I Don't Like It.

Exercise.

I just don't like it at all.

I don't enjoy running, biking, Smith Systems, free weights, aerobics, calisthenics, yoga, pilates.. NONE of it.

I'd rather read. Or eat.

I do it. In small doses every day. But I don't like it. And I KNOW that my dislike will potentially lead to me stopping it altogether.

I used to love Rollerblading and tennis. But now I am too big and ungainly to enjoy either. Plus I always think of other things I COULD be doing or would RATHER be doing (like reading or eating).

So what's your secret? What makes exercise enjoyable for you? Or do you just love it naturally and I am a complete freak who is doomed to a life of laziness?

Re: I Don't Like It.

i totally get where you are coming from. i used to HATE working out! i only started liking it when i started doing it for me, because basically i was always looking at working out as a way to lose weight, or fit into jeans, or look good for my boyfriend, or to combat the ice cream i ate the other night... i never had any internal reasons for doing it so i always looked at it as a punishment or quick fix for something else.

when i decided to explore more working out options i decided to just focus on how it made me feel. i gravitated towards yoga and now just recently running. yoga is something i do just for me because i like how i feel so relaxed. and i like running because its hard for me and i see it as a personal challenge.

maybe find ways to incorporate things you like into your workouts? like reading a book on a treadmill or elliptical or watching a video for yoga or pilates.

i def had to work on changing my mindset first before i started to enjoy working out.

ETA: or maybe try something with a friend? a sport you can both enjoy and get to hang out together

Message edited 10/6/2009 3:11:16 PM.

Re: I Don't Like It.

I agree with above poster. It is not about liking it, its about liking what it does for my body, self-esteem, etc. It feels good to work out and stay in shape. Now I run too and am so motivated to do races and beat my times. I was never runner, used to hate it and now I just love it!

I think getting motivated to go workout is hard, that is my biggest thing, I dont love to sweat or get out of breath or be surrounded by tons of sweaty, smelly people...but after I am done I feel GREAT! And I dont feel so bad for eating a cookie, or 2 or 3! It has just come part of my routine now, come home from the work, workout, then dinner. DH and I go together!

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I never really liked it either. I would get into it for a bit and then fall off the wagon and would make up a million and one excuses why I cant go to the gym.....until I started kickboxing....

I love it. I think because each class is different. Even with the same instructor...they will mix it up. I go to CKO so it is real kickboxing on a heavy bad with cardio and strength training mixed in...

I think you just need to find something that you end up enjoying and dont see it as just exercise.

Re: I Don't Like It.

If I'm not in a weights class or dancing, I hate working out but I know that my body needs the variety in activity...

But it's kind of like sex in a weird way. You know how sometimes you're just too tired or you don't feel like it or something -- and you do it anyway.

You never finish and wish that you hadn't done it because during/afterward it feels good.

For you I think the key is just finding something that you like to do so that you don't dread it or wish that you were doing anything else.

I feel like the writer in you might really enjoy biking and hiking/walking in gorgeous places - there are plenty all over LI.

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I found that if I read while I do either the elliptical or the precor, I can stay for the full 30 mins. When I first started exercising, I could go for an hour! If you don't like it, you just wont' do it so just keep trying thing until you find something you love.

If you like to read, maybe get a book on tape and listen to it while you walk or get on a stationary bike and read.

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I only run no other exercise interests me. I like it because I feel better about my self and it's the only time I have to myself

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How about doing something that you can read during? Stationary bike? I know its probably not the "best" cardio out there but better than nothinbg and getting bored....

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Posted by my3boys

I only run no other exercise interests me. I like it because I feel better about my self and it's the only time I have to myself

Re: I Don't Like It.

It's not something that I particularly love either but it's the only way for me to get fit & stay fit. After having 2 babies, it's been tough getting back into it. What worked for me was recruiting a partner. Another mommy where I work was in the same boats as me; extra weight, lack of time after work b/c we have tend to our children, lack of motivation, etc. I approached her about getting to work early and working out before work together. So we meet 4x a week at our jobs--run or do a cardio DVD, weights, abs--then we shower there and get ready for work. Before we know it, the workout is over and we both began our day on the right foot. So if you can----find a partner.

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I find exercise to be a great stress reliever for me. I sleep better, work more efficiently, etc. I don't exercise to lose weight, although it is nice to be toned, but I generally look and weigh the same whether I go to the gym 3-4 times a week or not (good genes, I guess). But I can't go more than a week without doing something athletic because I start to feel all cooped up and stressed out.

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Music really helps my work outs--If i have good music on I could run for miles

Also--I try to motivate myself with clothes--if I can get back into cute outfits NOT in the double digits that really helps

I also love the rush after a good workout--it motivates me for the next one

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I don't look forward to exercising per se. I agree that the incentives get me started - time out of the office, when the results start to show, listening to music or reading a book while exercising.

The only things that I truly enjoy that involve exercising:

Playing with, walking with or hiking with my dog.

Riding my bicycle.

Dancing.

So I build on that. I downloaded Zumba exercise routines from YouTube which are great because they're only as long as one song so I can work my tolerance up.

I usually do the dog activities at the park once it starts getting cool because there are less hazards to worry about (ticks, poison ivy, other unleashed dogs).

You really should look into bicycle riding, I think you would like it.

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i HATE exercise but I LOVE TV and reading SO I watch my shows or read while on my elliptical for about a half hour each day.

I get two 15 minute breaks at work so me and a few coworkers will got for a short walk for each.

AND if DH feels like it we will take our dog to the park for a half hour.

i could never go to the gym or do a video because i feel like it takes away too much time that i could be doing something else, so if i multitask i do much better!