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What are your unpopular opinions about health / fitness?
Replies
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Ok... Just pick your adjectives a little more objectively. I'll try not to be such a delicate flower. LOL3
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jamesakrobinson wrote: »Aaron_K123 wrote: »jamesakrobinson wrote: »Haha If you liked debating that, how's this for stirring the pot.
There are only two valid reasons for a human to run. (from an evolutionary standpoint at least but probably could be extrapolated to today)
1) to catch food
2) not to BE food
And go! (this is bound to be REALLY unpopular!)
Well to be unpopular a statement has to be both dumb and controversial. Your first one qualified...this one is more just dumb.
I take this as an uncalled for personal attack and also dispute it thoroughly. I submit to you that contrary to your statement, dumb opinions tend to be the MOST popular. I give you politics, get rich quick schemes, and 6 days to a six pack programs/devices/diets as easily verified examples.
Why is it that so many people take offense when it's pointed out that they hold to dumb ideas?
It's the idea that's dumb. Not a personal attack.
A personal attack might be something related to how using a mirror selfie as your profile pic makes you look.
I refrained from actually making the personal attack, because I really don't want a warning today.4 -
I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.5 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
Well said (except... Running lol)1 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
I can get with this. Well said!1 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.2 -
jamesakrobinson wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
Well said (except... Running lol)
As far as this:
1) to catch food
2) not to BE food
I run not to BE food for my internal demons
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One of my favorite writers brought forth the idea "No one actually enjoys exercise" and initiated a debate. Essentially his position was that initially no one enjoys the effort, but actually enjoys the benefits. Over time this becomes learned, ingrained, and instinctual so the lines between the effort and the payoff blur. In a sense I agree with this - much in the same way I agree that no one loves work, but the pay/benefits gained from work.5
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I'm a weirdo that enjoys working out. I enjoy finding my physical limits. I enjoy those days where you just feel like you could do anything. Of course there's the odd crap day but most of the time, making myself feel like i might die is my happy place.
As to juggling being an olympic sport, that's also in rhythmic gymnastics. They have the hoop, clubs, ball and ribbon. I wasnt a rhythmic gymnast though so no epic juggling skills here, I was pretty handy with a hula hoop back in the day though.4 -
jamesakrobinson wrote: »jamesakrobinson wrote: »This very moment... I'm suffering DOMS from Saturday's back work, and I know I have DOMS from yesterday's squats to look forward to tomorrow before this is completely subsided... and I am going to be hitting chest and shower with my daughter this afternoon, so there's Wednesday's pain to anticipate...
You choose. I might be a masochist? I don't actually enjoy the working out part, but I do like the health and strength. If I could have the benefits without the hard work and pain I would be delighted... but they wouldn't be as valuable would they?
And that's you...
LOL You've just confirmed a portion of my premise by implying that you like the pain! Pick a position. You can't prove me right while typing your dissenting opinion!
Discomfort is not pain. Acceptance (vs. enjoyment) of discomfort is not masochism.
Discomfort from (or after) exertion, especially when the exertion was mixed with exhilaration (or sense of accomplishment, or other psychological satisfiers) doesn't necessarily impair overall enjoyment.
Nice 3-choice cartoon scenario, though.
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If an activity can be 'exercise' but you do it for fun (as in you'd do it even if it didn't provide the benefits of exercise) is it still exercise?1
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janejellyroll wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.
It sometimes describes mine. At other times, it is genuinely enjoyable throughout. I was out visiting my mother who is sick on Saturday and in the morning I took a quick break and went running on a trail (in a beautiful area I am not always in) and ran just for run and relaxation -- passed lots of people and dogs on the trail, said hi, listened to an interesting podcast plus some music, and did my planned 6+ miles. It was hilly, which I am not used to. I ignored speed and just ran for fun/de-stressing, as well as because it was on my schedule, but ended up doing about the speed I'd intended to. That it was fun (and necessary for my mental health) doesn't make it less a "workout" than if I'd ground it out on the treadmill (which I'm not a fan of).
Similarly, I schedule runs at this time of year, when home, to end around the time the sun comes up, because that feels amazing to me. Sometimes the run is fun, sometimes it's not really (although I still feel good when it's done), doesn't mean it's not a workout (I know you aren't saying otherwise).
I lift on my own, don't love it, don't hate it, satisfaction is a good word for it. But when I was learning I took an olympic lifting class that a couple of friends were in and although I was often VERY frustrated with the lifting the class was a blast and the learning was exciting and I looked forward to it. It was, genuinely, enjoyable.
Then again, I also think it's possible and not uncommon to actually enjoy working.8 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.
It sometimes describes mine. At other times, it is genuinely enjoyable throughout. I was out visiting my mother who is sick on Saturday and in the morning I took a quick break and went running on a trail (in a beautiful area I am not always in) and ran just for run and relaxation -- passed lots of people and dogs on the trail, said hi, listened to an interesting podcast plus some music, and did my planned 6+ miles. It was hilly, which I am not used to. I ignored speed and just ran for fun/de-stressing, as well as because it was on my schedule, but ended up doing about the speed I'd intended to. That it was fun (and necessary for my mental health) doesn't make it less a "workout" than if I'd ground it out on the treadmill (which I'm not a fan of).
Similarly, I schedule runs at this time of year, when home, to end around the time the sun comes up, because that feels amazing to me. Sometimes the run is fun, sometimes it's not really (although I still feel good when it's done), doesn't mean it's not a workout (I know you aren't saying otherwise).
I lift on my own, don't love it, don't hate it, satisfaction is a good word for it. But when I was learning I took an olympic lifting class that a couple of friends were in and although I was often VERY frustrated with the lifting the class was a blast and the learning was exciting and I looked forward to it. It was, genuinely, enjoyable.
Then again, I also think it's possible and not uncommon to actually enjoy working.
Yes, I always feel satisfaction but I do often feel pure enjoyment as well -- usually related to the joy of being outdoors or when it feels like my whole body is getting into the run. So the enjoyment is often there, but when it isn't, I can still rely on the satisfaction. Even when I get a side stitch or it rains on me and my socks get wet or the humidity is too high, I can still count on satisfaction in the face of a run that wasn't enjoyable while it was happening.
If I didn't feel the enjoyment at least a portion of the time, I would probably choose another activity. I think life is too short to do exercise you don't enjoy (unless you truly have tried everything, hate it all, and then you just gotta treat your exercise like a dose of nasty medicine).
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janejellyroll wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.
It sometimes describes mine. At other times, it is genuinely enjoyable throughout. I was out visiting my mother who is sick on Saturday and in the morning I took a quick break and went running on a trail (in a beautiful area I am not always in) and ran just for run and relaxation -- passed lots of people and dogs on the trail, said hi, listened to an interesting podcast plus some music, and did my planned 6+ miles. It was hilly, which I am not used to. I ignored speed and just ran for fun/de-stressing, as well as because it was on my schedule, but ended up doing about the speed I'd intended to. That it was fun (and necessary for my mental health) doesn't make it less a "workout" than if I'd ground it out on the treadmill (which I'm not a fan of).
Similarly, I schedule runs at this time of year, when home, to end around the time the sun comes up, because that feels amazing to me. Sometimes the run is fun, sometimes it's not really (although I still feel good when it's done), doesn't mean it's not a workout (I know you aren't saying otherwise).
I lift on my own, don't love it, don't hate it, satisfaction is a good word for it. But when I was learning I took an olympic lifting class that a couple of friends were in and although I was often VERY frustrated with the lifting the class was a blast and the learning was exciting and I looked forward to it. It was, genuinely, enjoyable.
Then again, I also think it's possible and not uncommon to actually enjoy working.
Yes, I always feel satisfaction but I do often feel pure enjoyment as well -- usually related to the joy of being outdoors or when it feels like my whole body is getting into the run. So the enjoyment is often there, but when it isn't, I can still rely on the satisfaction. Even when I get a side stitch or it rains on me and my socks get wet or the humidity is too high, I can still count on satisfaction in the face of a run that wasn't enjoyable while it was happening.
If I didn't feel the enjoyment at least a portion of the time, I would probably choose another activity. I think life is too short to do exercise you don't enjoy (unless you truly have tried everything, hate it all, and then you just gotta treat your exercise like a dose of nasty medicine).
I think that if I could take a pill to achieve/maintain fitness, I would probably be through with the gym, but would still run. There are moments when running transcends merely being exercise and becomes more like therapy/church, which I can’t say about lifting.5 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.
It sometimes describes mine. At other times, it is genuinely enjoyable throughout. I was out visiting my mother who is sick on Saturday and in the morning I took a quick break and went running on a trail (in a beautiful area I am not always in) and ran just for run and relaxation -- passed lots of people and dogs on the trail, said hi, listened to an interesting podcast plus some music, and did my planned 6+ miles. It was hilly, which I am not used to. I ignored speed and just ran for fun/de-stressing, as well as because it was on my schedule, but ended up doing about the speed I'd intended to. That it was fun (and necessary for my mental health) doesn't make it less a "workout" than if I'd ground it out on the treadmill (which I'm not a fan of).
Similarly, I schedule runs at this time of year, when home, to end around the time the sun comes up, because that feels amazing to me. Sometimes the run is fun, sometimes it's not really (although I still feel good when it's done), doesn't mean it's not a workout (I know you aren't saying otherwise).
I lift on my own, don't love it, don't hate it, satisfaction is a good word for it. But when I was learning I took an olympic lifting class that a couple of friends were in and although I was often VERY frustrated with the lifting the class was a blast and the learning was exciting and I looked forward to it. It was, genuinely, enjoyable.
Then again, I also think it's possible and not uncommon to actually enjoy working.
Yes, I always feel satisfaction but I do often feel pure enjoyment as well -- usually related to the joy of being outdoors or when it feels like my whole body is getting into the run. So the enjoyment is often there, but when it isn't, I can still rely on the satisfaction. Even when I get a side stitch or it rains on me and my socks get wet or the humidity is too high, I can still count on satisfaction in the face of a run that wasn't enjoyable while it was happening.
If I didn't feel the enjoyment at least a portion of the time, I would probably choose another activity. I think life is too short to do exercise you don't enjoy (unless you truly have tried everything, hate it all, and then you just gotta treat your exercise like a dose of nasty medicine).
I think that if I could take a pill to achieve/maintain fitness, I would probably be through with the gym, but would still run. There are moments when running transcends merely being exercise and becomes more like therapy/church, which I can’t say about lifting.
Yes, I think of it more like meditation, but this really resonates with me. It "cleans" my mind up, makes me calmer.
If I could take a pill instead of resistance training, I would do that for sure. But I can't imagine giving up running.1 -
Bry_Lander wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Bry_Lander wrote: »I just went for a run, and with this discussion in mind, was more aware than normal of what I was thinking and feeling. There were some elements of enjoyment involved, but that was mixed with a swirl of other things (stress, fatigue, anger, annoyance, exasperation, exhilaration, ambivalence, etc). If I had to describe it with one all-encompassing word, it would be "satisfaction". I was satisfied with what I was doing throughout, regardless if I was hitting PRs or not (not), or that it was 40 degrees outside, or that the pavement was wet and my feet were getting soaked, etc. I was satisfied that I was outside, elevating my HR, and adding to my mileage total for the month.
Satisfaction is the motivation, not enjoyment. That also describes strength training- it is minimally enjoyable but very satisfying, and that is what motivates me to consistently do it.
This perfectly describes my experience running as well.
It sometimes describes mine. At other times, it is genuinely enjoyable throughout. I was out visiting my mother who is sick on Saturday and in the morning I took a quick break and went running on a trail (in a beautiful area I am not always in) and ran just for run and relaxation -- passed lots of people and dogs on the trail, said hi, listened to an interesting podcast plus some music, and did my planned 6+ miles. It was hilly, which I am not used to. I ignored speed and just ran for fun/de-stressing, as well as because it was on my schedule, but ended up doing about the speed I'd intended to. That it was fun (and necessary for my mental health) doesn't make it less a "workout" than if I'd ground it out on the treadmill (which I'm not a fan of).
Similarly, I schedule runs at this time of year, when home, to end around the time the sun comes up, because that feels amazing to me. Sometimes the run is fun, sometimes it's not really (although I still feel good when it's done), doesn't mean it's not a workout (I know you aren't saying otherwise).
I lift on my own, don't love it, don't hate it, satisfaction is a good word for it. But when I was learning I took an olympic lifting class that a couple of friends were in and although I was often VERY frustrated with the lifting the class was a blast and the learning was exciting and I looked forward to it. It was, genuinely, enjoyable.
Then again, I also think it's possible and not uncommon to actually enjoy working.
Yes, I always feel satisfaction but I do often feel pure enjoyment as well -- usually related to the joy of being outdoors or when it feels like my whole body is getting into the run. So the enjoyment is often there, but when it isn't, I can still rely on the satisfaction. Even when I get a side stitch or it rains on me and my socks get wet or the humidity is too high, I can still count on satisfaction in the face of a run that wasn't enjoyable while it was happening.
If I didn't feel the enjoyment at least a portion of the time, I would probably choose another activity. I think life is too short to do exercise you don't enjoy (unless you truly have tried everything, hate it all, and then you just gotta treat your exercise like a dose of nasty medicine).
I think that if I could take a pill to achieve/maintain fitness, I would probably be through with the gym, but would still run. There are moments when running transcends merely being exercise and becomes more like therapy/church, which I can’t say about lifting.
That's how I feel about hiking and gardening, which are my chief means of activity.4 -
My unpopular opinion is that I love food. And not crappy frankenfood like chips, fast food and most stuff that comes in a box. But rather creative and perfectly-executed dishes featuring nuanced flavors and cooking techniques.
People that share their diaries while losing, but show that they eat protein/nutrient bars, frozen meals and other pre-packaged foods make me sad, because that kind of food is just so unsatisfying to me. I want to lose while eating well (not high-calorie food, but elevated food.)
I hate chain restaurants and never go there. (This makes calculating calories when I go out to eat really hard, though.)
14 -
My unpopular opinion is that I love food. And not crappy frankenfood like chips, fast food and most stuff that comes in a box. But rather creative and perfectly-executed dishes featuring nuanced flavors and cooking techniques.
People that share their diaries while losing, but show that they eat protein/nutrient bars, frozen meals and other pre-packaged foods make me sad, because that kind of food is just so unsatisfying to me. I want to lose while eating well (not high-calorie food, but elevated food.)
I hate chain restaurants and never go there. (This makes calculating calories when I go out to eat really hard, though.)
People are eating what they enjoy/what works for them. I like dishes with high quality ingredients and nuanced flavors, but I also really enjoy instant noodles in a way that is hard to explain. I don't eat what I don't like, and sometimes fast food or chips is what I like and want and what feels right. Don't feel sad for me. Not everyone who isn't particular about their dishes is missing out on food enjoyment. I can assure you I get my fair share of satisfaction and enjoyment out of food, maybe even more than the average person. That's how I personally got fat.
I don't do nutrient bars (I would rather have actual candy), but it may be what allows busy people to ration their calories so they can have a really enjoyable meal later... Or, maybe they just enjoy nutrient bars.11 -
My unpopular opinion is that I love food. And not crappy frankenfood like chips, fast food and most stuff that comes in a box. But rather creative and perfectly-executed dishes featuring nuanced flavors and cooking techniques.
People that share their diaries while losing, but show that they eat protein/nutrient bars, frozen meals and other pre-packaged foods make me sad, because that kind of food is just so unsatisfying to me. I want to lose while eating well (not high-calorie food, but elevated food.)
I hate chain restaurants and never go there. (This makes calculating calories when I go out to eat really hard, though.)
But the people who are eating those things either find them satisfying or find the time saved by choosing those options helps them enjoy other priorities in life.
I just can't imagine someone else's food diary making *me* sad. Taste is so subjective. The foods that thrill me might leave you unhappy, but as long as we're both eating what we want and meeting our goals, it's a good thing . . . right?10 -
My unpopular opinion is that I love food. And not crappy frankenfood like chips, fast food and most stuff that comes in a box. But rather creative and perfectly-executed dishes featuring nuanced flavors and cooking techniques.
People that share their diaries while losing, but show that they eat protein/nutrient bars, frozen meals and other pre-packaged foods make me sad, because that kind of food is just so unsatisfying to me. I want to lose while eating well (not high-calorie food, but elevated food.)
I hate chain restaurants and never go there. (This makes calculating calories when I go out to eat really hard, though.)
Not sure why or how you loving food would be an unpopular opinion. How would anyone but you even know whether you loved food or not?
I love food too. But I'm no food snob. I don't think food is automatically less tasty because it's mass produced or popular. Maybe that's my unpopular opinion, though I doubt it actually is unpopular.8
This discussion has been closed.
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