how to not hate exercise?

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Replies

  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    I really don't think anyone here can help you...your attitude towards everything is just negative.

    ETA: I'm very well aware that everyone is not me or like me...but there are literally thousands upon thousands of ways to be active. Not everyone is going to do the same things or enjoy doing the same things. My wife is a runner...I'll be damned if I run and if I'm running, everyone else better run too because something bad is about to happen. It is impossible to me that there isn't one single active activity that you don't enjoy.

    I already said there are activities that I enjoy. I enjoy hiking but it isn't practical in my current life circumstances to do that multiple times a week. I also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rock climbing, but I don't live near venues where those can happen regularly. Swimming is also ok but it was too impractical to do multiple times a week due to my circumstances and I didn't really know how to do it anyway (plus it didn't really seem to be having much of an effect on my strength or stamina or anything). I also feel like I might enjoy martial arts but the martial arts schools in my area are ridiculously expensive (like $60/week). I enjoy walking (not as much as I used to though, because the current place where I live is much less pedestrian friendly than where I grew up) and walk regularly but that doesn't give me any muscle tone or anything like that.
    MikePTY wrote: »
    There's been a lot of good advice so far on this thread, and I hope you try some of it. I guess I am just having a little trouble figuring out your "why" for all of this? If you really truly hate exercise (and it seems like your definition of exercise is strenuous exercise), and everything you are trying to do doesn't work and it just makes you miserable, quite honestly I'm not sure why you need to do it.

    You've mentioned that you are not overweight, so you don't need it for weight loss.

    You say that you want to do it for overall cardiovascular health, but you also say that you are pretty active in your regular life, walking places and carry laundry up three flights of stairs. It seems like you are doing enough to get most of the health benefits of exercise. The NIH recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Walking and the other things you do are considered moderate exercise. Doing hours of strenuous exercise a week isn't going to make that much of a difference.

    You mentioned it would make your husband happy and that he won't call you lazy anymore. That sounds like its a bigger problem to be addressed between the two of you that needs to be worked out that can't just be solved by you making yourself miserable just to please him. I train in Martial Arts 5-6 hours a week. My wife doesn't really do any strenuous exercise. A 30 minute walk once a week would be a good week. I would never think of bringing her down and degrading her because of it.

    I think maybe the answer to this is rather than learning how to not hate exercise, you should focus on ways to love and accept yourself where you are, and that who you are and what you are doing is good enough.

    A few reasons. Exercise is supposed to help with mental health issues. I'm a hypochondriac and it's supposed to lower the risk of chronic diseases. Diabetes runs in my family. I have problems with my energy in general and it's supposed to increase energy (although it has never done that for me). I also still hold out hope that it might fix my chronic insomnia.

    Unfortunately my husband is another of those people who thinks that just because he can do something, everyone else on the planet should be able to do it too. He literally thinks that all my problems, flaws, health conditions, and personal failings would magically be solved if I could just run for an hour a day like him.
    JBanx256 wrote: »
    Actually, EVERYONE here understands that just fine.

    I am also 100% positive that NOBODY here is saying that you have to be like anyone else, or that everyone else can do a certain thing. But out of EVERYTHING that is available to you, you can do SOMETHING. Unless you are literally bedridden, you can do SOMETHING. I hate running. I don't do it except for when I have to. But some people love it. If that's what someone else likes to do, that's awesome - I have friends who do ultras and triathlons and all kinds of crazy stuff that I'm just like...ummmm nooooooope, not my thing. My kid hates most sports, but she loves karate, so guess what she does 2x per week? We had to experiment to find a physical activity she enjoyed (we tried soccer, basketball, softball, ballet, rock climbing...you name it. She likes swimming too, but that's something we mostly do outdoors during the summer months since not a big fan of our indoor pool). There were all these things she didn't like, but then she found something she DID, and heck yes if she likes karate and wants to thump on that one obnoxious red-headed boy in her class when she spars, ATTA GIRL!!!! But she gets EXCITED about karate class. She just had to try it first.

    Up above you mentioned maybe doing like powerwalking or something. That is something! Absolutely that is something! you like hiking but don't live close enough to a good place to do it regularly so powerwalking - who cares how fast you do or don't go, especially at first - may be perfect FOR YOU. you don't have to crossfit or do a particular thing.

    And don't assume what other people do/don't know or understand about mental illnesses. MANY people on these forums, myself included, have dealt with a variety of mental health struggles. I take meds 2x per day to help handle depression/anxiety/OCD. I have bad days. Fewer now than I used to, and generally not as bad as they used to be.

    Attitude is huge though. If you decide you're gonna be miserable doing something...then...yeah.

    I agree that I can probably find something to do for exercise. That's why I asked, to try to find out either how to stop hating exercise, or how to find something I like that is feasible for me to do multiple times a week and provides a decent workout.
  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    Also - low Vit.D and insomnia can definitely affect your energy levels. Without adequate sleep, your body cannot function properly. Maybe work with a sleep Dr. to help correct the insomnia and get a days of the week pill dispenser to help you remember to take your vitamins.

    I've been to two sleep doctors. One told me to track my sleep on a chart and to force myself to get up even if I didn't get any sleep the night before and then my sleep cycle would naturally equalize. That didn't happen, especially because I turn off alarms in my sleep even if they're across the room and the only way to get me up is for someone else to literally drag me out of bed. And then I will just be a zombie for the rest of the day and hardly get anything done so it will be the same amount of lost productivity anyway. I've also tried melatonin, Benadryl, blue light filters, and all kinds of other things...they work sometimes, but there will always be that one night when it doesn't work which throws off any chance of having a routine.

    The other sleep doctor was a complete *kitten* (couldn't go back to the first one because he didn't take my new insurance). He wanted to put me on antidepressants within 30 seconds of the appointment beginning before I even said anything to him besides "I have insomnia." When I raised concerns about the side effects he denied that some of them were even side effects when they are clearly listed, and he also literally said "yeah you're probably going to gain 20 or 30 pounds, who cares?" (Um...I care? Diabetes runs in my family and I don't want to be overweight, and being overweight is linked to more sleep problems?) After I continued to say that I didn't want to go on them, he then said "I'm not going to prescribe them to you anyway because you're probably bipolar." Note that he had no psychiatric credentials, had done no evaluation of that kind on me and had only seen me for less than five minutes, and no doctor has ever suspected I was bipolar. He literally accused me of being bipolar as an insult (which also indicates prejudice on his part against people with bipolar) just because I was questioning him. Finally after my husband and I were about to walk out in disgust, then he decided to give us "other recommendations" which just amounted to the exact same recommendations doctor #1 had given.

    I didn't really want to try to find another sleep doctor after that happened. I was hoping I could be put in a sleep study or something to find out what the problem is but I think they only do that for RLS and sleep apnea.

    From what I've read on forums for insomnia, a lot of people have similar experiences with doctors not being able to help. A lot of them have worse insomnia than I do though so it could be worse.

  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    edited February 2019
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    Do you enjoy gaining new skills? Do you like challenges? Are you willing to work at something over and over and over until you can do it? You might like calisthenics and it can be done in your home, doesn't usually work up a sweat and builds incredible strength. I still think yoga is good fit for you. Not sure why you don't consider it exercise. It takes incredible strength and mobility for advanced positions.

    Maybe I just haven't gotten into yoga enough to get to the parts where it builds a lot of strength. I will definitely look more into it as a result of this thread.
    JBanx256 wrote: »
    OP - question for you. Do you have any friends who may be willing to try something with you? Whether it be going to a class (TRX, pilates, body pump, spin?) or bicycling, or if they have a car, could drive you to a park once/week to get out on some trails or something? Or maybe check out MeetUp and find a local group that does a variety of things (bowling this weekend? rock climbing next? kayaking the next?) on a regular basis? Sometimes having a buddy with you totally changes the outlook because it's a social thing in addition to exercise. The conversation and everything (with someone not as critical of you as your husband, who will be supportive and encouraging) may also help with some of the mental aspects of what you've got going on right now too?

    I don't think so. All my friends live at least 20 minutes away and many of them don't have cars (they live in a city, I live in the suburbs) and many of them also don't work out. I go hiking with my friends sometimes but not as a regular thing and not in the winter. Meetup might be an idea although I would have to get over the social anxiety part. I work out with my husband sometimes and he is supportive when I actually do work out, but he has his own really intense regimen so he isn't able to talk or anything.
  • cowleyl
    cowleyl Posts: 169 Member
    If I don't exercise, I lose less than 500 gms a week. If I do exercise, weight loss goes up about to about 650 gms a week. You will still lose weight if you only diet, but you'll get a little more weight loss if you exercise as well. My words to myself are that I can eat a little more if I exercise. I get not wanting to go to the gym. I walk with music approximately 3 days a week and I have a recumbent bike that I try to do 15 minutes on most days. My aim is to increase that. It's parked in front of the TV. It was a good investment (the bike, not the TV :smiley:
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    Also - low Vit.D and insomnia can definitely affect your energy levels. Without adequate sleep, your body cannot function properly. Maybe work with a sleep Dr. to help correct the insomnia and get a days of the week pill dispenser to help you remember to take your vitamins.

    I've been to two sleep doctors. One told me to track my sleep on a chart and to force myself to get up even if I didn't get any sleep the night before and then my sleep cycle would naturally equalize. That didn't happen, especially because I turn off alarms in my sleep even if they're across the room and the only way to get me up is for someone else to literally drag me out of bed. And then I will just be a zombie for the rest of the day and hardly get anything done so it will be the same amount of lost productivity anyway. I've also tried melatonin, Benadryl, blue light filters, and all kinds of other things...they work sometimes, but there will always be that one night when it doesn't work which throws off any chance of having a routine.

    The other sleep doctor was a complete *kitten* (couldn't go back to the first one because he didn't take my new insurance). He wanted to put me on antidepressants within 30 seconds of the appointment beginning before I even said anything to him besides "I have insomnia." When I raised concerns about the side effects he denied that some of them were even side effects when they are clearly listed, and he also literally said "yeah you're probably going to gain 20 or 30 pounds, who cares?" (Um...I care? Diabetes runs in my family and I don't want to be overweight, and being overweight is linked to more sleep problems?) After I continued to say that I didn't want to go on them, he then said "I'm not going to prescribe them to you anyway because you're probably bipolar." Note that he had no psychiatric credentials, had done no evaluation of that kind on me and had only seen me for less than five minutes, and no doctor has ever suspected I was bipolar. He literally accused me of being bipolar as an insult (which also indicates prejudice on his part against people with bipolar) just because I was questioning him. Finally after my husband and I were about to walk out in disgust, then he decided to give us "other recommendations" which just amounted to the exact same recommendations doctor #1 had given.

    I didn't really want to try to find another sleep doctor after that happened. I was hoping I could be put in a sleep study or something to find out what the problem is but I think they only do that for RLS and sleep apnea.

    From what I've read on forums for insomnia, a lot of people have similar experiences with doctors not being able to help. A lot of them have worse insomnia than I do though so it could be worse.

    I would highly recommend you try to find somewhere you can get a sleep study. It sounds like finances are tight, but it might even be worth travelling for. My son has narcolepsy and we are fortunate to live in a city with one of the few sleep dr's that specialize in narcolepsy. People fly in from all over the country to see him. BTW - his sleep disorder was initially picked up on a QEEG to determine what meds would best treat his depression. It took 10 years to get to the root of his issues. Find a specialist in insomnia.
  • JessAndreia
    JessAndreia Posts: 540 Member
    Haven't read every single post so I don't know if anyone said this, but can you get some dummbells to exercise at home and do some sort of dumbbell circuit training?
    That way you'd get your heart rate up and do weight-lifting at the same time. If you feel like you're going out of breath, take a small break before contuining.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    MonkeyMel21 wrote: »
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    MonkeyMel21 wrote: »
    What about yoga or pilates, have you ever tried those?

    I haven't tried pilates (don't really know what it is), have taken yoga classes in school and don't consider it to be a workout.

    Yoga can be very beneficial. It's not cardio, no, but it improves strength and flexibility and can decrease stress and anxiety. You said you don't like sweating and feeling out of breath, yoga would be good for avoiding those.

    This^

    Jumping on a mini-trampoline, pole-dancing, roller blading, etc. These activities might not be what most people commonly think of as workouts either. But they can improve the fitness level for many of us.

    Yoga can be challenging. Are ALL types of yoga challenging for ALL people? Nope. You might need to find a more advanced class (hint.... it's not hatha). Pilates is similar in that it is what you make of it.

    For me to be consistent, I have to take away my lame excuses. I exercise at home......no driving, no bad weather, who cares if my workout clothes are ugly. It saves time.

    YouTube has thousands of workouts. Try a bunch of short workouts. Find an instructor you like. Find an activity you don't loathe. Just keep trying until something clicks.

    Instead of "I won't do it" "you can't make me" or "no it's not".......try new things, lots of different things. When you get bored with something try something else. But in the end, no one can force you don't want to it or don't think it's important.

  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    edited February 2019
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    I would highly recommend you try to find somewhere you can get a sleep study. It sounds like finances are tight, but it might even be worth travelling for. My son has narcolepsy and we are fortunate to live in a city with one of the few sleep dr's that specialize in narcolepsy. People fly in from all over the country to see him. BTW - his sleep disorder was initially picked up on a QEEG to determine what meds would best treat his depression. It took 10 years to get to the root of his issues. Find a specialist in insomnia.

    Our finances are actually really good (thanks to my husband's job and inheritance from my grandma), but it's more that I feel guilty spending a lot of money on myself since I'm only working part-time. I live in the NYC area so I feel like probably if there were better sleep doctors, they would be here already? Another problem is that for some reason insurance doesn't cover many sleep doctors (this has been the case across multiple insurance plans we have had). Not sure why. And most of the ones I can find are more for sleep apnea. I already know I have delayed sleep phase disorder (haven't been diagnosed but judging by my natural sleep cycle, it's pretty obvious I have it) but the insomnia is a separate thing and has only been a problem for the past few years. It was a bit of a weird thing in that I know what triggered it (hypochondria) but even after the initial trigger went away, my body never went back to how it was before.
    TeaBea wrote: »
    This^

    Jumping on a mini-trampoline, pole-dancing, roller blading, etc. These activities might not be what most people commonly think of as workouts either. But they can improve the fitness level for many of us.

    Yoga can be challenging. Are ALL types of yoga challenging for ALL people? Nope. You might need to find a more advanced class (hint.... it's not hatha). Pilates is similar in that it is what you make of it.

    For me to be consistent, I have to take away my lame excuses. I exercise at home......no driving, no bad weather, who cares if my workout clothes are ugly. It saves time.

    YouTube has thousands of workouts. Try a bunch of short workouts. Find an instructor you like. Find an activity you don't loathe. Just keep trying until something clicks.

    Instead of "I won't do it" "you can't make me" or "no it's not".......try new things, lots of different things. When you get bored with something try something else. But in the end, no one can force you don't want to it or don't think it's important.

    I have considered getting a mini trampoline because it looks more fun than a bike or treadmill...just concerned about annoying my neighbors (I live in an apartment with wood floors). I also would do roller blading because it looks like fun, if it weren't for the bad drivers in my area (same with riding a bike).

  • Myki3012
    Myki3012 Posts: 152 Member
    You have to want it. If you don't want it then there's no point even having a discussion. It's about setting yourself a goal/challenge and trying to take it.

    It's 90% your diet and 10% exercise, but if you aren't willing to embrace the 10% then will you really dedicate yourself to the big picture?
  • AutumLeaf
    AutumLeaf Posts: 126 Member
    I relate to this so much! I've not been overweight either but I don't want to be this unfit forever plus it's just gonna get harder as I get older. The exercise I can tolerate the most is Pilates. I'm trying to get some muscle which I'm finding extremely difficult cos a) I can't stand exercise & b) I struggle with the food bit too. I'm so physically weak it's actually pathetic.

    I've been going to an exercise class 3 weeks in a row now & hope I at least continue with it. I found one that I can go to in the middle of the day so there's not many people there.

    I really want to enjoy exercise but exercise hates me lol.

    Doesn't help that I have a condition which affects my coordination so even Pilates can be a bit difficult cos my body shoots off wrong signals.
  • JBanx256
    JBanx256 Posts: 1,479 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »

    I don't think so. All my friends live at least 20 minutes away and many of them don't have cars (they live in a city, I live in the suburbs) and many of them also don't work out. I go hiking with my friends sometimes but not as a regular thing and not in the winter. Meetup might be an idea although I would have to get over the social anxiety part. I work out with my husband sometimes and he is supportive when I actually do work out, but he has his own really intense regimen so he isn't able to talk or anything.

    The gym where y'all go - do they offer group classes? I realize with some social anxiety it may be a lot to try to overcome, but would you be willing to try a group class (TRX, spin, pilates, etc) while the husband is doing his own thing? May be a good way to meet some new people (and I know some places have introductory/beginner classes so even if you don't know the moves/terminology of the class, you'll have other newbies in there with you so you don't feel so out-of-place and can meet people specific to your skill level/advancement)?

    Or if they offer small group training - is there a sign-up board where people post looking for partners? "Hey, I'm _____ and looking to find a beginner workout partner or small group" you guys could all split the cost of training, it would be maybe 1-3 other people so not quite as much to get bombarded with socially? Then together you could maybe establish a routine? The board at the gym may be another good place to look for potential activities/groups to do stuff with in an outdoor setting. I know I used to hike with a group and we would just carpool to wherever we were going.

    What are your thoughts on cycling? A lot of bike shops host multiple rides each week, different distances/speeds etc too?



  • Morswood
    Morswood Posts: 2 Member
    I have to agree you and with the general sentiment of the replies here: you have to like something about exercise to stick with it, whether it's the act or the results. A lot of people stop because they don't like it and get no visible results.

    It sucks when that happens, but it's a fact of being human and sometimes there is no answer to it.

    With that said: there are far too few comments getting really creative. If you have adjustable weights and a cardio machine, then you already have all of the tools that you need with a little ingenuity.
    • Make a one-hour time frame every other day for working out. No excuses! Not until you train yourself to miss doing it!
    • Move your cardio machine in front of the TV with a subscription (free or paid) to a Nature documentary series or there should be videos of first-person hiking, biking, or driving through woods somewhere on YouTube. Set up a fan in front of you (below the TV) with a forest air freshener / candle behind it. Then, fake it 'til you make it.
    • It's best to start off with cardio to get your body (especially your heart) used to the stress. Not that it's necessarily dangerous otherwise, but your heart uses muscles, too. Muscles like to use the least amount of energy they can get away with. You need to train those first. Legs are also in every sense of the word your foundation. Most cardio involves the legs and they're your most important extremities in exercise. I prefer treadmills, but look up some healthy travel speeds for your machine. I know that for walking, 3 MPH is what most health professionals recommend. Set that goal for yourself and get to it.
    • If that goal is too hard right off the bat, then back off until you find a speed that you can maintain for 30 min. minimum that makes you sweat. If you're not sweating, then you aren't trying hard enough.
    • You may not reach this goal in a week, or a month, or maybe two months. With dedication and hard work (just like anything in Life that's worth a damn), you'll make it to a point where you can just walk forever and your soles will get sore way before you get tired. Get some better shoes and up that speed!
    • Once you hit that goal, treat yourself to your favorite junk food (choose wisely). One time. You've earned it. No excuses of, "It wasn't served right." If you want more, then you'll have to meet more goals (that you'll have to set yourself).
    • Now, most every weight machine you see in the gym can be replicated with free weights, which are better for you anyway because they improve secondary muscle groups to maintain against gravity rather than relying on the machine. They can also be taken off the weights and used in inventive ways: during your chores, take some of them and strap 'em to your tools or your limb(s). I typically train with weights about 30 min., then 30 min. on cardio because cardio always wipes me out, but I know a few who prefer it backwards.
    • Don't forget that there are weighted clothing items that you can wear anywhere, everywhere, and at all times.
    • Make your chores harder than they need to be. Sure, you could use the mower to mulch those leaves, but a rake is a full-body workout.

    While those are some creative ways to get around your runner's block, there are also some self-motivation skills I've learned:
    • Don't stop. Even if you can't seem to muster up the drive. When these days hit, I always tell myself I'll just do 15 min. on the treadmill at 3 MPH (see above). It typically goes over 15 min. If it doesn't, then you met your compromise for a stressful day. Pat yourself on the back for staying true to your commitment (no cookie for you, though).
    • Always remember that everyone else is having their own troubles in their workouts, too; you're not alone. If they say they aren't, then they either don't know what they're doing or they're just coasting along and not really trying to make any gains. Exercise isn't about just working out; it's about making it over that next hill just because you can. I can sometimes run a 10 min. mile. I'm trying to make that a regular occurrence. After that? I'm going to make it a 9 min. mile. Then, I'll make another goal.
    • Once you achieve your goals, that doesn't mean you get to rest on your laurels. You need to keep meeting or exceeding those goals or you'll once more fall by the wayside, just like your job or even your relationships; you have to keep working at it.
    • While you have to keep working at your goals, don't stress yourself out trying to juggle meeting them all every single day. Those muscles have a shelf life, trust me. Just because you didn't run that 10 min. mile at all last week doesn't mean you don't still have it in you. Sacrifices must be made in every aspect and sub-aspect of Life. Sure, you didn't run that mile, but you made WAY more progress towards a different goal than you lost by skipping a week of running.
    • Don't get cocky with that shelf life.
  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    edited February 2019
    Myki3012 wrote: »
    You have to want it. If you don't want it then there's no point even having a discussion. It's about setting yourself a goal/challenge and trying to take it.

    It's 90% your diet and 10% exercise, but if you aren't willing to embrace the 10% then will you really dedicate yourself to the big picture?

    I actually enjoy healthy foods and don't find it that hard to eat at a calorie deficit if I ever do have to lose weight, so the diet part is not a problem at all. I have even been working on cutting back white flour and refined sugar with some success. I also don't drink/smoke/do drugs/gamble/play video games/etc. (my only vice is internet addiction really). So it's not a lack of general healthy habits that is the problem. It's strenuous exercise specifically that my body cannot get used to for some reason. And also problems with setting routines, a lot of which is caused by my insomnia. Honestly I think if I could have a normal daily routine a lot of this stuff would be way easier but it seems so impossible for me to do it because even if I have it for 2 or 3 days, then I'll have a night where I can't sleep until 8 AM even with melatonin and that throws it all off again.
    JBanx256 wrote: »
    The gym where y'all go - do they offer group classes? I realize with some social anxiety it may be a lot to try to overcome, but would you be willing to try a group class (TRX, spin, pilates, etc) while the husband is doing his own thing? May be a good way to meet some new people (and I know some places have introductory/beginner classes so even if you don't know the moves/terminology of the class, you'll have other newbies in there with you so you don't feel so out-of-place and can meet people specific to your skill level/advancement)?

    Or if they offer small group training - is there a sign-up board where people post looking for partners? "Hey, I'm _____ and looking to find a beginner workout partner or small group" you guys could all split the cost of training, it would be maybe 1-3 other people so not quite as much to get bombarded with socially? Then together you could maybe establish a routine? The board at the gym may be another good place to look for potential activities/groups to do stuff with in an outdoor setting. I know I used to hike with a group and we would just carpool to wherever we were going.

    What are your thoughts on cycling? A lot of bike shops host multiple rides each week, different distances/speeds etc too?

    They do have group classes and I've considered going but haven't done it yet. Not sure why, part of it is because I just keep forgetting to sign up and also just being too stressed out to get the energy for it. They don't have that many classes. Like they only have one class on each weekend morning and it's unlikely I would get up and out of the house in time for it due to my sleep problems (the only time it would happen is if I was still up from the night before!) I do want to go at some point. I want to try Zumba specifically because that kind of music is uplifting so I think I would like it.

    I actually have a bike and regret purchasing it because I bought it before I realized just how terrible the drivers are here. I get almost run over nearly every time I go outside. Basically the issue is that a) I live in an area famous for aggressive and bad drivers, and b) my town was founded in the 1800s and has the exact same road system that it had back then (I know this because I've seen old maps of my town) so the main roads were not designed for cars and are not wide enough for the amount of traffic they get. Another problem is that I actually forgot how to ride a bike...I thought people never forgot but apparently, they do.
    JBanx256 wrote: »
    do you like animals? if there is a nearby shelter, usually they will all but BEG friendly folks to come walk the dogs to give them exercise, socialization skills with humans, etc... I realize that's just walking but YOU GET TO PET DOGS TOO!!!!

    I'm scared of any dog I don't know that's big enough to kill me. If it was only tiny dogs I could do it though.

  • vanityy99
    vanityy99 Posts: 2,583 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    I've tried so many times to get into an exercise routine but I can't make it happen because I hate exercise. I've never been overweight but also haven't been in shape for most of my life.
    *I hate the feeling of getting sweaty and itchy.
    *I hate getting out of breath and feeling like I'm about to die. In middle school we measured VO2Max and I had the second lowest in the class -- the lowest was someone whose parents were chain smokers.
    *I hate going to the gym. I don't drive so it's very annoying to get there, they play annoying music so loudly that even if you have something else in your headphones you can hear their music over it, and I hate working out in public.
    *I also hate exercising outside. Even walking is not as enjoyable as it once was between the bad drivers and poorly trained dogs, and with those two things and the broken sidewalks in my town, running or biking are out of the question.
    *I hate that it takes out half my day between getting ready, doing exercise, showering, and the exhaustion afterwards. After exercising I feel so exhausted that I can hardly do anything for the rest of the day and hardly even get up.
    *I also have bad associations with exercise because one of the worst times of my life was when I was on the track team in high school, and my physical health was terrible during that time (I was constantly exhausted and lost my period for six months) because the workouts were so draining.
    *I don't get any kind of "runner's high."
    *It's possible I might have mild exercise intolerance.

    How can I make exercise not suck? I know I'm never going to do it unless I can find some way to enjoy it. I don't get how other people can be excited to work out. My husband gets pissed off if he can't run for an hour every day and he's constantly judging me for being "too lazy" to work out.

    If it’s something you don’t enjoy and just can’t get into, if it’s more of a hassle what’s the point of the headache? I feel the same way about weight training, what’s the point of it unless you’re an athlete or your job requires you to be strong, unless it’s simply something you enjoy doing.

    It important to keep your body moving for health reasons so at least try to get some cardio in, walk go to the mall. 30mins on the elliptical, get a stantionary bike put it in front of the t.v whatever. Anything besides a couch potato.
  • JessAndreia
    JessAndreia Posts: 540 Member
    "It's strenuous exercise specifically that my body cannot get used to for some reason"

    You don't have to do strenuous exercise.
    I like weight-lifting, but I don't go in to my workouts with the idea that I have to lift so much and so heavy that I should be drenched in sweat at the end. I lift just heavy enough (what is considered heavy for me) to tire my muscles and feel them working.
  • DiscusTank5
    DiscusTank5 Posts: 499 Member
    Reward yourself when you go to the gym. Five trips = a manicure, or whatever your thing is. Can you move a large fan in front of your elliptical trainer or bicycle so you don't experience the "sweaty" feeling as strongly? My gym's equipment has screens on nearly every treadmilll, etc, so that's where I watch Netflix shows--and only there.
  • vanityy99
    vanityy99 Posts: 2,583 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    I hate to be like this but I really get the feeling that if you went into the mfp exercise database and started with the A’s and worked your way to the Z’s every single exercise listed would be something that wouldn’t work because it’s not hard enough, or it’s too hard, too expensive, not convenient (time or location ), too many people, not enough people, the walls are the wrong color, smells funny, you don’t like it, or any other possible reason you haven’t mentioned yet.

    I have a feeling a hiking trail could be at your back door but you could those because _____ (fill in all that apply from above).

    That doesn’t mean those reasons aren’t possible barriers for certain activities.

    What it means is that nothing is perfect. If you want to be healthy/fit/strong then you have to pick the least imperfect activity and just do it.

    Pick SOMETHING-anything. Do it at a level that is appropriate for your current fitness level (believe me-you can run a whole lot slower than 11-12 minute miles).

    But you have to either do something or accept that you’re doing nothing by choice. And doing nothing is perfectly ok. But understand it is your choice to be doing so.

    I really hate to be like that but we’re on page 4 and I’ve yet to see a single “I guess I could actually try that and see how it goes” as a response to a multitude of possible options. Just an ever growing list of reasons why it won’t work (which it very true if you are committed to all those reasons).

    Then obviously you didn't read in enough detail since I said that I would try yoga and that I have been meaning to try an exercise class. "Just do it" is a meaningless platitude and if it was that simple, obviously I would be doing it already.

    Anyway just finished the bike, weights, lunges, and pushups (can't really do pushups properly but I tried). Will report back on my exhaustion level later.

    Go girl😊
  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    edited February 2019
    One more thought -- perhaps the key would be to rotate between different exercises. I could do exercise bike, yoga, trampoline, two different exercise classes, and running or speedwalking on the track in my town (I don't mind running in small doses as long as it's not on the treadmill or an unsafe area) plus weights and conditioning. I think that is enough exercises to prevent boredom. I could even add more. Then I could just walk two miles on the off days (I have been walking on most days but not always two miles because of the weather).
    pinuplove wrote: »
    I'm not crazy about flossing my teeth or doing laundry or bathing the dog. They're just things I do because they need to be done.

    Didn't see this comment before but there is a difference. Flossing is not actively unpleasant (well maybe for some people, but it is a neutral activity for me) and takes much less time and energy than exercise. I actually enjoy doing the laundry but even on the days I don't feel like doing it, obviously there will be consequences of not having clean clothes. I've never bathed a dog but I'm pet-free and childfree by choice because I don't feel like dealing with all that. However I do also enjoy cleaning my apartment and that also has obvious results. But exercise is actively unpleasant and there are no immediately obvious consequences of not doing it or immediately obvious benefits to doing it.
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    One more thought -- perhaps the key would be to rotate between different exercises. I could do exercise bike, yoga, trampoline, two different exercise classes, and running or speedwalking on the track in my town (I don't mind running in small doses as long as it's not on the treadmill or an unsafe area) plus weights and conditioning. I think that is enough exercises to prevent boredom. I could even add more.

    Honestly I think you need to find a way to keep yourself engaged. That might mean rotating between different things. It could mean eventually finding a few things you really like (despite hating them at first), it might mean trying more things than you have listed. You said that you lived in New York City right? There are a ton of resources out there with regards to different types of activities. Sure it'll require taking the train (subway), but that shouldn't be a deterrent. I also think you should try to tune out your husband when he is being less than supportive and understanding.

    Lastly, do try pilates classes. I personally really don't enjoy yoga (I like the idea...but in practice I don't enjoy it) but love pilates. I know a lot of people who have had similar experiences.
  • laurenq1991
    laurenq1991 Posts: 384 Member
    aokoye wrote: »
    Honestly I think you need to find a way to keep yourself engaged. That might mean rotating between different things. It could mean eventually finding a few things you really like (despite hating them at first), it might mean trying more things than you have listed. You said that you lived in New York City right? There are a ton of resources out there with regards to different types of activities. Sure it'll require taking the train (subway), but that shouldn't be a deterrent. I also think you should try to tune out your husband when he is being less than supportive and understanding.

    Lastly, do try pilates classes. I personally really don't enjoy yoga (I like the idea...but in practice I don't enjoy it) but love pilates. I know a lot of people who have had similar experiences.

    I live in the NYC area but not in NYC itself. If I did live in NYC there would be more options. Well maybe not as a gym membership is $90 a month there. I will see if my gym has pilates.

  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I never liked exercise either, but once I started I LOVED feeling stronger , proving the doctors wrong, and being able to do things I never could before. That’s what keeps me going.
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    laurenq1991 wrote: »
    aokoye wrote: »
    Honestly I think you need to find a way to keep yourself engaged. That might mean rotating between different things. It could mean eventually finding a few things you really like (despite hating them at first), it might mean trying more things than you have listed. You said that you lived in New York City right? There are a ton of resources out there with regards to different types of activities. Sure it'll require taking the train (subway), but that shouldn't be a deterrent. I also think you should try to tune out your husband when he is being less than supportive and understanding.

    Lastly, do try pilates classes. I personally really don't enjoy yoga (I like the idea...but in practice I don't enjoy it) but love pilates. I know a lot of people who have had similar experiences.

    I live in the NYC area but not in NYC itself. If I did live in NYC there would be more options. Well maybe not as a gym membership is $90 a month there. I will see if my gym has pilates.

    Ah ok, that makes things a bit different as I'm assuming you'd have to take something like Metro North or the LIRR to get to the city. And yeah, I wasn't thinking more options in terms of gyms, rather in terms of individual activities.
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