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?
It depends on the workout for me. When I’m in shape of course, if I’m not in shape then it’s hell.
Running 4-6km is very neutral, nothing special
Running 6-10km is kinda enjoyable
Running 10-15km feels really good for some reason
Then everything above 15km is hell (I only ever ran a half marathon at once)
I find running a bit like meditation, or I just let my mind wander wherever. I can’t really put to words the experience, but I would definitely describe it as enjoyable. Especially in winter, I absolutely love it when the cold bites my skin as I start running, and then when you warm up you don’t feel it anymore.
It varies for me. Some days I’m like “I get to work out! 😄”
And other days are closer to
“I have to work out 😣”
But I like the progress I’ve made, I’m even starting to see shadow under my ribs. I always feel better after the workout though, and it makes me feel like the relaxation time I typically do after is earned.
I do genuinely enjoy cycling yeah, at least if it’s outside. In general though I hate working out (and don’t do it nearly enough as a result), but I do actually like the feeling afterwards
I find working out to be an intensely boring experience. I ended up doing martial arts to stay fit because the work out ends up being incidental and the activity itself is engaging. I recommend trying something like judo or boxing depending on whether you would be more comfortable with grappling or striking.
Sometimes I’m loving the workout and feel like I’d be able to workout for hours on end and other times it’s not as enjoyable and I just want to get it over with.
But what I do enjoy is being able to see myself progress. Looking at progress pictures over the months/years and seeing growth, as well as being able to lift more than I ever have before. It never fails to make me happy.
I make workout my me time: my music, my time, my body.
Viewing working out as something that is good for me instead of a chore also does help. Concentrating on my body, really feeling the muscles contract is kind of a meditation to me.
I don’t feel a particular high after working out, but I feel better than when I don’t do it. It’s not a “whoohoo everything is great” feeling, just general contentness and a good mood.
I don’t get a lot of that in the gym. The gym is boring as hell, and my solution to burning calories without getting bored to death is watching Netflix on those cardio bikes. I’m not getting any enjoyment out of the activity itself but it passes the time and I still get to feel the mood improvement after I’m done.
I used to. Lifting weights helped me in many aspects of my life. Particularly in regards to making goals and seeing them through. It was difficult to get into but once I started seeing results (pretty quickly) the gym became my second home for years. And then my daughter got sick and I got depressed and now it’s been 5 years and god I miss it but just haven’t been able to get back
Do I enjoy my workout? Fuck no! I do it because I want to keep my body in shape and healthy. But I do experience some pleasure. During my warmup jog, I hate myself for putting myself through this, but later when I’m lifting weights, I feel like I’m somehow doing something good by lifting something so heavy. And afterwards, I feel very elated, free and awake. So it’s a net positive even if the process is near torture sometimes.
I play an intense competitive sport which burns easily 5000 calories a week, keep a reasonable diet, and do stretches/cooldowns according to my Dr and physio. Then at home I do a pretty basic routine of squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and stretch band exercises. I don’t smoke and barely drink anymore either.
I’m 38 and that keeps me in great physical condition, healthy weight, nice muscle tone; plus I’m energetic, and mostly injury free. I’ve also noticed I’m aging significantly better than my stagnant friends and colleagues.
I certainly do. Sometimes I have to get over the hump to actually GO to the gym on workout days but I’ve never once (well, okay, one workout I had one time after going regularly for years did leave me unsatisfied - I will admit that) finished up a workout and been like “what a goddamn waste of time and energy”.
Yes! I love it. It’s almost a meditative experience for me, kind of like when you’re in the shower alone with your thoughts. Also, since I’ve been regularly working out for a couple of years now, I’m at a point where if I don’t work out, then I start feeling like shit.
Is there anything the rest of us can do to cultivate such a mindset?
Idk, but I definitely did not like it at the start. I just sucked it up and pushed through, making sure I did it on a regular basis. Eventually, it stopped feeling like a chore and started feeling like a part of my routine, like brushing my teeth in the morning or showering in the evening.
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