I Hate Exercise

[House Cat]

I really need to get some physical exercise. I have a little bit of weight to lose and I just can't seem to get it off with diet! But how do you motivate to exercise when you absolutely hate it? Do you have any advice or tricks?

 

[missy]

Hi Housecat, I think most of us sort of have a love hate relationship with exercise. I always feel better for having done it but sometimes I just don't feel like it. I play a little game with myself during those times. I say ok just 10 minutes and then I think ok another 10 minutes and well before I know it I've done my whole workout routine.
As you continue the workout the endorphins help boost your energy and mood and you just want to keep going.

As for what I like to do my favorite indoor exercise regime is using my Cybex Arc Trainer. It's easy on the knees and it's a whole body workout. I highly recommend you trying it. Most gyms have it I think. I also love my Pilates Reformer. My best advice is just do it, start slow and as you continue it will get easier and easier. Getting started is the hardest part IMO.

My favorite outdoor exercise is bicycling but I don't get going again on that till the nicer weather is here. I always prefer outdoors to indoors but do the best I can with what I've got. And I try walking everywhere if I possibly can vs driving. Love walking.

Good luck!

 

[Tanzigrrl]

I find that I need the added boost of accountability.

My trainer comes to my house 2x per week, making it very hard for me to back out of it, and on Saturdays I run with a group of about 4 other women. If other people are involved, it's much harder for me to make the excuses I would make if it were just me.

 

[violet3]

Me too, me too!

This is how I feel: when I haven't exercised and I'm out of shape, I HATE exercising. When I'm in shape, and exercising regularly, I LOVE exercising. Right now, I'm in a state of the former so I feel you.

When I start getting back into exercising, I start out slowly and try to be kind to myself. I'll take my dog for a long walk and listen to a podcast or a book on tape. It helps me keep going when I feel unmotivated. I know most people prefer music, but something compelling to listen to can often keep me moving when I'd otherwise cut it short and come back home and curl up with a book on my couch.

Also, I usually incorporate Yoga into my new routines (the gentle kind), because I feel the movement is good for my body, and at least I'm doing SOMETHING. Once I've gotten back into shape, I start doing more power yoga for strength and muscle definition.

The best thing I can say, is that I start out slowly and reward myself for ANY kind of exercise - even if I only walk for 30 minutes, heck, that's better than nothing! And I'm more likely to do it the next day if I did it the day before.

Also, from everything I've read, weight control is about 80% diet, and 20% exercise. A strict diet is hard and annoying to me, but it can really take the lbs off quickly! Exercise for me is far more about mental health and anxiety control.

 

[violet3]

I find that I need the added boost of accountability.

My trainer comes to my house 2x per week, making it very hard for me to back out of it, and on Saturdays I run with a group of about 4 other women. If other people are involved, it's much harder for me to make the excuses I would make if it were just me.

Yes! I agree with Tanz - I often make plans with a friend to go for a walk so I'll actually do it, or I attend group fitness classes (Yoga usually). Being in front of/with others pushes me to want to continue. I often see the same people week after week, and I like practicing with them, almost like we are friends. Again, I'll reiterate that I am in a state of rest and trying to get back into it myself - it's SO not easy.

Also, I think you need to know your strengths and weaknesses - Missy exercises in her home, but I will NEVER be an at home exerciser. I just CAN'T do it when my couch and hot tea are right next to me. I have to get dressed, and physically leave the house to accomplish my exercising goals, and I know that about myself. Sometimes, just getting dressed and out the door is half the battle!

 

[momhappy]

I have incorporated exercise into my life since I was a child. My mom was a runner, so I began running with her when I was pretty young.

I think the biggest hurdle is getting started. Create a routine or begin a schedule (maybe Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed/Fri for example). Be consistent. Once it becomes part of your schedule, it becomes part of your life and isn't so difficult to do any more. I work out pretty every day and while I might not always enjoy it, I just know that it's part of my daily schedule.

 

[pearaffair]

I hate exercise too! My trick is that I don't "exercise" I instead trick myself into moving!

I walk at the mall, I go bowling, I go swimming (for fun), I go to yoga (for mindfulness not exercise), I walk to get my groceries, I have gone axe throwing...

You get the idea. Trick yourself into exercise by making physical activity part of your life

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I hate exercising too, so I feel your pain. What I find helps is incorporating something I enjoy (apart from eating) with the exercise, so if I'm doing weights I will find a good documentary or show to keep me entertained. I can't read and do cardio although I know a lot of people will read on the elliptical so I will just listen to my favorite music. Also rewards help, I'll make a deal that if I do my full workout I can have a little nap or maybe I'll go out after dinner for some window shopping. Like a lot of other people said, some of it is a state of mind so if you can just get started you've already won half the battle

 

[december-fire]

If you hate 'exercising', then don't do it.

What do you enjoy? What are your interests? Is there something you'd like to try?

I love photography, wildlife and being outdoors. Not things that are typically considered 'exercise'. However, getting out to shoot wildlife has me outside, walking/hiking/climbing various terrains. My focus is on my surroundings; not food, crashing on the couch, stressing over stuff in life (stress can result in added weight). I'm doing what I enjoy and feeling more relaxed.

Photography probably doesn't appear on any list of 'exercise', and its just one example. Try to make time to do what you enjoy, and you may find your activity level increases and your stress level decreases.

Whatever you do, have fun!

 

[partgypsy]

I'm someone who was a bookworm most her life and overall pretty sedentary. But I've always enjoyed walking and being in nature. As I've gotten older, I realize I actually like being more physically active. The two things I do:

Work it into your routine/don't even think about it. Have it as part of your routine to do this or that. Don't even give yourself and option to opt out, just do it. since I've had a cold and not into more intense exercise, when I get home I take the dog for a walk (30 minutes).

Do more things that involve moving that aren't "exercising". We have Wii dance which the kids (and I love) but if we don't feel like that we will just put on music and do "dance party". Since these are kids it often gets a little wild, possibly a pillow fight, possibly wrestling or the "blob" someone puts a blanket over themselves and then tries to catch the others. It's pretty funny but can still get the blood moving.

 

[Matata]

I like this doctor's advice

 

[Alybetter]

I hate exercise too! My trick is that I don't "exercise" I instead trick myself into moving!

I walk at the mall, I go bowling, I go swimming (for fun), I go to yoga (for mindfulness not exercise), I walk to get my groceries, I have gone axe throwing...

You get the idea. Trick yourself into exercise by making physical activity part of your life

That's a great call. I do the same. Since I've had a kid and gotten closer to 40 than 30, I no longer exercise. I have to force myself by doing the exact things you mentioned, parking far away from the doors of places, or far away from the places, which isn't hard in England. Walking my dog.
That's a great way to do, I agree. Just incorporate movement into your life. Nowadays it's easy not to.

 

[Scandinavian]

Buy an English setter! Or any dog, really If you like dogs, that is.. My girl will get me out the door every day, rain, sun or snowstorm (that was yesterday, lol). And I really don't consider it exercise to walk her / run in the forest / skiing with her. It's just fun and makes her very happy Can you tell that she is my baby... ? LOL

Just be sure to remember that they really do need a lot of exercise.. The dogs, I mean.

On second thought, perhaps you are a cat person?

Hugs!

 

[PintoBean]

Ugh... if you only knew how tempted I am to tie a cupcake to a stick dangling in front of me so that I will run for the cupcake!

I find that walking videos on a tablet set by the TV on a lower volume makes exercise easier while I watch tv and walk in time to the video on the tablet. The best time of day is not too long after I've finished my coffee.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I second (third?!) the idea of getting someone to do stuff with. It helps keep you accountable (although the one time I tried to get into Bikram yoga with a friend we would frequently bail half way to the yoga studio and end up in a bar, ha ha!).

December Fire's perspective is awesome -- finding stuff you enjoy and making you be active in the process is a great idea!

I also love Scandi's idea, but if you don't want to get a dog of your own maybe volunteer at a shelter? I know a lot of people who do that and the dogs are SO SO SO glad to go for a walk!!!

And Matata...

 

[monarch64]

I have to be outdoors to enjoy a workout, and if I don't enjoy my time working out I am far less likely to do it. I hate gyms, machines, and being indoors. Crossfit is probably a good option for me but carving out time for specific days of the week and set times kind of kills it for me, too.

I took a private belly dance lesson a few weeks ago, WHEW! That was a workout! It was indoors, though, and I still felt pretty constricted and not quite natural. It was way more fun than, say, an aerobics class or whatever. If you're looking for something new to get into it's a great way to feel sexy and learn to use some muscles you never knew you had. (Hint: belly dance doesn't have a lot to do with the belly--it's ALL in the legs!)

I do a lot of hiking in the wilderness/National Forest and on paved trails. I'd rather go challenge myself in nature and feel one with the earth than feel one with a sweaty gym and its inhabitants. Works for me.

 

[tyty333]

I walk...cant really run due to bad hips but I can walk. I listen to books on video, take in the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air.
It took me a while to get into a routine of doing it 5 times a week but once I got into the routine I really hate to miss
a day.

For an arm workout I saw Kelly Rippa take one of those heavy balls (medicine balls?) and spell out letters with it...you can spell out
things like

"I HATE Exercise", "This ball is heavy as hell"...spell out things you'd like to say to co-workers/in-laws/neighbors/DH but can't...use
it to get your frustration out!

 

[girlyglam]

I hate traditional exercise, and I hate going to the gym so I don't do either. I take pole and aerial classes as my main form of exercise. I LOVE them, and while they're not necessarily physically easy, I don't feel tortured the way I do when I'm running on a treadmill. I am also most definitely in the best shape I've ever been in. Pole and aerials keep me hooked because I find them fun, because I want to constantly improve and do more with them. There is also an artistic and expressive element and performance opportunities in both that appeal to me. The key is finding something you enjoy so you're not hating your life while doing it. I realize this is easier said than done though.

For me, I knew that I would much rather take a class than join a gym. Signing up for classes is also a great way to hold me accountable because it's wasted money if I don't actually attend the class. I'm lucky to live in an area where there are all sorts of interesting classes and studios around, which is how I found pole and aerials. I basically went and signed up for a bunch of classes that sounded interesting and stuck with the ones I really loved. Are there any classes near you that sound intriguing? Anything you've always wanted to try? What are things you already enjoy - Being outdoors? Performing? Being in a group? Can any of the things you already love and enjoy be found or be incorporated in your exercise?

Also, a word on classes - if you do decide to take any, I would encourage you, as much as possible, to NOT focus on how "good" or "bad" you are and instead on how you feel and whether or not it's something you are enjoying. I was AWFUL about pole and aerials when I first started. I couldn't climb a pole for a good 3 months (many others get it on their first class, or at least within their first few classes). I kept going back though because I enjoyed it and because I really wanted to get better. I think in class settings, it can be hard not to compare yourself or get discouraged by others who are seemingly better than you, but it's important to remember that everyone has different bodies, strengths, and weaknesses.

 

[PintoBean]

I walk...cant really run due to bad hips but I can walk. I listen to books on video, take in the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air.
It took me a while to get into a routine of doing it 5 times a week but once I got into the routine I really hate to miss
a day.

For an arm workout I saw Kelly Rippa take one of those heavy balls (medicine balls?) and spell out letters with it...you can spell out
things like

"I HATE Exercise", "This ball is heavy as hell"...spell out things you'd like to say to co-workers/in-laws/neighbors/DH but can't...use
it to get your frustration out!

ermagherd I'm dying over the spelling for killer arms bahahahhha

 

[PierreBear]

I enjoy going to the gym and by attending classes, I've made friends as they have had similar weekly routines. If I could get the same body/health without exercising though... yes, I think I wouldn't exercise as much! However, it's also a way for me to clear my mind and just zone out and forget about daily worries. Hope you find something you like... I've gone through my routines of finding enjoyment through yoga to spin classes to weight classes etc.

Hey.. what about going on a walk with a dog? Ask a neighbor to walk theirs if you don't have one? Good luck!

 

[bunnycat]

I really need to get some physical exercise. I have a little bit of weight to lose and I just can't seem to get it off with diet! But how do you motivate to exercise when you absolutely hate it? Do you have any advice or tricks?

I too feel better when I exercise, but making myself do it sometimes is a challenge. To help with it, I started doing carb cycling and 2 miles a day of walking, with a couple of dance classes every week for extra exercise. Carb cycling (with the attendant writing down the carb count of EVERYTHING you eat) was a big help, and I began to see results, and seeing results I stubbornly kept exercising. Now, over the holidays everything went to hell in a handbasket with my eating habits and I'm only just now getting back on track and also back to regular amounts of exercise.

 

[Phoenix]

I have incorporated exercise into my life since I was a child. My mom was a runner, so I began running with her when I was pretty young.

I think the biggest hurdle is getting started. Create a routine or begin a schedule (maybe Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed/Fri for example). Be consistent. Once it becomes part of your schedule, it becomes part of your life and isn't so difficult to do any more. I work out pretty every day and while I might not always enjoy it, I just know that it's part of my daily schedule.

I agree essentially with what's written here. I grew up a bookworm, hating exercise and being fairly shy as a child, didn't really want to be part of any group activities. I didn't even learn to swim and there was a swimming pool right outside of a classroom I was in.

Then I met one of my gfs when I was 17. She introduced me to step aerobics and I was so fascinated! I did it with her for a while, on a regular basis. The real turning point for me was when I met my ex-fiance who was a bodybuilder. He introduced me to weights, eating right, etc...After him, every guy I dated was athletic. They were all into all kinds of sports and quite a few were bodybuilders. It became a way of life for me - exercise (especially weight-lifting) was my drug of choice. I couldn't imagine my life without exercise. When I met DH, I introduced him to weight-lifting even though he was already active in other sports.

Whenever I had to stop working out, because of work commitments etc - I piled on the weights, became miserable and grumpy. I hated the way I looked, in and out of clothing. I also wrote on a couple of threads about my drinking issues when I was also overweight, actually the two fed off each other. When you stop working out, because of your work/ life stress etc, you drink more; and the more you drink, the more overweight you become and the less inclined you are to work out ...it's a vicious circle!!!

When I wanted to lose weight, drink less, I also signed up at a gym to work out regularlly. The weight just came off, your mind became so much clearer - not just from the good hormones exercises produce but also because you drink less and eat more healthy. You realise it's all lifestyle changes, they go together.

My mother also was suffering from ill health and died from a heart attack (after a stroke). Watching her and my father suffer for several years helped me to determine not to go down that path. A friend keeps breaking her wrists and ankles because her bones are so brittle. Weight-training helps to strengthen your bone density.

Working out with your partner and/ or your friends also helps a lot. As does committing to a goal, like: "this year I'll do a 5 km/ 10km run etc, or this is the year I want my body fat percentage to go down to X%, or by [month] I'll take part in a boxing competition. All these concrete goals help to motivate you and keep you exercising consistently and regularly.

And the best thing? You'll look better and feel even more amazing!!

Hope that helps.

 

[wildcat03]

I grew up as a bookworm and hated all the typical sports - soccer, track, softball, etc. But I loved gymnastics, so that kept me fit all the way through high school. The period of my life from high school until my early 30s was relatively devoid of regular exercise. Then, in 2013 I found barre! And I loved loved loved it. I didn't really drop much weight but I got toned and slimmed down over 10 months of going 4-6x a week (it was a light year work-wise...I was bored). Then, just this last June at my now-husband's urging, I started going to his friend's gym that does small group personal training (his encouragement had nothing to do with him pushing me to exercise/lose weight, I am far more active than he is). I lost 20 lbs and I fit into stuff now that didn't fit me when I was 10 lbs lighter because I have gained so much muscle. I love the camaraderie at the gym and it's been great for me. I go there twice a week and barre 2-3x a week and it's just...what I do. I don't even think about it anymore. It actually helps make me more focused and more productive in my daily life, so the time spent is really negligible.

So, for me, finding a place I loved that I work out with people I like and do a workout that I don't have to plan is the key to me staying invested. My workouts are a lot more expensive than joining the mega-gym down the street, but I actually go instead of making excuses.

Just today at my small group gym, 3 of us were finishing up the same workout at the same time. The last 5 minutes of that workout is spent doing squats with a goal of doing 40 total. One woman was doing it with 30 lbs, I had 45, and another woman had 60 lbs. We all cheered each other on and helped pace each other through it - everyone finished it in full with time to spare!

 

[Elizabeth35]

The key for me is accountability. Either sign up for a class with a friend or have a walking buddy--WITH A SET SCHEDULE OF DAYS!
Think outside the box for something that is not as boring--maybe kick-boxing or pole dancing?

I use a treadmill at home during rainy/snowy weather. Here's how I keep myself honest:

1. Put the workout time on your calendar (paper or phone) based on your schedule. I also verbally tell DH I am working out at X o'clock so that adds to accountability.
2. Workout clothes and shoes are set out the night before in my bathroom. The clothes are staring me in the face as soon as I get up, so I put them on and get it over with. Guilt works for me.
3. I am tracking improvements to heart rate and BP, as well as weight. Seeing progress helps with motivation.

Don't forget it is not just about losing weight---regular exercise helps with sleep, general happiness, blood pressure, cholesterol, strength, flexibility, etc. It is for your overall health and happiness so find something that you can enjoy doing long-term, not just for quick weight loss.
The goal is to make it a habit and a lifestyle so it really is critical to find something you know you will stick with.
And change it up---maybe some days you go for a walk (with or without a dog), some days you go to a class with a friend, some days you do heavy gardening. Try to find several activities so you don't get bored.

 

[momhappy]

The key for me is accountability. Either sign up for a class with a friend or have a walking buddy--WITH A SET SCHEDULE OF DAYS!
Think outside the box for something that is not as boring--maybe kick-boxing or pole dancing?

I use a treadmill at home during rainy/snowy weather. Here's how I keep myself honest:

1. Put the workout time on your calendar (paper or phone) based on your schedule. I also verbally tell DH I am working out at X o'clock so that adds to accountability.
2. Workout clothes and shoes are set out the night before in my bathroom. The clothes are staring me in the face as soon as I get up, so I put them on and get it over with. Guilt works for me.
3. I am tracking improvements to heart rate and BP, as well as weight. Seeing progress helps with motivation.

Don't forget it is not just about losing weight---regular exercise helps with sleep, general happiness, blood pressure, cholesterol, strength, flexibility, etc. It is for your overall health and happiness so find something that you can enjoy doing long-term, not just for quick weight loss.
The goal is to make it a habit and a lifestyle so it really is critical to find something you know you will stick with.
And change it up---maybe some days you go for a walk (with or without a dog), some days you go to a class with a friend, some days you do heavy gardening. Try to find several activities so you don't get bored.

I also have a treadmill at home for those days when I just can't go the gym or get outside to exercise. It's the only piece of fitness equipment that I've ever owned that remains functional on a regular basis. Everything else has ended up hidden under a pile of clothes, etc.

 

[House Cat]

So the secret is to love what you're doing for exercise. I like yoga, but I was hoping to get results. I've lost so much muscle. Maybe I should just give it up and do yoga and be happy.

I love the idea of spelling cuss words at my neighbor with a medicine ball!!!

 

[mjr1]

I too struggled with exercise until I changed my approach. The hour I spend at the gym is "my " time and who doesn't LOVE "my" time????? I read my book (on the elliptical) or listen to my music(on the treadmill) or meet up with a friend for a walk or a spin class. No one bothers me, I can watch TV, or read or just space out as I need to. I can chat with my friends, catch up with my "gym" friends and feel no guilt what so ever..... For me the hardest part was always the first step-putting the sneakers on. Once that was accomplished, the hour was already blocked, so why not???? My husband ALWAYS made sure I had "coverage" (guilt free) to go to the gym. We had a standing Wednesday night and Saturday morning sitter for our gym time. I think it all about mind set and approach..... There are somedays that I think I'm tired and I should skip the gym , but then I tell myself I dressed and after 10 minutes I can stop.....and I always finish. And I have never run a race, done a workout, gone for a walk etc. and thought to myself-gee I wish I hadn't done that... Maybe if you change your thought process, that might help. Good luck!

 

[chemgirl]

It's not so bad once you get used to it. I find it's best to make exercise part of your routine. Carve out half an hour a few days a week to start and do as much as you can of whatever you hate the least. It sucks a lot less once you get in better shape. I actually miss working out when we're on vacation and I used to be the biggest couch potato.

It has to be part of your everyday life and sustainable. Dieting is the same deal. If it's this terribly difficult thing then you do it until you reach a goal, quit, and then watch the weight come back.

Wow I sound annoying.

 

[missy]

LOL chemgirl you do not sound annoying. You speak the truth. One really important comment and worth repeating here is that you need to make it a non negotiable. That is, you must do it regularly and don't give up or take a break. At least this is what works for me. I find that if I do it every day (and mix it up so you can do different activities on different days) no matter how I am feeling it does become a habit and one I am less likely to break. Obviously if you get sick (and have a fever) or hurt yourself then you must take a break but barring those reasons just keep doing it and it will become a regular habit you are more likely to just keep doing. Do it for yourself because you are worth it.

 

[Strawberry129]

Don't worry, even many body builders don't like to exercise. They just do it for the feeling or the body that comes with it. Remember that the key if CONSISTENCY!

I used to exercise at home with those HIIT youtube videos (about 20-30 minutes). It's much easier to get through knowing that it's only 20 minutes of my time and I feel great afterwards. Only thing is that due to family circumstances, I can't exercise at home anymore.

So My fiance and I signed up for a gym. He's my gym buddy and it's much more motivating to go with someone. We set Mon-Wed-Fri to go, which makes it part of our schedule and easier to maintain.

Only thing I can recommend is if exercising is not your thing, then maybe try to do something that's "fun" like taking a hike at a park with a friend, swimming, etc.