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?
I like the feeling when I’m working very hard. Whether that’s lifting weights, hiking, mountains, or just moving heavy things I generally enjoy that feeling of exertion.
In terms of you starting to enjoy it, the only suggestion that I would make is that the only way through is forward and keep it going until it becomes enjoyable for you. That might sound counterintuitive but ultimately little in life that’s easy is worthwhile and the effort that you’ll put in will be rewarding.
Pleasure for me comes from achievement. The time I first ran 5k in under 30 minutes, or the first time I deadlifted more than my own bodyweight. Achieving these things gives you that nice feeling. Yeah, there are people who can run faster or lift heavier, but I try and concentrate on my progress - doesn’t always work but I know deep down I’m getting better at the things I choose to do.
For its own sake, no. Unless I happen to be doing something I intrinsically enjoy that happens to give me exercise, I hate it every time. I need some really motivating tunes otherwise, and they wear out fast after a few listens.
I didn’t enjoy it at first, but seeing progress in my weightlifting encouraged me a ton. Eventually I did start enjoying the actual workout, and if I skip a day it feels like something is missing.
Ive been lifting for about 4 years, it took 6-12 months for me to start enjoying the process.
So I’ve found there’s two different ‘pleasure’ experiences:
One is during the workout where you disassociate and just feel your muscles working. In running this is usually called a “runner’s high”, and in weightlifting it’s typically refered to “lifting heavy thing make me happy” / “Big rock make sad voices go away”
Then there’s the after-workout where you just feel your muscle exhausted as you relax and it’s extremely satisfying. You know you’re getting stronger and the workout will be easier next time.
Both of these feelings take a few weeks to start, you’ll have to get results from your workout and then your mind and body will start rewarding you with dopamine for doing a good job. (Although some days working out still sucks ass though and is both tiring and a chore, that part doesn’t go away it’s just easier to ignore).
You have to do it long enough to where it becomes a habit. Once you hit that point, you won’t feel as good mentally and physically when you don’t work out. It took over three years for the habit to come about with me, but now I work out 6 day’s a week and appreciate it. I also enjoy the changes it’s made in body.
And it seems I’m in the minority as well. I enjoy my workout during, but I think it’s mostly psychological. This is doing either weights or cardio. For weights, the pump is key, and addictive, which is not specifically psychological.
I think the psychological part has something to do with the accomplishment of getting the workout in, and looking forward to the feeling or “high” afterwards which is noticeable to me.
Also regular workouts make me feel better generally throughout the week, on a regular basis. Very noticeable if I stop for weeks at a time, and I miss it.
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 depends on the exercise for me. Weights/ strength training I struggle to enjoy but going for a run is my jam. It can get pretty rough on the longer runs but every time when I finish and catch my breath I generally feel a lot happier about myself and find dealing with life a lot easier.
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