why does working out seem like work?

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1/1/13 10:37 P

It will get easier, but then you just need to start working harder. For example, when I first started a walk was a workout. Now it doesn't get my HR up enough to be considered a workout, I have to run to get my HR up, so if I go for a walk it is an activity.

Bad workouts happen. We have all had them. Maybe you just need to take a day or 2 off to relax, then go back to your workouts refreshed and with rested muscles?

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1/1/13 10:00 P

I have been working out regularly for about 5 years now. And those first few moments of committing to do it and getting started are still the worst moments of my day. I have never learned to "like it" enough to want to start.

But some of the best minutes of my day are when I am about 3/4 through my exercise routine. I can see the end and I believe that I am going to finish it ... and that stimulates me to push a little harder and end strong. That boosts my mood. Maybe it's just the enforphins kicking in ... but that moment feels good. So do the moments after I have finished as my body feels tired, but in a good way.

Edited by: ONLINEASLLOU at: 1/1/2013 (22:01)

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1/1/13 7:23 P

Change up your exercise. Try new things. Set goals. Sign up for a 5k. If you belong to a gym try different classes or hire a personal trainer and tell them what your goals are and they can set up a new routine for you.

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1/1/13 6:53 P

It's called WORKing out for a reason. Yes, it's "work".

You have to ask yourself, if you can usually do 30 and today only did 5 - why? What really stopped you? Were you physically exhausted? (Look at your past 24 hours - why?) Were you just bored? Were you fed up with doing the same thing over and over? What actually drove you stop?

Working out never gets easier. And it never should. The professional full time athlete and the couch potato on her first walk both push themselves as hard as is reasonable and comfortable to go. The athlete achieves more, and probably lasts longer, but both are pushing, both need to push their boundaries to achieve any improvement, so it "feels hard" for both of them.

It'll never get easier. You just become able to last longer, and go further and faster.

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1/1/13 6:21 P

It takes time for it to become a habit and not so much work. in the beginning I found it to be hard to do but now I find it fun. There are moments where I don't want to do it but I find a way to charge myself up to do it. Try watching your favorite tv show while on the treadmill. The time will go by and your workout will be done. Have plan b. Try a workout video instead if you can't make yourself use the treadmill. The other day I just could not make myself use mine so I dressed warm and went for a nice long walk outside.

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1/1/13 5:01 P

Some days you just don't feel like working out. I don't think that has anything to do with it "feeling like work", I think it's just your mind set for the day. Try something over than the treadmill or try to pump yourself up with some great music. A lot of times that takes my mind off what I'm doing and the 30 minutes fly by.

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1/1/13 4:15 P

It is always hard to get started, make time, change clothes, get to the gym, pool, etc... After, it always feels great!

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1/1/13 4:09 P

Find something you like. Get some weights and lift. Get a fun dance cardio video. Just find something that doesn't feel like work. If the treadmill's all that's available to you, get DVDs of a show yve been wanting to watch or a favorite movie or download some great music or a podcast or get a book on tape.

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1/1/13 3:58 P

sigh.... does working out ever get easier?

i supposed it is a good thing since that means my body is being challenged.

went for a jog on the treadmill today in my condo and i couldn't last more than 5 minutes... just didn't have the zeal for it today. i usually can get in a good 30 minutes.

anyone have any motivating words?

thanks