need more fun in your exercise -- nothing wrong with that! -- maybe you should start outdoor sport such as tennis, kayaking, cycling etc.
THIS, definitely this! It took me a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGG time to find an exercise I liked. I started with walking 30min 3 times/week. Then I got Wii Active for my birthday and it's a great beginner workout that I could do at home. Then I started playing volleyball recreationally, which I love, twice a week. Finally, as part of a local Biggest Loser competition, we were expected to attend mandatory training sessions twice a week with a local trainer. I despised it and him. He was "making" me do things I thought were patently impossible. If looks could have killed, he'd have been a dead man. But, after 3 months of training/suffering I was hooked. I was challenging myself, working harder than I ever had, and seeing results. Now I do cross-fit with that same awesome trainer. There are a fantastic group of people who attend his gym and they are so motivating: both the in shape ones and the the out of shape ones. I've been with him for almost 2 years now, and I've finally gotten to the point where I feel guilty if I miss, even while I hate every second I'm there. I'm in the best shape of my life, but I still have a ways to go and I finally have something I can commit to. I've also committed to trying a C25K again and am considering a 5K race in June, even though I am definitely NOT a runner (but I want to be). Just keep looking, you'll find your "thing".0 -
Find something fun to do. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "WORKOUT". Dance, swim, skip (skipping with big hops is a form of pylometrics which is awesome),hiking (my favorite), jump rope.. anything can be exercise.
Also, don't be intimidated by the gym. 9 times out of 10 the people there aren't paying any attention to you. I know when I go to the gym I am in my own little world and don't pay attention to anyone around me. I lift with the "boys" and no one says anything, I just do my thing and go home.
Sign up for a 5k. That's how I got started running. I signed up for a few 5k's and ran/walked them, then I ran them, then I signed up for a 12k and ran that, then I signed up for a Sprint Triathlon and swam, biked and ran that. I can honestly say now that I am a proud runner, but I wasn't always.
Also, make sure you get good shoes before you start running. Shoes and socks are important.
Ask your hubby for help. Maybe he'd like to go for a run with you?
Good Luck and feel free to add me.0 -
I used to hate it. I might do fun things sometimes that were active, but if it was called exercise for the purpose of exercise, I wanted no part of it and had a very hard time staying motivated.
But eventually I realized that I was not going to see any change unless I did. And nobody could do it for me. It was all up to me, and if I wanted it, I would have to DO it. Basically I started wanting to change more than I hated doing it.
I did Zumba for awhile until the class moved and didn't fit my schedule any more. I did Jillian Michaels and Leslie Sansone DVD's. I got a Wii and did Wii sports and Zumba. Then I bought a weight set and started a heavy lifting program. You have to find what you like enough to make yourself do. Then after awhile you will look forward to it and not hate it as much any more.0 -
One more thing... a few people mentioned getting good shoes, and I highly recommend that as well. I developed some foot issues due to using old/worn shoes. I got fitted for shoes at a running store (based on my stride, pronation, etc) and haven't had any problems since.0
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If you exercise daily for a long time, your body bounces back quickly and exercise itself - even the tough stuff - becomes as easy as brushing your teeth. Make it a habit and don't take a day off unless you absolutely need it. Inertia applies to exercise as well. If I take a couple of days off, the following workout is not only more tiring than usual, but I stall and dread it more. If I've exercised the day before, it requires almost no effort to do it the following day. Start back with anything you can do. I recommend interval cardio; it will get your aerobic capacity up faster than steady state cardio.0
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Make it a habit and don't take a day off unless you absolutely need it.
Everyone is different, but I do not recommend the above. If you're doing something less taxing on the body such as walking, this may be ok. With the intense cardio and lifting that I do, I need rest days.0 -
The only thing that has worked for me is that I am learning Tae Kwon Do. I know it seems a little OTT but I started as a beginner and I still am very inexperienced but the reason I keep at it, is because there are people now expecting me there when I tell them I will be. Also, my physical ability is still very limited but you pick up the little things very quickly and get the instant gratification of learning something fast or getting closer to doing the BIG move that looks really cool. It might not be a martial art, maybe it's dance or a sport like volley ball. But it makes you part of a team and then it's not just you that you're letting down it's the people expecting you to be there and you feel the gratification of mentally learning something as well as physically working out
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Very well said! I like that idea. Thank you 0
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