What do you think about while you exercise?

AwesomeOpossum74
AwesomeOpossum74 Posts: 106 Member
edited November 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I was reading the "questions about brisk walking" thread, and made a comment that I thought might be a good conversation starter, as well as help motivate people who have a hard time finding the activities they do fun ... to exercise.

I walk daily, at least 10k steps, so I'm spending some time on my feet. When I get out, I'm not just thinking about the exercise. I'm wondering about the world. I'm finding interesting things to look at (a bug crawling across my path can be interesting to watch, as I wonder where it's destination may be). I'm imagining and fantasizing things that have been, that are, and that could be. I'm keeping my mind open to the sights, sounds and smells around me as I stride. As I stated in the other thread, I have been an astronaut, a knight, and been chased by zombies, among many other imaginations ... all while I walk.

So, what do you think about when you exercise?
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Replies

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,681 Member
    I'm usually thinking about what I've got to do next ... later in the day, later in the week, later in the month.

    Unless I'm on a long bicycle ride. Then I do a "mind-dump" of all the things I've got to do for an hour or two, and that frees me up to start to relax and enjoy the ride, the scenery, and to contemplate stories around the things I'm seeing. That's hugely stress relieving.

    Sadly I haven't been on a good 4+ hour bicycle ride in a while, so I haven't had a chance to do the mind-dump >>>> freedom thing. I miss it.
  • makkimakki2018
    makkimakki2018 Posts: 414 Member
    30 seconds till sprint lol
  • DoubleUbea
    DoubleUbea Posts: 1,115 Member
    I usually use a treadmill at the gym so what I think about depends on the person who is on the piece of equipment ahead of mine. Kidding of course, random thoughts about this, that, everything and nothing.
  • madwells1
    madwells1 Posts: 510 Member
    My form and body functioning. When working out, it is the only time I can 'shut down' from the real world around me.

    When running, I try to focus on the beat of the music and the form and rhythm of my body. When walking, simply the base in the music. When lifting, my breathing and my form.

    I have too much in my head all day long. I can't wait to work out simply to stop thinking!!!!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • midlomel1971
    midlomel1971 Posts: 1,283 Member
    I am always either listening to a podcast or watching Netflix or Amazon when I'm working out.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    edited July 2018
    I primarily lift weights and typically listen to a podcast (few different sports talk or fantasy sports ones) that doesn't require so much attention such that I lose focus on what I'm doing so I can focus on form, rep tempo, etc.

    Occasionally I'll be on the phone to catch up with a friend with whom I used to work. If I lift in the afternoon it's around the same time he does so we'll chat as quasi-long-distance workout buddies.

    I've learned I'm just not that big a fan of most music (especially traditional "pump-up" workout songs) and music I do like gets me caught up in thought rather than focusing on the task at hand.
  • smotheredincheese
    smotheredincheese Posts: 559 Member
    I run along a pretty trail in a rural area and spend a lot of my runs thinking about the wildflowers and gambolling cows, and the setting sun glistening off the river and how perfect nature is.
    Last night was hot and I forgot to take water with me so I spent most of the run thinking about how much I'd rather be in a hot tub drinking prosecco.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    During my lifting sessions, I think about pushing myself in order to reach my goals, I think about how many reps I have left and if I can do it, sometimes I actually visualize the muscle growing, or which muscles I should be using if I can. If it is more strength, I will focus on form and moving the weight.

    If it is cardio I just think about getting through it, or being in a music video
  • tigrig
    tigrig Posts: 663 Member
    I'm usually pretty focused on my actual lift while working out, trying to hit the whole "mind-body" connection. If it's cardio then all bets are off and my mind is all over the place
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    If I'm listening to a podcast (running or weight related things) I think about whatever I'm listening to. In the pool I think about breathing and my form, bike - it depends on whether or not I'm outside. If I'm inside I think about the next interval, outside it runs the gamut.
  • mutantspicy
    mutantspicy Posts: 624 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »

    If it is cardio I just think about getting through it, or being in a music video

    LOL!

  • shaf238
    shaf238 Posts: 4,022 Member
    Literally the pump. Mind-muscle connection and really focusing on squeezing the most out of each rep.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Morning walks with the dog - usually planning out the day ahead

    Lifting - I'm just thinking about the lift

    Cycling - it just depends...my day...upcoming trip...that's a big *kitten* hill...*kitten* headwind, etc.
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    edited July 2018
    Tempo, explosive contraction, slow negative. Lifting cues, does this feel right/proper form/can/should I do more reps? Should I go up in weight next set? What exercise I'm going to do next (Supersets almost everything). Have to pay attention to surrounding equipment available as well.

    Absolutely can not bring a phone into the gym or any other distraction (just kills all the fun/fast pace, much less enjoyable).

    Cardio (LISS) on the other hand, reading & listening to music videos (boredom killers)
  • Alidecker
    Alidecker Posts: 1,262 Member
    When I am lifting, I think about lifting and counting my reps. When I am doing some cardio machine I listen to books. When I swim I think about absolutely nothing, I think it is the only time that ever happens. Sometimes I think about how many laps I have done and how far that is in miles (or portions of miles). When I go to 9Rounds I think about finishing, I also have the distraction of seeing my heartrate on the screen on the gym wall.
  • summersmama2
    summersmama2 Posts: 7 Member
    I watch Netflix while I do my cardio (treadmill, elliptical, bike) at the gym. Helps pass time faster!
  • deputy_randolph
    deputy_randolph Posts: 940 Member
    While lifting, I think about nothing. I've heard "get out of your own head" enough times from my trainer that I can shut off my brain...most of the time.

    During cardio, I mostly think about cardio being over.
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    o this is hard. pray. space out. sing. o this is hard. pray. omg im dieing I have to stop. I can do this. sing. space out etc etc.
  • cbstewart88
    cbstewart88 Posts: 453 Member
    edited August 2018
    When I'm on the treadmill, which is very boring, I compose poems in my head. Then I rush home and post them on Facebook. LOL. My FB feed is filled with tons of stream-of-consciousness poetry about anything and everything. Some pretty good. Some not.
  • FireVixen_Fayth
    FireVixen_Fayth Posts: 154 Member
    My wife mostly, or what ever else my mind wanders too
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    Girls
    And Football

    .... okay, mostly girls.
  • garystrickland357
    garystrickland357 Posts: 598 Member
    I’m a teacher. My mind usually follows this pattern (how far I get depends on the length of the exercise):

    In the beginning I think about the kids that frustrated me or that I’m worried about.
    Next I remember it’s not personal and spend time thinking about how to get through to them.
    Next, - oh look, something cool - I start to actually look around and just feel my body. Enjoy the sweat and the effort.
    Next I think about what I’d like to accomplish and set some goals.
    Oh, look another cool thing...
    D@#n I’m tired. How far away is the house?

    What will I cook for supper? How many calories are in the budget?
    Man,It’s good to be home. The world is round and good again.
  • 2baninja
    2baninja Posts: 519 Member
    I work out in the gym, either watching t.v. or reading a magazine or book, I find the time moves quickest with a good book.
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