I absolutely HATE exercise

Posts: 2,245
12/4/12 9:05 A

I hate lifting weights, but have been doing it 2-3 times a week for ten years. Sometimes a person needs to do what they need to do, like it or not.

That being said, find something you like so that you will stick with it over a long time.

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

SparkPoints: (81,398)
Fitness Minutes: (22,690)
Posts: 5,930
12/4/12 6:45 A

I agree with the others that you must find something you enjoy doing. I don't particularly like going to the dentist, but I go because I need to for my health. I don't particularly like getting pap smears or mammograms, but I get them because they are necessary for my health. Sometimes I want to stay up late, but I go to bed because I have to work the next morning.

Look at exercise as something you must do, like brushing your teeth. I may feel "meh" on my way into the gym, but I have never left after a workout thinking, "Damn, I wish I hadn't done that."

Good luck in finding your exercise!

current weight: 126.0

162 151.5 141 130.5

120

SparkPoints: (9,056)
Fitness Minutes: (5,172)
Posts: 353
12/3/12 11:55 P

turn on some music and find the beat. find something you enjoy doing. once you get the "post workout" high, you are hooked. I've NEVER liked exercise. always just barely passing PE, cause i'd rather be reading a book. But, once you start to think exercise as a "ME" time, rather than a task, or a "to do", then, you will be more relaxed about it, and then the fun will follow. hang in there!!

Pounds lost: 16.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

Posts: 4,992
12/3/12 11:23 P

I hate exercise too...and although I am now fit still cannot last a step class (get so so bored by the repetition), or more than 10 minutes on a treadmill/bike etc (avoid them now as start looking at theclock every two minutes).
But I love walking through museums, on streets I don't know well, in different places, in forests, on the beach (especially - can spend hours walking and finding shells etc)
And I love yoga - now I have found a teacher I really like. Every class is different and I can measure how much better I am getting.
And I love dance classes - Zumba, tango, belly dancing etc etc
And I love going to parties and dancing... always have but even more now i am fit and do classes.
I hate tai chi (tried it once and far to slow to engage my mind), but my sister who also doesn't do traditional exercise is hooked on it....

Pounds lost: 44.0

0 11.5 23 34.5

46

SparkPoints: (2,019)
Fitness Minutes: (3,076)
Posts: 56
12/2/12 9:39 P

1. There is a period of time when no one likes it - before that base fitness is there... Then you have to force it just to get to the place where it's enjoyable.

2. Go outside. Seriously, I love running. It's so fun for me... on a treadmill, can't stand it. Can't stand anything else in there either.

3. Try new exercises.... This year, I tried rock climbing. I am excited when I get the chance to go! Martial arts, belly dancing, whatever - try new things and see what tickles.

4. Games. I know there's a run zombie app on the Iphone. People use the Wii. My brother used to love that Dance Dance Revolution game.

5. Make and nurture active friendships. When it's your culture you really get into it --- and it's always nicer to do things with friends! (Ice skating, bike riding, group run etc)

6, Vary the intensity. Sometimes more, sometimes less... this can help from boredom.

Edited by: HSHOEMAKER at: 12/2/2012 (21:40)

SparkPoints: (4,092)
Fitness Minutes: (689)
Posts: 162
12/2/12 2:14 P

Maybe you did not find your type of exercise yet? I was just like you and I started exercising dreading every minute of it but I found out what I like and what I don't like and now I ENJOY working out!! I love energetic videos, although not that energetic but i love Jillian Michaels' attitude so I can keep up with her workout routine.. And I love cardio kickboxing and I especially love Billy Blanks! His attitude is great, he makes you feel he is personally training you.. Very motivating!

There are lots of workout videos to choose from, try to see what you like and stick with it. You will come to enjoy it!

current weight: 191.0

202 186.75 171.5 156.25

141

Posts: 2,245
12/2/12 11:10 A

Maritimer3: See post and thread, "Broken leg at Strength Class."
A broken foot means being creative and resourceful to find ways to exercise while temporarily changed...

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

SparkPoints: (64,853)
Fitness Minutes: (32,577)
Posts: 3,709
11/29/12 9:55 A

I hate most exercises too, except walking and water fitness... but I have a broken bone in my foot so can't do either of them right now... I'm going to try some of the tips that people have given you when I can get back at exercising.

Pounds lost: 16.0

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

Posts: 2,245
11/29/12 8:39 A

Lesapaige,

Are any of the comments or ideas here helpful? Have you made any lifestyle changes yet to get some exercise into your day? Are our ideas working for you?

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

SparkPoints: (5,885)
Fitness Minutes: (3,868)
Posts: 694
11/27/12 6:38 P

I highly recommend joining your local YMCA or gym that has a variety of classes so you can try different things. Classes like hip hop dancing, zumba, spin cycling, step aerobics, body pump, boot camp, aqua aerobics, etc

current weight: 162.0

182 170.25 158.5 146.75

135

SparkPoints: (7,206)
Fitness Minutes: (7,075)
Posts: 694
11/27/12 2:18 P

I would just keep trying different things until you find something you don't hate.
You don't have to do the same thing every day.

If you are a very social person a class or finding a workout buddy might help make it more fun. But that might not suit you at all and there are other options. Maybe you are the type to walk on a treadmill while watching a movie or listening to an audio book or music. Maybe you'd like walking outside or at the mall or riding a bike.

As others have said there are some fitness games that can make exercising more enjoyable or motivating.

Pounds lost: 7.0

0 8 16 24

32

SparkPoints: (33,774)
Fitness Minutes: (21,879)
Posts: 2,418
11/26/12 6:00 P

I hated it when I started too.

Then, I kept thinking of that nasty gym teacher I had in elementary school. The one that would humiliate me in front of the entire class by yelling things like "hustle chubby" and all of a sudden, I hit the gym with a vengeance.

My desire to do the things I was never able to do just to prove her wrong give me all of the motivation and enjoyment I need.

I like it for a lot of other reasons too. That is the main one however.

Best of luck to you!!

current weight: 133.2

260 228.3 196.6 164.9

133.2

SparkPoints: (10,186)
Fitness Minutes: (21,257)
Posts: 194
11/26/12 12:34 P

Are you a social person? If you enjoy being around people, try to get friends or family to go for a walk or a hike. If you are in a position to join a gym/YMCA, then join and try out some of the classes. If you have a friend or family member that will go to the gym with you then you could take the classes together. You could use some of the same cardio machines (stationary bike, rowing machine, elliptical, treadmill, etc.). If the gym has a personal trainer, you and the friend/family member could see about splitting the cost to get a personal trainer. They could help you with strength training and finding something that you would enjoy doing on a regular basis. You could aim for 30 minutes/day for 3 or 4 days/week and work your way up to 5 days/week.

It doesn't matter what you do as long as you get up and get moving and be consistent.

Pounds lost: 26.4

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

SparkPoints: (12,961)
Fitness Minutes: (8,662)
Posts: 504
11/26/12 12:00 P

You definately have to find something you like to do to stick with doing it. Have you just went outside and walked? I love doing that and watching the nature. What about yoga?

current weight: 145.0

173 163.5 154 144.5

135

SparkPoints: (36,170)
Fitness Minutes: (26,544)
Posts: 1,568
11/26/12 12:20 A

i love to exercise, maybe try to do different exercises so you don't get bored. i have many dvd's so i will not get bored, i have some many dvd's i could do a different one each day.
lol.

SparkPoints: (404)
Fitness Minutes: (75)
Posts: 64
11/18/12 3:21 P

I like the tips everyone has shared. For me, I have to keep switching things up or I will get bored too. Maybe you should try some sort of group exercise like Zumba, (which is a blast!), spinning, etc. Just keep mixing it up and then it gets hard to get bored. Also, the important point to keep in mind is your ultimate goal! With anything, a lot of time the battle is won or lost in the mindset.

SparkPoints: (22,169)
Fitness Minutes: (18,082)
Posts: 196
11/18/12 3:01 P

In addition to all the music tips, I recommend podcasts. I have learned so much and been so amused. I like: Stuff You should Know & The Jillian Michaels Show. I don't work out quite as fast when listening to a podcast, but I am happier to go for longer.

Pounds lost: 29.0

0 7.25 14.5 21.75

29

Posts: 2,245
11/18/12 1:00 P

From my 11-year old granddaughter:
"One way to make exercise more fun is listening to music. Music at least makes it more bearable. I suggest to do little bits at first, then go longer and longer. You could start by walking."

An additional note is that I am female, and still have done everything listed in the previous post.
The question is only, are you motivated to try something new? Exercise can be a heck of a lot of fun! I am sorry that you have missed out on so much of life! What are you going to do about it?

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

Posts: 2,245
11/18/12 12:41 P

Great responses below. I'll add my two bits. Do you really hate biking, hiking, tennis, swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, water skiing, snow skiing,dancing (jazz,tap,ballet,etc.) jazzercise,, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, ice skating, roller skating, stretching, gymnastics, horse back riding, walking with friends on a sunny day, kayaking/rowing/canoeing, aerobics, jet skiing (water), snowmobiling, Rollerblading, archery, circus arts (aerial silks, etc), football, handball/racket ball/squash, hang gliding, golfing, curling, bocci ball, ping pong, frisbee, swing on swings, rock climbing, fly fishing, rafting, surfing /boogie board/river boarding, sailing, and football. Is there nothing on this list which you don't like to do? My 11year old granddaughter says that sports are made to be fun. I agree. I have done all of the above in the last 45 years. Some I love, some I don't care for. I am age 55. I lift weights so that I can have the strength and be in shape to do what I enjoy, when I have time (and sometimes money) to do my favorites. Lifting weights is my least favorite, but I realize I have to do it. There must be something you can find to do consistently!

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

Posts: 12,399
11/18/12 6:14 A

I think it is worth experimenting with different types of exercise until you find one that you do enjoy.

Some people enjoy the 'social' aspect of group fitness classes. For others, working out in front of other people is their worst nightmare. Some people like the controlled environment of working out indoors on a treadmill or elliptical. Personally, I prefer to walk and run around my neighborhood.

Some people love Zumba or dance DVD's (wow! I get to dance for 30 minutes and call it a workout? Bonus!). Others love the feeling of being empowered through things like kickboxing.

Just keep experimenting until you find something you do enjoy.

The other things to consider is why you consider it "torture". Are you pushing yourself too hard? Or too long? The key to exercise is not running yourself into the ground, but rather just that you work out regularly. So take it easy, and just focus on establishing a habit of REGULAR exercise.

M@L

current weight: 178.0

220 203.5 187 170.5

154

Posts: 4,715
11/18/12 5:34 A

I was where you are ... I hated all exercise but was so overweight that I knew I had to just do it. I agree with everyone here that you should find something that you like. It took me a while to find something. I finally fell IN LOVE with a sport, just one, but that's all it takes.

Go through this list: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

Keep a very open mind. Don't think about your weight, just think about whether the sport might be fun. When I got into my sport, I was too heavy to do the sport itself but I was motivated to lose weight (including through exercise) in order to get better at it. It remains my #1 motivation to keep my weight down -- I couldn't play my sport if I were too heavy. My sport isn't even on that list at all so there are actually many MORE sports out there that might appeal to you.

It just takes one. Try not to pick something like "debating" or "checkers" off the list though.

SparkPoints: (50,701)
Fitness Minutes: (21,841)
Posts: 2,100
11/18/12 4:20 A

I don't think "just doing it" cuts it.

You need to make exercise enjoyable for you. That involves:
- experimenting with different types of exercises; all might feel terrible right now, but some will feel less terrible.
- saving your favorite activity to do during the exercise or immediately after the exercise as a reward; never do this favorite activity independently of the exercise. This will condition your brain to gradually liking the exercise starting with disliking it less.
- adjusting the intensity of the exercise so that you are doing it comfortably. Not even the professional athletes push themselves all the time. They push it once a week, and then let their bodies recover. You should do the same. Only push it slightly once a week, and in the rest of the week, just enjoy your workouts by working out at your current fitness level.

Edited by: MPLANE37 at: 11/18/2012 (04:21)

Body Fat %: 25.0

30 27 24 21

18

SparkPoints: (20,749)
Fitness Minutes: (19,101)
Posts: 2,716
11/18/12 2:54 A

Well, what goes in your mouth matters waaaaaay more than exercise. So get your diet sorted and you will lose weight. However, exercise is good for your physical and mental health. What have you tried? You can't hate EVERYTHING. You could

- Walk
- Run
- Strength train (highly recommended)
- Swim
- Zumba
- Boxing
- Spinning
- Kayaking
- Water walking
- Aqua aerobics
- Hike
- Dance class

The world is your oyster. Try everything and see if something fits. Remember to start slow, you don't have to be huffing and puffing to start with, just moving will help you in the beginning!

current weight: 146.0

191 179.75 168.5 157.25

146

SparkPoints: (29,308)
Fitness Minutes: (20,994)
Posts: 1,846
11/18/12 12:03 A

Music. I love playing music while I exercise. I have several playlists to suit my many moods while exercising.

current weight: 192.0

220 203.75 187.5 171.25

155

SparkPoints: (12,064)
Fitness Minutes: (6,605)
Posts: 672
11/17/12 8:31 P

The trick is really finding out what sort of exercise you enjoy. I just can't believe you would rather sit all day without doing anything than all the possible options for exercise that are out there. Perhaps you just need to sample whatever you can find going on around you, as well as anything that strikes you as remotely interesting or fun.

There's all sorts of exercise I really can't stand, or have zero interest in. I simply don't exercise that way. I do what I enjoy doing most.

Something else that works best for me is getting the workout done early in the day. I find that my body likes to workout at that time of day best, and that my brain seems to find it most agreeable as well. Your timing could very well be different, but I think it's important to find the time that works best for you in terms of how you feel and how your days go.

Yesterday one of my friends mentioned that her new workout clothes have really motivated her and made running much more enjoyable for her. She said she feels so much better and is excited to go out and run now that she's got proper gear instead of "looking like a slob" (her words). Maybe it's something as simple as that...

SparkPoints: (1,343)
Fitness Minutes: (1,975)
Posts: 4
11/17/12 7:24 P

I'm not sure if this will help - but this is how I look at it, or how I've taught my brain to react to it.

Any pain I feel when I work out, it feels good. The soreness afterwards - I like it. Sounds crazy, but I have literally convinced my mind to take that pain as a good feeling, and not a bad. The sorer I am, the better I feel.

Pain = Results.
Soreness = Muscle Strengthening.
Inability to Move = Bikini Body.

The harder I push, the sorer I will be the next day, and the faster I will see my results.


I wish I had this mindset when I went through basic training w/ the Army. It came on us more like punishment, so I resisted it. If I had been in the mindset I am now, I would have rocked out of basic training. I didn't do poorly - but I certainly didn't give a full 100%. My goal was to get home. It wasn't to improve to the best of my ability.

^ With that said, my point is... It's harder when you feel "forced" to work out. If you are able to get your own motivation pushing you, then you know you are working out for no one but yourself.
And if that's not enough, think about your family and friends - you being a healthier you FOR them.
And if that's still not enough, you can use my motivation = tight behind, so I can wear one of those bikini bottoms that covers straight up the center of the butt.. :-p

Loads of ways you can make it fun, btw. Turn it into a game. Or set rep goals - you lose the game if you can't finish what you've started, etc. Work out with a friend and make it a competition between you.

I really hope any of the above things may help you! :-)

Pounds lost: 35.0

0 16.25 32.5 48.75

65

SparkPoints: (11,020)
Fitness Minutes: (10,267)
Posts: 333
11/17/12 7:14 P

I know everybody is different, I enjoy playing just dance on the wii , it's fun the even have sweating section where it will count your calories

current weight: 188.3

192 180.25 168.5 156.75

145

SparkPoints: (7,655)
Fitness Minutes: (17,100)
Posts: 129
11/17/12 7:02 P

I have made playlists that I only listen to during my walking / treadmill time. I've now discovered podcasts which are great too, especially the sparkradio and biggest loser ones (so far). So... basically something to keep my mind off of working out!

current weight: 214.0

255 240 225 210

195

SparkPoints: (20,031)
Fitness Minutes: (16,896)
Posts: 866
11/17/12 6:41 P

I hate exercise too but I like walking the dog, working in my garden, volunteering a the local library, playing with my grandsons, and the holiday mall marathons....wait....that's all exercise!

current weight: 193.0

208.5 195.125 181.75 168.375

155

Posts: 282
11/17/12 6:36 P

I personally don't do anything that I don't enjoy. I hate spending endless time on equipment or running in general so I don't do it. I do enjoy walking/hiking outside, dance classes and boot camps. I also found that I enjoy doing a variety of workout videos. If I don't enjoy it there is no way I'm going to find any motivation to do it

May Minutes: 818

0 42.5 85 127.5

170

SparkPoints: (10,496)
Fitness Minutes: (16,232)
Posts: 383
11/17/12 6:34 P

Do you like games? I find it helps keep my focus during boring exercise routines to look at the big game I'm playing "Weight Loss! by Hasbro". If I can play the numbers right through food and activity, I can manipulate my weight, my cholesterol, my blood pressure. If I run enough this week, maybe I can win a mini-game beating my last best time. Or lifting a new level of free-weight.

Then, when I win my mini-games or see good numbers on the scale or blood results, I give myself a goodie (maybe a night at my favourite restaurant) :)

current weight: 149.5

240 216.25 192.5 168.75

145

SparkPoints: (71,614)
Fitness Minutes: (73,786)
Posts: 11,799
11/17/12 5:57 P

I thought I hated exercise, but I sucked it up and did it until I didn't hate it anymore. And I certainly do not hate what my body looks and feels like because of exercise.

11 Days until:  Niagara Falls Women''s HM

50 37 25 12

0

SparkPoints: (30,073)
Fitness Minutes: (12,611)
Posts: 3,870
11/17/12 5:55 P

The physical act isn't necessarily ever going to be fun. The key is having real goals where strength, endurance and flexibility will add significantly towards obtaining those goals. If it's one of those things that you just do for no reason, you'll likely abandon it.

It's a trial and error thing and often it changes. Maybe you're training for a race, a sport, a hike or some other competition or event. If you set these goals and lay out a plan to get there, exercise suddenly gains real meaning.

Again, the key is having REAL goals that are meaningful to YOU. "I want to lose weight" or "want to be healthy" are typically not meaningful goals. We ALL know exercising is good for us. If it were that simple, we'd all be strong and in shape. This probably will involve some soul searching.

Edited by: BREWMASTERBILL at: 11/17/2012 (17:56)

current weight: 5.0  over

10 5 0 -5

-10

SparkPoints: (158,833)
Fitness Minutes: (112,042)
Posts: 46,222
11/17/12 5:54 P

Hi LEXAPAIGE,

Studies show that when you enjoy the exercise that you are participating in you are more apt to find time to work it into your schedule. That being said, you don't have to spend hours in the gym or working out to get the health benefits from exercise. There are so many benefits to working out besides weight loss...below are just a few examples. Remember too that just being more active throughout the day can do wonders to help you burn calories.

-Increases lung capacity
-Increases immunity fighting immunoglobulins
-Increases mood due to an increase in mood-enhancing chemicals-serotonin, dopamine and nor-epinepherine
-Builds lean muscle mass and bone mass=decrease risk of osteporosis
-Lowers blood pressure, heart rate and stronger heart
-Over time your risk for cardio-vascular disease and type II diabetes falls
-Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels
-Increases in HDL (good cholesterol) levels
-Lowers triglycerides
-Your runs, walks and other exercises become easier
-Cuts in your cancer risk
-You feel better and have more energy
-You feel younger and more confident
-Improves posture
-Increases self-esteem
-Helps with sleep

Coach Nancy

0 Days until:  The Historic MC 1/2 Marathon

50 37 25 12

0

SparkPoints: (672)
Fitness Minutes: (498)
Posts: 41
11/17/12 4:42 P

I hate being fat, but working out is torture for me. I don't find it enjoyable ever. I KNOW there is going to be someone that says "it doesn't have to be enjoyable, just do it" Well I do, but I just want to hear of some exercising tips that may help me enjoy it a little more. HELP