How did you find an exercise that you love?
KeshiaBeard
Posts: 63
I really need to learn to practise consistency. All my life I've had a tendency to jump from one type of exercise to the next, and never really commit to any one type. Most of the time I end up getting bored of what I'm going and move on to something else...
So far I've tried basketball, volleyball, hockey, multiple gyms and classes such as body attack, hiking, walking, running, pilates, yoga, cycling, swimming, TABATA, HIIT, 30 Day Shred and Ripped In 30. I've found the only activities I really enjoy are yoga (only in a class), cycling, hiking, swimming (in summer only) and walking. My trouble is that these alone are not enough. I need something that I can do to build muscle as well as endurance... and I have no idea where to start as I ended up hating every other exercise I've tried!
How did you find an exercise that you love? Can anyone suggest a program that I could follow (I like structure)?
So far I've tried basketball, volleyball, hockey, multiple gyms and classes such as body attack, hiking, walking, running, pilates, yoga, cycling, swimming, TABATA, HIIT, 30 Day Shred and Ripped In 30. I've found the only activities I really enjoy are yoga (only in a class), cycling, hiking, swimming (in summer only) and walking. My trouble is that these alone are not enough. I need something that I can do to build muscle as well as endurance... and I have no idea where to start as I ended up hating every other exercise I've tried!
How did you find an exercise that you love? Can anyone suggest a program that I could follow (I like structure)?
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Replies
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Have you tried working with a trainer?0
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Honestly, it's all trial and error with me. That's the best way for me to discover a work out that I love.0
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For some things you just have to make it a habit, do something you like most of the time and then just get the strength work done one or two days a week no matter what. You can make deals with yourself like if you don't miss a strength day all month you get to buy something you've been wanting or whatever. My other suggestion wold be a trainer that is going to mix up the workouts so you aren't doing the same thing all the time.0
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When I was really out of shape, I joined a gym and on the second day I decided to try Bodyattack, it was the 78th release, which was a good one anyway plus I have an amazing instructor and I think that helps a lot. But I liked bodyattack mostly because it's this sports-inspired workout and I used to do track and field and play volleyball and basketball and football and that's pretty much how I found my favourite class on the second day of going to the gym. But I take it you don't really like Bodyattack.
Have you tried Bodyjam or Bodypump? Bodyjam is really really fun and also a pretty great workout, and I'm sure you know about pump.
I suggest you try going to the same class for at least a couple of times, you might start to like them.0 -
I personally love strength training more then most workouts. I enjoy doing push up's so I do more of them then most other workouts. I learned to love them after I realized how good I felt after I did them, not sure why but even jogging bleachers don't bring the amazing feeling I get with push up's, I love my bleacher runs and miss them so much, can't wait to hit them again but there is something about push up's that I really just love.0
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I don't like exercise BUT as an Aussie Rules lover here's what I do..... twice a week I get down on the oval for an hour and have shots at goal. I sometimes sprint 40-50m to retrieve the ball, sometimes run, sometimes jog. Occasionally throw in some push ups and squats. By working with the footy and concentrating on the goals and my kicking, it distracts me perfectly. I've found its a great workout for me. The other thing is doing my twice weekly weights session in front of the telly. More distraction.0
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So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...0
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I've realised I need to follow a program otherwise I don't push myself enough. I never thought I'd enjoy lifting weights I used to find all the "lift heavy" posts annoying lol but I gave it a go and surprise surprise I love it.
My husband used to talk to me about karate for years n my eyes used to glaze over. ..then my boys started training and I used to watch them and found it really interesting. Guess what, I started karate over a year ago and am very paasionate about it!
Even if it might not originally appeal to you may well be worth giving it a go!0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.0 -
I just kind of try all the things, and then go back to what I like. My biggest problem is there isn't enough time to do everything I love. A couple of activities (Krav Maga in a studio and weight lifting in a structured program) are scheduled and make up the core of my fitness activity. Other things, I fit in when and where I can... mixing it up like that keeps it fun and always gives me things to look forward to.
In your case, you're looking for something to build strength and it looks like most of the things you enjoy doing are outdoors. Perhaps you would enjoy rock climbing or rowing/kayaking?0 -
I don't exactly love exercising, but I love watching youtube.
So I just have a iPad infront of me, with my favourite show on, and I start the treadmill. with the incline up and just keep walking till the show is over.. which is like probably 7km later lol. I don't force myself to run but I do push the speed up sometimes to 8kph, any faster and my iPad falls down cause the treadmill is shaking too much. But at the end, I exercise an average of 1 hour a day 6-7km brisk walked.0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
You're on point, except for not being able to 'love' a work out. I love Insanity and love doing it. The benefits are something I love, too.
Years ago, I quit drinking and went straight into detox. To keep the shakes and the urge to drink at bay (yes, I went to see a doctor beforehand), I started running. I feel in love with it and would put it above everything else. It eventually led me to start running twice per day and a minimum of 30 minutes at each session. It helped me physically and emotionally. I don't regret making that decision to start running.0 -
Tried a couple. Found out what I like and what I didn't. Did the one I liked.
The one I liked has changed over time but I always find something active that I enjoy. That is mainly for the cardio side of things. Lifting heavy things is sort of just engrained in me now.0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
You're on point, except for not being able to 'love' a work out. I love Insanity and love doing it. The benefits are something I love, too.
Years ago, I quit drinking and went straight into detox. To keep the shakes and the urge to drink at bay (yes, I went to see a doctor beforehand), I started running. I feel in love with it and would put it above everything else. It eventually led me to start running twice per day and a minimum of 30 minutes at each session. It helped me physically and emotionally. I don't regret making that decision to start running.
I'm on point, you love how you feel from it, but do you ever just hate doing it? It's the after affect you love. No one ever regrets a workout. I have done insanity and honestly hate doing it, but love LOVE how I feel afterwards.0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
You're on point, except for not being able to 'love' a work out. I love Insanity and love doing it. The benefits are something I love, too.
Years ago, I quit drinking and went straight into detox. To keep the shakes and the urge to drink at bay (yes, I went to see a doctor beforehand), I started running. I feel in love with it and would put it above everything else. It eventually led me to start running twice per day and a minimum of 30 minutes at each session. It helped me physically and emotionally. I don't regret making that decision to start running.
I'm on point, you love how you feel from it, but do you ever just hate doing it? It's the after affect you love. No one ever regrets a workout. I have done insanity and honestly hate doing it, but love LOVE how I feel afterwards.
Oh, yeah, there are times I hate a work out. Not going to lie. But, there are times I love it! Maybe, I'm just a weird person. Meh.0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
You're on point, except for not being able to 'love' a work out. I love Insanity and love doing it. The benefits are something I love, too.
Years ago, I quit drinking and went straight into detox. To keep the shakes and the urge to drink at bay (yes, I went to see a doctor beforehand), I started running. I feel in love with it and would put it above everything else. It eventually led me to start running twice per day and a minimum of 30 minutes at each session. It helped me physically and emotionally. I don't regret making that decision to start running.
I'm on point, you love how you feel from it, but do you ever just hate doing it? It's the after affect you love. No one ever regrets a workout. I have done insanity and honestly hate doing it, but love LOVE how I feel afterwards.
Oh, yeah, there are times I hate a work out. Not going to lie. But, there are times I love it! Maybe, I'm just a weird person. Meh.
I think I know what you mean, there are more day's when I'm craving a workout, which would be an indicator of loving a workout, which I do because I know the feeling after it and know that I'll never regret it.0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
You're on point, except for not being able to 'love' a work out. I love Insanity and love doing it. The benefits are something I love, too.
Years ago, I quit drinking and went straight into detox. To keep the shakes and the urge to drink at bay (yes, I went to see a doctor beforehand), I started running. I feel in love with it and would put it above everything else. It eventually led me to start running twice per day and a minimum of 30 minutes at each session. It helped me physically and emotionally. I don't regret making that decision to start running.
I'm on point, you love how you feel from it, but do you ever just hate doing it? It's the after affect you love. No one ever regrets a workout. I have done insanity and honestly hate doing it, but love LOVE how I feel afterwards.
Oh, yeah, there are times I hate a work out. Not going to lie. But, there are times I love it! Maybe, I'm just a weird person. Meh.
I think I know what you mean, there are more day's when I'm craving a workout, which would be an indicator of loving a workout, which I do because I know the feeling after it and know that I'll never regret it.
See, that's what I try to explain to some people as to why I like the treadmill, Beachbody workouts and other intense stuff. Heck, I like pilates and yoga (not always, but still) and I still get the 'you're an idiot' or some other negative remark. It's a good thing I'm living for me and not for them.0 -
I usually get bored of one type as well. At the gym I was always a combo of running, climbing, cycling, spin class, yoga, aerobics, weights, couple of PT sessions.
Mostly on a weekly basis now I ride my bike, because gym was too expensive and I thought back to what I enjoyed when I was a kid that kept me fit- I used to just ride my bike up and down hills all day for the rush at the bottom. So that's what I do now, three or four times a week.
I keep it interesting by seeking out new routes on Google maps and setting challenges for myself like going at a better speed or longer distance than I have before, a new hill to make it up, or I also like looking at my HRM and trying to get my heart rate up more often. Music also helps keep it interesting and motivating. I sometimes ride where theres heaps of cute guys, or I can see wildlife and take pics. (Of the latter, not the former :P)
Or I ride for a purpose-such as every month I get up early and ride to and from a farmers market that is on. I have my 'go to' routes which are just around my house and about 300-500 calories there and back, thats for when I don't have heaps of time, but on weekends I explore and challenge myself.0 -
I'm in a situation where money is slightly sparse so a £40 gym membership a month is out of the question, and being exceedingly self-conscious and living in an area with so many rude youths has halted me from going out and running (tried it once, insulted not even 10 minutes in, never again), so I turned to YouTube and found Blogilates. Tried a few videos and luckily I kind of fell in love with it immediately. The monthly workout calenders really take to stress out of building your own workout (at the beginning, anyway) and encourage you to do each day and not miss one. The instructor, Cassey Ho, is an absolute bubbly delight that keeps me smiling and motivated to push through, without being annoyingly so.
I can only suggest when looking for a frequent form of workout, don't just do a new thing once. Do it a few times, give it a chance, and then you can decide if it's something you want to do in the long run. c:0 -
So jealous of you all that have found something you love! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to be able to afford a personal trainer, all the trainers in my area charge upwards of $30 an hour...
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. But out of all them that's what I prefer. Thing is, it's called a workout for a reason, it's not suppose to be fun, going to work every day isn't fun, neither is working out, it's work. When someone say's they love to workout, what they really mean is, they love how they feel after it's over, they love results they get from it, they love that they don't feel like killing someone cus they took it all out on the workout lol.
I actually do love running and martial arts...even in the middle of it. Hill climbs and intervals, I like after the fact but not as much during. Really though, when I am out on a long run, that is my "me time" where nobody is bothering me or needing anything. My mind can wander where it will. I'm tired at the end and my legs may feel rubbery but I will still have a smile on my face and love doing it right then. Oh, and I just ran13.1 yesterday without walking.
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I think the reason why I prefer push up's over most things are because I was told I'd never be able to put pressure on my right arm after the accident I was in. Never be able to do a cartwheel, a hand stand, a back bend, or push up's anything like this. I was also told if I was ever able to do 1 push up, it would probably damage my arm worse. I was scared for a long time to not attempt it, but after doing a lot of things I was told I couldn't or wouldn't ever be able to do, I decided I'd prove my doctor wrong, after all he said I'd be lucky to gain 20% back in it, but now have 80% back to it.
I even have gone as far as doing them with my daughter on my back.
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I did Lauren Brooks Be Strong Like a Mother (BeSLAM) program last winter and really enjoyed it. You can get it at ontheedgefitness.com and it isn't very expensive ($29.99). It is a 12 week program of 15-30 mins of strength building workouts each day. They are very simple but build on themselves each day. Also, you will still be able to do the swimming, yoga or hiking you like to do as they will only help your recovery. I didn't believe that 15 mins a day could make a difference but it does. Also it is minimal equipment and easily done at home. What more can you ask for?? LOL 0
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So jealous of you all that have found something you love!
No one "LOVES" exercising, they lie if they say they do. ...it's not suppose to be fun
LIES!
skateboarding gets my heartrate up, makes me breathe hard and sweat, and gives me fat calves and hard thighs. it also releases all my stress and aggression in a constructive safe(-ish) manner and makes me feel like a badass. it's the most fun i can have. it's my favorite thing to do, period.
there are fun things to do that make you sweat. keep looking.0 -
Bike longer, swim faster, hike steeper, don't drive...at all.
You are doing what you love, just kick it up a notch.
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Like you, the only things I really enjoy and am consistent with are yoga, hiking and walking. So, I make that the bulk of my exercise. I continue to do harder and longer hikes, carryingm ore weight which helps with strength. I also go to a fairly challenging yoga class which has definitely helped my strength. Then, on top of doing those things I love, I force myself to do a bit of strength training (at home - both with weights and body weight training), and run stairs occasionally as well (which is good training for the tough steep hikes).
Bascially, if you don't love it, you just have to want to be fit bad enough that you force yourself to do the extra stuff you don't enjoy that much. I do not enjoy strength training, but I love the results!0 -
I've found the only activities I really enjoy are yoga (only in a class), cycling, hiking, swimming (in summer only) and walking. My trouble is that these alone are not enough. I need something that I can do to build muscle as well as endurance...
so do those things and maybe throw in some weight training or body weight calisthenics 2-3 times per week. I primarily cycle and walk my dog for cardio...and do a bit of hiking and swimming as well. I lift weights 2x weekly at the moment as I am training for a cycling event...but will likely switch back to a full body 3x weekly weight training schedule once I have completed the event. That said, I may just stick with my current regimen as lifting 2x weekly and really hitting it and spending the bulk of my time cycling has really been enjoyable and more than enough to maintain my muscle mass and make some slow but steady strength gains.0 -
i used to lift weights a lot and like it. not loved it. I have since sold my Olympic weight set and weights and used to use the weight at the gym at work. still only liked it.
this time around I figured I'll walk. I need to strengthen my heart and cardiovascular system. I soon graduated to running. still just liked it. it wasn't until i started running farther than 3 miles. actually after I started running farther than 5 miles I started to love it. I started to obsess about it. it's all I can think about. running, running shoes, compression socks, dri fit t shirts, running hats. OMG everything about running I love. I don't see it as exercise anymore. I have a relationship with running, I can tell it anything I want to and will always want to listen. no matter what mood I'm in, bad good, lazy, tired, running makes me feel better. Running doesn't complain, it doesn't judge. it has been the best discovery I have found. I LOVE RUNNING!!!!! when I run I call it being awesome.0 -
> trial and error
try out something new for a term or so (say 3-4 months) before deciding whether to switch or stick
my current mix is swimming/walking/cycling/pilates0 -
I do not enjoy exercising, I moan all the time, but I love the way it makes me look and feel. Most days I have to drag myself to do an hour on the machines, then 20 mins weight training. I do all this at home with dumbbells. The weights have so changed my physique, I look like a young, fit woman. I am 64 and I do it every day except on the day I have a yoga class for 90 mins. I would rather stay in bed. It feels like a life sentence, but I know I will keep doing it every day for the rest of my life.0
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I do not enjoy exercising, I moan all the time, but I love the way it makes me look and feel. Most days I have to drag myself to do an hour on the machines, then 20 mins weight training. I do all this at home with dumbbells. The weights have so changed my physique, I look like a young, fit woman. I am 64 and I do it every day except on the day I have a yoga class for 90 mins. I would rather stay in bed. It feels like a life sentence, but I know I will keep doing it every day for the rest of my life.
haha. I like how you hate doing it but love the results. good for you. at least you know it is working for you even though you don't like it. like taking medicine. don't like the taste but like the results.0
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