I can imagine people having fun getting lost in the flow of playing a competitive sport. I’ve also heard some people experience a post-workout high. But does anyone actually feel pleasure in the moment while lifting weights, jogging, cycling, etc?
If so… what does it feel like? Is there anything the rest of us can do to cultivate such a mindset?
If you mean in a gym? I hate the gym and am one of the people that only likes the effects.
If you mean outdoors, like cycling or running or hiking, then oh yeah! It’s fun to lose yourself in the action: it’s meditative as the physical action is repetitive and it allows you to just take in your scenery and let your mind wander freely.
Yes, I love it. I feel that enjoying it comes with a few factors: knowing what you’re doing is correct and maximizing each workout, and a shift in mindset that the “dread” of it doesn’t actually have to be dread, which takes time to shift your head into as you get familiar. Of course, there are days where I’d rather not go, but showing up for the ritual is what matters, at that point. To get the post-workout high, you have to push yourself adequately to feel it. It doesn’t have to be equal intensity of it afterward every single time, but it’s a good sign that you’ve worked out really well.
Yes, I love it. I feel that enjoying it comes with a few factors: knowing what you’re doing is correct and maximizing each workout, and a shift in mindset that the “dread” of it doesn’t actually have to be dread, which takes time to shift your head into. Of course, there are days where I’d rather not go, but showing up for the ritual is what matters, at that point.
Yes, I love running. I also go hiking and do body weight exercises.
To answer your question, the only way to cultivate the habit is to start something and sticking to some plan. I know it’s easy so say but it’s the only thing that works.
I do follow some runners on Instagram and YouTube for motivation.
As I get older, I enjoy it more. It’s a reminder that I’m not as old a bastard as I feel some days, and I know the benefits are real, noticeable, and literally life changing. And at that moment I’m the youngest I’ll ever be for the rest of my life, so it’s a good time to do it.
Maybe I don’t love the specific moment that my muscles are on fire but perspective keeps me happy while doing it
for me, yes, when cycling. its a form of meditation to me and you can always back off if it gets too hard or exhausting. im working on my climbing now which is definitly challenging me but its also good for building that mental fortitude of ‘head down, just peddle dont think’. its done wonders for me mentally, as well as physically
I’ve been going to the gym 2-4 times per week for about a year now. It’s a massive chore every single time and I don’t enjoy doing it but I do it for health benefits.
For me there is no greater endorphin rush than listening to some really good bassey music and really pushing myself on a cardio machine
Rum & bass + rowing machine really got the adrenaline going for me, was actually comparable to being high for a period of time
Lifting weights is different but feels very good to see yourself in the mirror lifting something heavier than you’ve ever done before and you get addicted to chasing that feeling
I think part of the mindset is getting yourself to embrace the physical punishment and actively seek it out, couldn’t tell you exactly how to do that but for me a lot of the time knowing it’s going to be difficult will get me more excited now
Yes, I now love taking exercise in most ways but I came to it quite late. Today for instance, as training for a sprint triathlon I’ve decided to to, I ran to the swimming pool, swam the required distance and then ran back. It felt great to be able to do it. Some bits of my body were sore but not in a bad way, just a reflection of the fact that I worked hard and accomplished something if not done before, it feels great.
I enjoy it in that I find it helps me disconnect from work. Not even consciously, I just find after running for 40 minutes any lingering mental hangover from my office job are gone. It’s similar to what happens when doing volunteering or community work.
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