I feel like I have zero time to exercise, also I frickin hate it
Options
Replies
-
The title states that you have no time to exercise, but the body states (basically) that you don't want to spend free time exercising. Those are 2 different issues.
If you are exhausted from working (which we all are), you can workout before work. If it is hard to wake up at 5am, then go to bed earlier to make it work.
The real secret to sticking to exercise is to find an activity that you enjoy enough to make work despite all the other things you have to do.12 -
emmies_123 wrote: »I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.
It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."
I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.
This last paragraph isn't a set thing- it's a series of habits and choices a person makes.
I was the couchiest couch-potato you ever did see, and I still very much prefer to be horizontal once my obligations are done for the day- so I work out early.
It's been 4 years, and I still sweat and cuss and have to psych myself up to do it, it still is hard, I wouldn't call it something I enjoy- but its important so I choose to do it.
I love sweets and doritos- but I can choose to suck on a single jelly rancher instead of eating 700 calories of M&Ms. Yeah, chocolate is delicious- but I'm not REQUIRED to overeat it.6 -
Unless there is a disability causing a barrier, all comes down to your own choices. Sure, things get in the way and they make us change our minds (ex. Family emergency, illness, etc.). You choose your own thoughts about exercise, which impact your feelings towards it, and then your behaviours follow suit.
Thinking "I don't have time for this exercise that I hate," will leave you feeling angry/ annoyed/ frustrated, etc. So, you don't do it. You can't blame anything but yourself for that - it's all a choice.
Thinking "I am going to set aside 30 minutes to do one activity that I really enjoy," will leave you feeling happy/ motivated, etc. So, you may be tired one day after work, but you know it's only 30 minutes and it's an activity that you enjoy. You will find a way to do it - still, a choice.
This is related to the Cognitive Theory and is what is used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I'm not searching for research links to post here, those who CHOOSE to further inform themselves, can do so easily. This is an evidence-based therapy often used in mental health, but can be applied in all aspects of life). You can do this therapy on your own to change your mindset.6 -
I have never found an exercise that I think is "fun." However, I do like being fit and feel that I look a lot better with exercise than I do just losing weight through food. I also do find it to be stress relieving at times, and like the sense of accomplishment it gives me. That said, I stick to only 30 minutes 5 days per week. As I get more fit, I plan to up the intensity, but not the time. At one point, I was very fit but I was spending 1.5-2 hours in the gym every day and I hated it. I dreaded going, I was slogging through the workout, it felt like it was taking up all of my free time, and all I felt when I was done was tired and sore. Eventually I quit going all together.
Now I work out at home with videos. If you're just starting out, you might even start with 15-20 minutes 3 days per week. Anything is better than sitting on your couch. Also make sure you're starting with very beginner stuff and don't push yourself too hard. If you're super sore all of the time, you're not going to want to stick with it. I'm doing a different program now, but when I started working out again this summer I started with Chris Powell's "The Workout." It's free on youtube. Start with level 1. It's only 15 minutes and he's really motivating.4 -
I really believe that long term success surrounds the ability to make dietary and exercise changes that are sustainable. It's exactly how I've kept a majority of my weight off for almost 5 years. (I say almost because I fluctuate within a 10ish pound range). You must find exercise that you enjoy. For me at the beginning, it was Zumba on my Wii. I did it almost everyday. It could do it in my living room, anytime of day that worked, it had all of the flexibility I needed. Now, I've become a pretty serious runner and I run a lot and do Orange Theory and other strength training to make me a better runner. Every now and then I do some Zumba too because it its fun. Exercise isn't one size fits all. You can find all kinds of programs that say they are the best but the best exercise is the exercise you will do.1
-
gallicinvasion wrote: »Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).
I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?
No time after work is the main reason I started getting up early to exercise. I was one of those people who generally didn't get to sleep until midnight, then got up barely in time to get ready for work and get to work on time. I dreaded getting up super early for any reason. But, I found that if I get up super early, I'm also more tired in the evening and I sleep better. Also I feel great after my workout and am super energized and ready for the work day when I get there. None of the usual moping around sipping coffee for 2 hours every morning just to get going. I get up now at 4:30-5am, start working out around 5:15-5:30am, and am completely done with my workout for the day by 7am. Gives me an hour to shower, get ready for work, and eat a quick healthy breakfast with lots of protein and fiber for the day. No. More. Excuses.9 -
I think you have to find the kind of intentional exercise that you actually enjoy. I do not enjoy running or stair climbers, so I do not do them. I do enjoy zumba, boot camp classes, and ellipticals, so I do those. We all have the exact same 24 hours per day. What we do with them is what makes us different. I have a 40+ hour job, a husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs, 6 cats, and a special needs brother, but I can make myself find time most days of the week for some form of exercise. Some days it may be 30 minutes, and some days it might be 90 minutes. It just depends.7
-
Like others said, exercise isn't needed for losing weight, but since your post is focusing on working out, here are my thoughts:
I sit at a desk all day, but I'm still tired when I get home. By the time I finally get out of work, make the commute home, cook dinner - all I want to do is veg.
So, I get up to workout before work.
Working out doesn't need to be going to the gym, and even at the gym, there are a LOT of things to try. Lots of different classes from Zumba to Boot camp style workouts, cardio for those who enjoy it, weight lifting, cross fit - there are a LOT of options.
Getting up before work can seem nearly impossible if you expect yourself to just jump out of bed 2 hours earlier than you're used to.
Instead, set your alarm 15 minutes earlier, and spend that 15 minutes just taking a walk around the block, or doing a dance video, or some body weight exercises. Then, after a week or two of that, move it back another 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat. In the meantime, try a few different things. I thought I would HATE Zumba when I first heard about it - guess what? Despite the fact that I look like an idiot, I LOVE it and find it very enjoyable! If you're not familiar with lifting weights, set up a session with a trainer to get familiarized. Maybe a martial art? Dance classes? A sport of some kind?
I know I HATE steady state cardio. Running, jogging, elliptical, bicycle (unless it's a nice, scenic, mostly flat trail) - if that was the only exercise available, well, I'll pass, thanks.2 -
emmies_123 wrote: »I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.
It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."
I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.
Ok, maybe this is my own sensitivities coming out, but I have a real problem with that. EVERYONE'S path has hills and valleys. Everyone. Period. Some things that are very easy to you are very hard for me. And vise versa. That doesn't mean that either one of our "hills" are steeper than anyone else's. They are just different hills. You yell about being judged, yet here you are judging others for having easier paths in life. You have no idea what other people are dealing with.
I think what's actually going on, or part of what is going on, is that there is an assumption from emmies that some people, don't have struggles or, at the very least, don't share similar struggles. I think it's actually an easy assumption to make, especially when some of us are told, "well suck it up because at least you aren't dealing with xyz stresser" I wouldn't call what emmies is doing judging, but I don't think that it's necessarily helpful either. Either way I do think it's pretty understandable.0 -
If you think exercise is without purpose and you hate it, just think how much you will hate being weaker, slower, and the subsequent diseases that come with the loss of muscle and the increase of fat as you age. You sound quite lethargic now with your stated feelings torward exercise, imagine how you will feel 5, 10, 20 years from now?
Time is ticking.8 -
I hate exercise, always have, always will. But I don't have the excuse of not having time, and now that I have made a lifestyle change, I'm doing it every day. I don't let myself make excuses, because that is one way that I got where I am. Made excuses too long.2
-
Any form of extra movement burns additional calories. Find some forms of movement you enjoy, and do them.
Walking outside is one, for sure. There are hundreds or thousands of other possibilities, from dancing, to learning a martial art, to gardening, to playing a musical instrument, to hiking/birdwatching, to Frisbee, to playing with kids, to carpentry/home improvement, and many beyond. You don't have to do the same things every day, either.
Some activities are hard to calorie-estimate, so you don't necessarily get to eat extra from doing them until you see how it affects your weight loss rate, but they burn calories just the same.
Besides doing new "big"(ish) activities that involve more movement, there are ways to increase movement in your daily life activities (job, daily chores, etc.), too. There's a thread about that here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10610953/neat-improvement-strategies-to-improve-weight-loss
Just try to become a person who sits still a little less, and moves a little more, gradually and increasingly, over time. Eventually you'll be moving lots more, perhaps even including doing things you would once have thought of as (ugh) exercise.
2 -
emmies_123 wrote: »I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.
It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."
I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.
Ok, maybe this is my own sensitivities coming out, but I have a real problem with that. EVERYONE'S path has hills and valleys. Everyone. Period. Some things that are very easy to you are very hard for me. And vise versa. That doesn't mean that either one of our "hills" are steeper than anyone else's. They are just different hills. You yell about being judged, yet here you are judging others for having easier paths in life. You have no idea what other people are dealing with.
I think what's actually going on, or part of what is going on, is that there is an assumption from emmies that some people, don't have struggles or, at the very least, don't share similar struggles. I think it's actually an easy assumption to make, especially when some of us are told, "well suck it up because at least you aren't dealing with xyz stresser" I wouldn't call what emmies is doing judging, but I don't think that it's necessarily helpful either. Either way I do think it's pretty understandable.
wow ok what I was saying got horribly misinterpreted. First off, my first post in this thread was that I did the same workaround as most of you guys, I get up early because I know I won't exercise after a work day. So most of us are on the same page with solution.
My next post was to ask a previous commenter to not judge OP's statement that they have zero time, as he came on a little strong that choosing a sedentary hobby over physical activity is wrong and completely useless. I disagree as most of us need something for our mental well being, and just because we sit to do it does not make it worthless in the big scheme of things. I may have been misinterpreting his words but such is the way of written conversation, when you lose the verbal cues of how it was meant.
Finally, I never "yelled" about judgement, there were no caps in any of my posts. Again, someone may be taking their own personal interpretation of my words, as I did with a previous poster, and thought I was hitting a sore point in their lives. I would like to clarify that I have never stated (or assumed) that some people don't have struggles or that their struggles are lesser than my own. That is almost the exact opposite of my original request, to not judge someone for struggling to find time to exercise in their normal routines.
Not sure where we went so wrong here, hope y'all are having a better night than you were earlier...
7 -
I wish someone told me that having workout friends was so dang helpful a decade ago. Now we can do fun stuff that involves exercise. My advice would be to find something you don’t hate and do that for exercise0
-
Folks here have it covered but I have to add my thoughts. In terms of exercise I always simply try to do something every day that’s food for me. Now - I’m one of those wierd people that actually enjoys running and cycling. That said, sometimes life and work get in the way. On those days I walk, lift kettlebells, swim if it’s an option, whatever. I like the fitness I’ve regained so I choose to do things that maintain that or move it forward.
I’ve been married for 33 years. My wife has maintained a healthy BMI throughout our marriage while I have done the roller coaster. She DOES NOT exercise. She just can’t justify the time for it (in her mind). As she is aging and our children and I are more fit, she is beginning to question that philosophy - but - it’s worked for her for the last 57 years.
Just decide what you want to do. There’s no wrong answer.3 -
emmies_123 wrote: »emmies_123 wrote: »I don't consider exercising itself a "Force of nature," I was referring more to the quote of "who have kids, work a full day, do household chores, etc ". Those are forces of nature as they can get everything done and have a nice happy little household, and judge the rest of us for not being as active/busy/productive as they are.
It took me forever to change my mindset. When I first started exercising I did a stationary bike because I could do my hobby at the same time (watch a show or play a video game), anything else felt like I was robbing myself of something that let my brain relax after work. It wasn't until my brain switched from "I'm trying to lose a little weight" to "I want to get fit" that I could really commit to exercise, and even now I only do 30 mins a day because any more and I would lose out on "fun time."
I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.
Ok, maybe this is my own sensitivities coming out, but I have a real problem with that. EVERYONE'S path has hills and valleys. Everyone. Period. Some things that are very easy to you are very hard for me. And vise versa. That doesn't mean that either one of our "hills" are steeper than anyone else's. They are just different hills. You yell about being judged, yet here you are judging others for having easier paths in life. You have no idea what other people are dealing with.
I think what's actually going on, or part of what is going on, is that there is an assumption from emmies that some people, don't have struggles or, at the very least, don't share similar struggles. I think it's actually an easy assumption to make, especially when some of us are told, "well suck it up because at least you aren't dealing with xyz stresser" I wouldn't call what emmies is doing judging, but I don't think that it's necessarily helpful either. Either way I do think it's pretty understandable.
wow ok what I was saying got horribly misinterpreted. First off, my first post in this thread was that I did the same workaround as most of you guys, I get up early because I know I won't exercise after a work day. So most of us are on the same page with solution.
My next post was to ask a previous commenter to not judge OP's statement that they have zero time, as he came on a little strong that choosing a sedentary hobby over physical activity is wrong and completely useless. I disagree as most of us need something for our mental well being, and just because we sit to do it does not make it worthless in the big scheme of things. I may have been misinterpreting his words but such is the way of written conversation, when you lose the verbal cues of how it was meant.
Finally, I never "yelled" about judgement, there were no caps in any of my posts. Again, someone may be taking their own personal interpretation of my words, as I did with a previous poster, and thought I was hitting a sore point in their lives. I would like to clarify that I have never stated (or assumed) that some people don't have struggles or that their struggles are lesser than my own. That is almost the exact opposite of my original request, to not judge someone for struggling to find time to exercise in their normal routines.
Not sure where we went so wrong here, hope y'all are having a better night than you were earlier...I wish i was blessed with naturally enjoying physical activity. I wish I was blessed with no sweet tooth, or a natural love of fruit/veg. But some of us have a little more of an uphill struggle.
I personally don't find the above quote particularly egregious which is what I was trying to explain in my post. I don't think it's useful to think that way, but I don't consider it a condemnation.
edit: Let's also not pretend that I only think in ways that are useful to my physical and mental well being. No one is perfect and I can't imagine that there is a person who doesn't think in at least some ways that aren't constructive.2 -
gallicinvasion wrote: »Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).
I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?
I do really have a hard time I'm a big workout Google and a strong believer in time management the biggest thing is telling yourself from the 7 days out of the week what are the main days you can take either 30 minutes to an hour out of the day and actually make it an initiative to put a decent workout in with people like us in where time is precious high intensity interval training would be the best bet to go to at least keep some shape to our bodies0 -
I totally get it, we can find time to fit something in if we find it important or enjoyable. If it does not meet those type of requirements to us. Well it most likely will not happen. I like walking outside, but not so much in the summer that really starts mid may and really runs to end of October. 90 and high humidity do not make for great walking to me. So I finally admitted to myself, to drive myself (6 miles) to the nearby mall about the early mall walking. To get the needed walking time in, and distance. I felt it was important. And gave it two weeks to see was it worth it. I have been doing for 40 plus days now, 4 days a week. Have met some interesting people, got some great tips about exercise, diet, walking, shoes, shoe inserts etc... But it would not have happened, it I did not find it important enough to do. And I think that is something only the OP can answer, what is most important to her to get done.2
-
I have 2 young children (4 and 2) and work full time in a hospital. I get up at 5:30am to get a run in (about 45 mins), breakfast, drive to work, get home, spend time with the kids, put them to bed, get 1.5hrs time with hubby then sleep around 9pm. I chose to get a run in at 530am because my evening time with my kids is valuable to me. no one is up before 630 so I get up before them to get my workout in then. I am not a morning person, id rather stay in bed, especially as its the middle of winter here and still dark until 630, but its the only way I can get a run in and not lose time with my kids.
Also I walk at lunch breaks. I spend all day inside so getting out and getting fresh air at lunch is fantastic.
Like others have said, you need to decide what you are willing to give up.3 -
gallicinvasion wrote: »Walking outside is wonderful, but I just can't fathom purposeful exercise. I think my attitude is mostly coming from being exhausted after work, and wanting to save my evenings and weekends for fun activities (alone or with friends).
I guess I should think of ways to work activity into my regular day, but I'm so reluctant to start. Do you guys have success adding in physical activity to your day, besides going to the gym?
It sounds like you don't really have a fitness goal and thus no desire to do particular exercises. Do things you think are fun or useful activities. Just walk if you like walking. You don't have to ever go to a gym if you don't want to.
Most of my activity is walking but I do 10-30 minute workout videos from you tube also. There is a huge variety of shorter workouts.3
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.9K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 259.8K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 399 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 979 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions