What do you do to make exercise fun?
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I just do it. Sometimes I like it, and other times I don't. For me, it comes down to what am I determined to do--lose weight, get healthy, and run a marathon or just keep getting bigger and bigger complete with achy joints and no breath. I want to set an example for my family and students. Having exercised a lot of the time feels better than doing the exercise.0
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I try to do exercise disguised as fun. Hiking, mountain bike riding....when you're out with a friend or family member doing something that feels like an outing or an event, it doesn't feel like exercise. It also cuts down the days I *have* to do the tedious stuff like going to the gym. Having an exercise partner can help. Find a motivational friend or exercise partner and between the two of you someone will say "Hey let's do this" almost every day. Pretty soon it becomes so routine that it doesn't even seem like "working out" it's just something you do every day. I've been doing something almost every single day for two months and (sometimes skip a day) and I'm at the point now where I feel weird and bored if I *don't* exercise.0
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I really enjoy my Kindle. I prop that up on my stationery bike and ride away. I try to keep my reading to my bike only. It is "kind of" a reward. I recently started walking. It is difficult for me to get going but once I've been, I feel so much better. I'm determined!0
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malavika413 wrote: »I've pretty much given up on exercise at this point--I've learned I really, really don't like it. Like, all forms of exercise.
But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting? Types of exercise, music, strategies, you name it.
I'm guessing you have a very narrow definition of "exercise." Do what you enjoy doing. I love getting out and riding my bike and I enjoy lifting weights...so I primarily do those things. I also enjoy hiking and I like swimming in the summer. I also like taking my dog for a walk.
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malavika413 wrote: »But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting?
I don't. I choose exercise that is already fun/interesting to me.
I'm lucky because I love running.
Skateboarding is cooler than running but not quite as good of a workout.
Wiffleball is AWESOME.
You're going about it backwards. Don't think "This is exercise, and it needs to be fun."
Think, "I'm going to find something fun to do that makes me sweat."
See, my problem is that nothing that makes me sweat is fun for me. I'm the kind of person that finds quiet, sedentary activities fun--nothing else.0 -
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I love training. I love lifting heavy and I love group step, spin and yoga classes.... so no need to try to make it more fun becaus eit is already awesome0
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malavika413 wrote: »
Why not? Many gyms, schools, and dance studios offer Zumba classes. Or you could get Zumba dvds. Or you could watch Zumba videos on youtube.
You have lots of options.0 -
onefortyone wrote: »What I want to do is have a season of a TV show that I REALLY want to watch ready to go on my phone. And the catch is, I can only watch it while doing the exercises I find 'boring' in the gym (walking, stationary bike).
I figure if it gets me in the gym for 45 minutes at a time, or 1.5 hours if there's a cliffhanger, I can't complain!
That's what I do. I bike outside as much as possible and I don't need to "bribe" myself for that. But I save certain television shows for indoor days. And if I swim, I spend a little time in the steam room/sauna at the gym afterward as a reward.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting?
I don't. I choose exercise that is already fun/interesting to me.
I'm lucky because I love running.
Skateboarding is cooler than running but not quite as good of a workout.
Wiffleball is AWESOME.
You're going about it backwards. Don't think "This is exercise, and it needs to be fun."
Think, "I'm going to find something fun to do that makes me sweat."
See, my problem is that nothing that makes me sweat is fun for me. I'm the kind of person that finds quiet, sedentary activities fun--nothing else.
stop trying to amuse yourself with things that aren't for your amusement.
Working out is for working out- sure you can entertain yourself WHILE you do it- but sometimes the thing that gets done can be rewarding by itself.
I love to sew- I do a lot laborious hand work on dance costumes- it's not fun. No one thinks it's fun. Be we love doing it- so we do it- and when we get done with it we love our product.
I don't have "FUN" lifting- it's hard- I hurt myself- and I'm in pain. Same with dance- It's hard- I cry- I struggle- I feel incompetent and stupid and helpless- I sweat and I Think my arms are going to fall off- it is not. FUN.- it's not a game- it's not entertainment- it's how I make myself better- and I LOVE both of those things- and I could and will not EVER EVER give them up.
Find something you like to do- it isn't FUN- but something that's interesting that you could get better at- fencing- rock climbing- swimming- walking- zumba- bowka horse back riding- kayaking- try something- do something.
sitting around is great and all-but life is a multifaceted event- you should attack it from all sides.
and get over you aversion to sweat- that's just weird.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »I've pretty much given up on exercise at this point--I've learned I really, really don't like it. Like, all forms of exercise.
But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting? Types of exercise, music, strategies, you name it.
Keep trying different things, and then try some more.
The biggest factor for me was....maintenance.
I have lost weight & gained it back. I only exercised when I was actively trying to lose. No more.....I need to be more active to maintain the weight I lost....or eat less forever.
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malavika413 wrote: »
See, my problem is that nothing that makes me sweat is fun for me. I'm the kind of person that finds quiet, sedentary activities fun--nothing else.malavika413 wrote: »But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting?
No offense intended--I used to say the same thing--but you need to adjust your mindset a little. Do you brush your teeth? Is that "fun"? I don't love brushing my teeth and flossing, but I'd feel terrible and have bleeding gums if I didn't do it. Do you have a job? Is that "fun"? Personally, sometimes I'm really satisfied by my work, and sometimes I'm just doing it to get it done, and exercise is the same way.
Also, as several people have pointed out, broaden your definition of exercise. You don't need to be sweating buckets. Get out and go for a walk. Do your errands on foot rather than by car. Ride your bike somewhere rather than driving. Dance in your living room.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting?
I don't. I choose exercise that is already fun/interesting to me.
I'm lucky because I love running.
Skateboarding is cooler than running but not quite as good of a workout.
Wiffleball is AWESOME.
You're going about it backwards. Don't think "This is exercise, and it needs to be fun."
Think, "I'm going to find something fun to do that makes me sweat."
See, my problem is that nothing that makes me sweat is fun for me. I'm the kind of person that finds quiet, sedentary activities fun--nothing else.
stop trying to amuse yourself with things that aren't for your amusement.
Working out is for working out- sure you can entertain yourself WHILE you do it- but sometimes the thing that gets done can be rewarding by itself.
I love to sew- I do a lot laborious hand work on dance costumes- it's not fun. No one thinks it's fun. Be we love doing it- so we do it- and when we get done with it we love our product.
I don't have "FUN" lifting- it's hard- I hurt myself- and I'm in pain. Same with dance- It's hard- I cry- I struggle- I feel incompetent and stupid and helpless- I sweat and I Think my arms are going to fall off- it is not. FUN.- it's not a game- it's not entertainment- it's how I make myself better- and I LOVE both of those things- and I could and will not EVER EVER give them up.
Find something you like to do- it isn't FUN- but something that's interesting that you could get better at- fencing- rock climbing- swimming- walking- zumba- bowka horse back riding- kayaking- try something- do something.
sitting around is great and all-but life is a multifaceted event- you should attack it from all sides.
and get over you aversion to sweat- that's just weird.
I'm stealing this line. :drinker:0 -
Walking with a friend or my SO is the only "fun" exercise I do.
I have some great music on the ipod for my morning cardio. And I always feel kinda virtuous when I finish lifting, like "Got through another session, now that's over with for today". Lol.
Mostly, it's not fun... but neither is brushing my teeth, and I've been doing that faithfully for a lot longer... and about a thousand other "not fun" things that I do because they're good for me.0 -
I found exercises I enjoy and have goals. I like to play certain sports, so other exercises help me play those sports better. I play football and softball because I enjoy the social aspect.
I don't like gyms, so I don't go to them.
I run, but only do that outside, in parks, where I can enjoy the scenery. I don't run in my own neighborhood if I can help it because I find that tedious (necessary evil at times). I sign up for races, as they give me a goal to aim for.
I weight lift because I really enjoy that as my strength training. It feels good to be strong. But, not liking gyms or sharing equipment, I saved and bought my own and lift at home.
Personally, I think everyone can find something physical they enjoy and turn it into a good workout. Your tastes may change over time, as well.0 -
I don't like exercise. I don't like not having Lucky Charms at every meal. I don't like going to work every day. I didn't like not getting a decent night's sleep for 2 years while I was in grad school and working full time.
But I like being poor and fat even less than all those things, so I exercise frequently, eat right 90% of the time, and go to work most days.
But to answer the question, I listen to podcasts while I work out.0 -
I work my *kitten* off so I don't have time to worry about whether I'm liking it or not
I *really* like how it feels when I'm done, though. I also just genuinely enjoy running and the kickboxing class I do. I also like to eat, so working out gets me extra calories...
It might help to set up a reward system of some sort. Promise yourself something small when you work out 5 of 7 days in a week (or whatever your goal is). You may actually begin to like, or at least appreciate, the time you spend exercising once you're in the habit of it.0 -
steal away.:Dhollydubs85 wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »But I'm curious, what do y'all do to make exercise fun or interesting?
I don't. I choose exercise that is already fun/interesting to me.
I'm lucky because I love running.
Skateboarding is cooler than running but not quite as good of a workout.
Wiffleball is AWESOME.
You're going about it backwards. Don't think "This is exercise, and it needs to be fun."
Think, "I'm going to find something fun to do that makes me sweat."
See, my problem is that nothing that makes me sweat is fun for me. I'm the kind of person that finds quiet, sedentary activities fun--nothing else.
stop trying to amuse yourself with things that aren't for your amusement.
Working out is for working out- sure you can entertain yourself WHILE you do it- but sometimes the thing that gets done can be rewarding by itself.
I love to sew- I do a lot laborious hand work on dance costumes- it's not fun. No one thinks it's fun. Be we love doing it- so we do it- and when we get done with it we love our product.
I don't have "FUN" lifting- it's hard- I hurt myself- and I'm in pain. Same with dance- It's hard- I cry- I struggle- I feel incompetent and stupid and helpless- I sweat and I Think my arms are going to fall off- it is not. FUN.- it's not a game- it's not entertainment- it's how I make myself better- and I LOVE both of those things- and I could and will not EVER EVER give them up.
Find something you like to do- it isn't FUN- but something that's interesting that you could get better at- fencing- rock climbing- swimming- walking- zumba- bowka horse back riding- kayaking- try something- do something.
sitting around is great and all-but life is a multifaceted event- you should attack it from all sides.
and get over you aversion to sweat- that's just weird.
I'm stealing this line. :drinker:
It's definitely a mini mantra of mine!!! just gotta get it gurl!
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AmigaMaria001 wrote: »I listen to books on my Ipod which takes my mind off the workout. Exercise is just not fun for me - with the exception of walking early in the morning in the country! I could do that forever when the weather is nice.
This has been the best thing for me as well. I used to feel like I was wasting time exercising because my mind wasn't occupied (yes, I admit I am a nerd). Once I started with audiobooks, I love going to the gym. It is my "me" time to "read."
But admittedly the one down side is when I was listening to Janet Evanovich, I would burst out laughing. That was a little embarrassing.
When I am at a gym that offers wifi, I have also used netflix on my phone to catch up with a show I wanted to watch--again it felt like I was getting more accomplished than just the workout and that mentality worked for me.
When I first started working out though, I found a couple of Jillian Michaels DVDs at a used bookstore. Her 30 day shred workouts are only like 20 minutes. I figured I could commit to that much time even if I didn't call it fun. And they are intense--so I definitely felt it the next day and saw results. So maybe something faster will be more appealing to you? I also found doing it at home first was much better for me (I didn't feel so intimidated).0 -
Music helps me a lot. Also not dying or having to call DH to come get me because I cramped has actually made me pretty excited lately. I finish a "run" and the endorphins go into overdrive and I feel awesome as hell!0
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Easy! I don't 'exercise,' I play. I dance around the house, hoola hoop, ride my bike, try to climb stuff, fall off stuff. I roller skate with my husband. Hang on to my husband's arm for dear life because I can't roller skate. There's a studio near my place that offers aerial silk classes. I'm thinking of signing up for that. I do yoga too, but I consider that more meditative than horsing around. I also consider regular exercise as playing too. I like lifting weights because I like the thought of myself overcoming limits and getting stronger.
Definitely give silks a go - take it from me, you won't regret it!
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Daydream! Am I the only one? Hahaha.0
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You gotta be motivated. You have to want to do it. You have to want the results and revel in the challenge. People who stick with it figure this out because they have it within themselves.
I don't think you can trick your way to success.0 -
I'm in the exercise haters club. What I did is find something I hate less.
I don't dance, I never have, tried zumba, 2 left feet and a "what the heck is this" kind of feeling. Tried weightlifting, did not enjoy it one bit. Group classes were a dud for me, I don't particularly like having people around me when I exercise. The only exercise I enjoy is swimming, but at a very leisurely pace, so it barely burns any calories and I don't have a steady access to a pool.
Tried walking outside, more stressful than relaxing since I live in a busy city with no trails, isolated routes or natural scenery. Having to avoid cars or bumping into people was not appealing, neither was sweating my butt off and chugging my water in the streets in a place where exercise walking is not common and I get these "what's wrong with her" looks.. until I remembered that a few years back I visited a gym and thought treadmill was alright...
I ran out and bought a treadmill! Yes I know.. one of the most dreaded machines for most people. Walked a couple of times.. nop, too boring. I would rather read a book. Wait a minute! I can do both! So I bought a bunch of audiobooks I was dying to read and would only allow myself to listen to them while incline walking on a treadmill, in the comfort of my own home, with a towel and a big bottle of water at my disposal. I now actually look forward to exercising, especially when I get to an exciting part in a book.
I also introduced some body weight exercise. Just 5-10 minutes of them every day. I mean everyone can tolerate 5-10 minutes right? I do a couple of sets of one exercise each day gradually changing to more challenging moves: pushups, squats, (attempted) pull ups, bridges, planks and leg raises.
Moral of the story, try a lot of things, find something that you think is the most tolerable and then tweak it to make it even more tolerable. It doesn't have to be anything fancy and may even be something other people find boring. Experimentation is the key.0 -
I make a random play list and run/walk to the beat of the song. Dub Step is the best!!0
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