How can I force myself to like cardio?

2

Replies

  • xWendyJonesx
    xWendyJonesx Posts: 266 Member
    I play badminton with a group of friends, we have such a laugh it doesn't feel like exercise.
  • mereditheve
    mereditheve Posts: 142 Member
    I've had temporary asthma (resulting from colds/flus), so I know how you feel.

    A lot of people have recommended going outside to run rather than using the treadmill. Honestly, this was always worse for me when I had asthma -- the dry/cold air made it more difficult and knowing that I was going to be miles away from home if I did have trouble breathing just added to the stress.

    Take baby steps in doing cardio. Sometimes I run as fast as I can for just 10 minutes, then walk slowly and rehydrate, then increase my speed again. It seems to help. It sounds cliche, but I think the more you are able to do, the more you'll start to enjoy it.
  • crystalfisher89
    crystalfisher89 Posts: 196 Member
    I would try to find ways to make it fun so you look forward to it. Find a gym partner that will go on jogs with you or hang out with you while your on the elliptical or bike. Use some music to jam up your workout or bring an exciting book that you can read while you are doing elliptical. If your asthma is getting to you really bad, I'd suggest doing more elliptical and bike cardio workouts which are lower impact and usually don't make you breathe as hard as running does. There is absolutely nothing wrong with strength training more than cardio either. You won't bulk as long as you are eating at a deficit and they say lifting heavy has some wonderful toning and fat burning aspects versus cardio. I like to do both endurance and heavy strength training. I usually do both on different days from each other.

    I'm a cardio and strength junkie and I actually hate the days I need to take off as rest days because I feel like I'm being terribly lazy. It also serves as a great stress reducer for me.
  • markja
    markja Posts: 270 Member
    I've never really liked or enjoyed athletics, cardio, weights, sports, what have you. I enjoy reading immensely so; my solution is to read and walk at the same time. I've trained to be more or less aware of my surroundings and I only walk in safe areas, that is, parks instead of next to busy roads. I walk for an hour and I've also read a couple of chapters and I feel great. That is the only way I'm not bored with an exercise.

    I also walk with my wife, it gives us a chance to talk without interruption which is very helpful in any relationship.
  • Slim_strategy
    Slim_strategy Posts: 199
    Obvious answer = something you enjoy doing
    suggestions : shopping :D
    swimming
    BIKING (I like biking because it's fun and you get to explore your city/town/village wherever)
    fitness blender :D
    Just dance! (or other fitness video games)
    Ipod + walking
    skippping

    I used to hate cardio, but now it just makes me happy , i'm weird.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    Ive been lifting (which I LOVE) and only doing cardio about once or twice a week (which I absolutely HATE!) Asthma is what makes it hard for me :/ Any tips for making it enjoyable?


    If you don't like cardio, then don't do it. However, since you like/love lifting, try a complex - barbell, dumbbell, plate, whatever. It's a form of conditioning similar to cardio, but generally shorter in length. I don't know how well your asthma would do with a complex, but maybe the shorter time span might help?

    http://www.fitocracy.com/knowledge/10-minutes-for-fat-loss/

    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/screw_cardio_four_complexes_for_a_shredded_physique

    Depending upon your current strength level, Tumminello's Weight Plate Metabolic Circuit (from the t-nation link) might work best for you, using something less than a 45 lb plate to start off with. I've done a few of these, but with my 20 lb barbell at home plus some light plates, as I got better.
  • wagnaard
    wagnaard Posts: 3 Member
    Hypnosis?
  • aagnew01
    aagnew01 Posts: 33 Member
    You can do Zumba classes or something like that..... 55 minute class burns anywhere from 400-600 calories.
  • techgal128
    techgal128 Posts: 719 Member
    Have you tried putting your treadmill in front of your refrigerator! HAHAHA!

    Brilliant! I'd lose a ton of weight if I did this. :p

    Seriously though, I have exercised induced asthma as well. I use an inhaler before I work out. I find that classes make cardio very fun. You could always do something in between such as martial arts.
  • Mischievous_Rascal
    Mischievous_Rascal Posts: 1,791 Member
    I dance and walk. I feel the same way as you about all other forms of cardio.
  • Beckboo0912
    Beckboo0912 Posts: 447 Member
    Who said you had to like cardio? I don't always like to do things but the benefits are great, usually. You get to like it or miss it when you don't do eventually but until then I count down how much longer I have until I can go do other things.
    Sidenote: Shopping counts as cardio right? Just kidding :)
  • ironrat79
    ironrat79 Posts: 273 Member
    I do kickboxing and run stairs in burst up, much slower down
  • Sugarbeat
    Sugarbeat Posts: 824 Member
    Perhaps just walking/hiking outside? If you live in an area where that isn't really safe, perhaps an audio book or TV program while on the treadmill? I know that might not be ideal but I would think walking would be easier to control in regards to asthma. I don't have asthma, though, so take it with a grain of salt.
  • somerisagirlsname
    somerisagirlsname Posts: 467 Member
    A good inhaler and finding the right cardio. I can't run even with my inhaler because my asthma is so bad. But I can do the elliptical and I can do wii Just Dance.
  • bluetuesday5
    bluetuesday5 Posts: 99 Member
    Heavy bag? Hill sprints? I find doing these interval style much more fun than traditional cardio.
  • trybefan
    trybefan Posts: 488 Member
    If its not enjoyable, then stop. Only cardio I do is more reps and heavier weight. Maybe some occasional seasonal hikes and walks.
  • nmncare
    nmncare Posts: 168 Member
    A lot of people will tell you if you don't like it, don't do it.

    My personal experience was that I hated any form of exercise. So I popped on my favorite movie (any of the fast and furious movies) and got on the treadmill and just ran. About a month of watching movies and tv shows like FRIENDS, I love it now. That hour or so on the treadmill is my ME time. Sometimes I just walk even.. I also have an elliptical and a bike, but I get to watch something and get some cardio in at the same time. It's perfect for me. And now I love my cardio time. :)
  • shellbatronic
    shellbatronic Posts: 193
    I do HIIT because it makes the time go by faster. Steady state cardio makes me a sad panda.
  • sccet
    sccet Posts: 141 Member
    The best way to enjoy cardio is to do it outside! Running for very long on a treadmill can be excruciating. I actually do intervals when I'm on the treadmill just to break up the monotony. But I could run outside all day without getting bored.

    So much this. Treadmills are pure torture. Running outside is a breeze by comparison.

    Some thoughts -

    Audiobook
    Zombies, Run!
    Good cardio music mix.
    Trails and/or hills for built in intervals.
    Just intervals.
    Train FOR something, like a race or tri.
  • cjazz72
    cjazz72 Posts: 80 Member
    Ive been lifting (which I LOVE) and only doing cardio about once or twice a week (which I absolutely HATE!) Asthma is what makes it hard for me :/ Any tips for making it enjoyable?

    The best advice when it comes to cardio is to do something recreational that you love and do that for your cardio. Like playing soccer, rollerblading, walking, bike riding, basketball, anything that gets you moving and your not thinking that your doing cardio is probably the best cardio
  • FoxyLifter
    FoxyLifter Posts: 965 Member
    Great tunes and great scenery. Maybe get a supportive buddy to join you and encourage each other. Dancing and hiking are great. Signing up for a fun 5k gets me pumped.

    That being said, dont force yourself to try to like something you hate. It sounds like torture. :tongue:
  • melissat888250
    melissat888250 Posts: 79 Member
    Swim is good. When I was forcing myself onto the treadmill (there's some in my apartment building, as opposed to going to the gym) I would put some videos on my tablet and watch them while working out. Anything to distract me from the monotony of staring at a brick wall!! I always prefer to get cardio from riding my bike, swimming or hiking if possible. Treadmill is a last resort on rainy days when I don't feel like driving to the gym.

    Added bonus of swimming for cardio, you're already wet so you might as well get in the hot tub for a few minutes at the end :)
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I don't know if you can force yourself to like it. You might find some things you can tolerate better than others. I prefer to walk or dance, instead of run.
  • mmm_drop
    mmm_drop Posts: 1,126 Member
    Do something you like doing!

    Softball
    Soccer
    Hiking
    Snow Shoeing
    Swimming
    Climbing trees

    Basically anything you find fun and don't think of as cardio.

    Yep, yep, this.
  • Rogiefreida
    Rogiefreida Posts: 567 Member
    I would say if you can get some scenery and good tunes, running outside is the way to go, or a good group exercise class.

    From someone who has severe ankle issues, I am limited to doing cardio on an elliptical trainer or a bike (and I hate biking, it's just not for me) so cardio sucks for me right now, so I just crank some good music and do intervals on the elliptical a couple times a week to get it done. It's not fun, but at least if I have good music I can tolerate it. Hope that helps.
  • basillowe66
    basillowe66 Posts: 432 Member
    Do you use Advair for your asthma? That has really helped me. If you start doing more cardio and less lifting for 2 weeks, you will see how much better your clothes fit. That is the true test .

    Basil
  • FoxyLifter
    FoxyLifter Posts: 965 Member
    Why are you forcing yourself to do cardio if you hate it?

    Are you trying to get a higher burn so you can eat more food?

    I looked at your diary a bit. At a calorie goal of 1270, are you at least eating your BMR? Height? weight? What is your weekly weight loss goal? If you have less than 20 pounds to lose, I'd say a half pound a week would be a more appropriate goal.

    Just my two cents.
  • RRB2000
    RRB2000 Posts: 77 Member
    I hate it too but force myself on the treadmill 5 days of the week. Only b/c I feel like I get a good workout while I'm on it and I have kids and a big kid (husband) at home so I don't have a lot of options after working 8am-5pm. I have found that the only way I can remotely deal with it before boring myself to death is by watching Netflix on my phone....! I only watch that one particular show (Scandal...obsessed with it) when I run...its an amazing show so it helps pass the time. Just keep your eye on the prize, you'll get it done. Good luck!
  • PayneAS
    PayneAS Posts: 669 Member
    Find some cardio you do like and go do it! There has to be at least one thing you enjoy doing that is cardio in nature. Biking? Hiking? Walking? Running? Playing with children at the park? Swimming? I discovered I absolutely LOVE cardio tennis. I can't wait to go tonight!
  • Imonajourney
    Imonajourney Posts: 3 Member
    Try something different. The arc machine is my new favorite. So many different workouts to target specific areas and the results are amazing.

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