I acknowledge that while exercise offers long-term benefits, the process is painful and emotionally exhausting for me. Despite being healthy and injury-free, I struggle to keep up with simple workouts and feel frustrated by the lack of discussion about the difficulties of exercising. Social media is filled with celebrities who seem to love working out, which makes me feel isolated in my dislike for it. I continue to exercise out of discipline but genuinely hate it, and I wonder if others feel the same.
8 Likes
I enjoy the muscle soreness that says, “that was a good workout,” not the kind that leaves you unable to move for days.
2 Likes
I believe it is common not to enjoy exercise and fitness, which is why most people avoid it.
1 Like
Exactly. If people truly enjoyed it, no one would be sedentary. If it were healthy, made you feel better, and was fun, gyms would be packed.
Squats are not exactly enjoyable and can be quite miserable. However, it feels satisfying to rack the weight and realize you made it through, especially if it’s easier than before.
While some people love cardio, that’s not me. The key is to find a physical activity you can tolerate.
2 Likes
Mindfulness of body sensations can enhance the enjoyment of exercise. I often find focusing on the stretch and feeling the weight distribute throughout my body enjoyable. Sometimes, when I hold a pose or stretch deeply, my body responds with, “ah yes, this is how it should feel,” and I get a nice endorphin boost. This usually happens with moderate to heavy weights when I’ve been on point with my diet, sleep, and form.
The soreness from squatting after not doing it for months is brutal. Two days later, I drove a stick shift on a long road trip and almost couldn’t handle it!
1 Like
I used to be in great shape, lifting weights and playing sports, but work life took over. Getting back into a routine has been challenging, and my old warm-ups became my full workouts. I started with Beachbody videos and had to use the modifiers, which was disheartening and led me to quit. I saw the best results when I slowed down, focused on consistency, and didn’t push myself too hard. Eventually, the movements became enjoyable again. I went from loving exercise to hating it, but now I have found a manageable routine that boosts my confidence and well-being.
1 Like
You are right!
Last week, I walked into a gym for the first time in many years, and I felt the urge to jump right back in. Instead, I spent the first week getting reacquainted with everything, starting light, and checking how I felt the next day before increasing the weights. I think many people try to do too much too soon, as OP describes.
Many people dislike activities they are not good at, and the hardest part is overcoming the initial learning curve. Try working out at your own pace without feeling pressured to keep up with others. Incorporating social activities or sports can also make it more enjoyable.
1 Like
I have a chronic condition that causes joint instability, body aches, fatigue, dizziness, and exhaustion. Cardio is challenging; I feel lightheaded after a few minutes. If I work and go to the gym, that is all I can manage for the day, I can’t cook or do laundry. Daily life is exhausting, so I don’t enjoy working out, as it drains my limited energy. However, I know it helps me stay healthy and reduces pain. I’ve consistently gone to the gym three times a week for the past nine months. I hope it becomes a habit or that I start to enjoy it, but if not, I have learned to accept it.
1 Like
Human nature tends to avoid pain, making working out tough; it is often easier to just watch TV.
I dislike leg days and Bulgarian split squats, but the short-term pain is worth the long-term benefits.
Shifting your mindset can help: think, “I get to work out today” or “I get to wear my cool workout clothes.”
I am lucky to have a nice home gym, and I try not to take it for granted. Many can’t afford a gym membership or have to work multiple jobs, so if you have the time and resources to work out, be grateful.
I dislike working out, even though I love how I feel afterward. I have been exercising consistently since middle school and it’s never gotten easier. But being honest with myself helps me accept it as a necessary evil I have to manage.
1 Like
I feel the same way, but I hate being out of shape even more. Sometimes, I have to say some pretty harsh things to myself to get motivated to go to the gym.
I can hardly tolerate it, but I never skip a day.
1 Like
Are you doing too much too quickly, or maybe not enough? I have done both. If you push too hard too fast, you’ll feel bad, but warming up can be tough too. Usually, after about 15 minutes, your body is ready to move and feels better.