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?
Yes, I do actually enjoy working out. I am a sotfware developer, but at the end of the work day, I am tired of developing, I am tired of computers, and I just want to go outside. Both cycling and hiking is my therapy and I clear my head when I do it. I like fresh air, nature and views from mountains. Also, I feel really happy when I finish working out, because I know I did something for myself. But it was not always like that. It was hard from the start, but step after step, it became easier and easier for me. Don’t start with too long walks/hikes/rides. Starts with smaller ones, and every few days add more and more. Start with 1km walk for example. Next week add maybe 0,5km more. Next week maybe add some hill or something. Just don’t overdo it. And find some motivation to do it. Do you like nature? Go walking into nature. Do you like dogs? Get a dog and go walking with a dog.
How did I start hiking and why? When I was hiking with my friends, I was always last, and I couldn’t keep up with my friends. Also, it was really hard for me. I was also overweight. So I had to do something about myself. I started walking, but with short walks. Really short ones (like 0,5km only). But every few walks I added more and more. Now I can do really long walks and hikes without any problem.
How did I start cycling and why? Well that’s another story. I really liked one girl, and she was cyclist. I was thinking it would be easier for me to hang out with her if I also start cycling. I would also have something to talk about with her. So I started cycling and cycling and cycling. Of course I was also talking with her, showing my results, etc. She was really big motivation for me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out with her, we went on a lot of dates, but eventually, we stopped dating. But at the end of the day, she helped me becoming good cyclist and now I can do really long rides, without any problem.
So, moral of the story: I think the main key here is motivation. Find something that will motivate you. And it doesn’t need to be about walking or hiking or cycling. It can be totally different. This worked for me, but something else will work for some other people.
It’s not fun, I do it cause it gives me euphoric feelings similar to opiates and it makes my brain shut up for a few hours. Plus I sleep like a champ after a good workout
Gyms are weird. However, trail running in my favorite park til I feel like I might go into cardiac arrest is great! Plenty of distracting wildlife, no cars. Pushing past that feeling of “I’m gonna die” as I pass the muscular heavy lifters.
What can you do to cultivate this? Uhh…hate yourself and love the outdoors? But in a “guess I’ll floss cause it hurts” kinda self loathing. Also gotta find a park you wouldn’t mind dying in.
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.
Hella fun and video gamey - but my god damn nimble hands keep getting torn up. I’m putting on tape on the afflicted areas, but other areas will then become a problem.
I’m thinking that I need to just continue. At some point, my skin must start learning that it has to toughen up.
Btw. Are there any good climbing communities in the fediverse?
Ya also just take care in how you handle holds, make more deliberate slower grabs for holds so you aren’t relying on contact friction so much. Eventually skin toughens up. Also sand off your callouses they become weak spots for flappers once they get too big.
As for climbing communities I haven’t looked yet but I should!
I’ve found that I’ve progressively stated making better grabs as I’ve been training - I’ll keep your advise in mind.
Atm. I’m not even starting building up callouses. I’m considering maybe taking a week’s break to rest my hands - but I’m feeling like I’ll regress if I do this.
Probably I’m going to do “chin ups” on the wall to get better upper body / arm strength. Often when I’m struggling, I seem to get the most torn up hands.
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 recently started and I fucking hate it. I need a ‘reason’ like playing a sport. So for now my motivation is my daughter. So I can keep up with her. And I’m going to try join the local soccer club next year as a carrot on a stick to aim for.
Add comment