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 enjoy it but different people prefer different types of exercise and sometimes try the wrong one for them then give up. Some people really do love cardio, some feel amazing when they lift weights and get stronger, some prefer a group class or sport. If you’re doing something solo though I HIGHLY recommend adding in music or an audiobook or podcast, especially if you’re feeling like it isn’t for you. That can help if you’re getting bored. Then, switch it up. If you didn’t like the elliptical, try a weight lifting session. If the weights weren’t your cup of tea, try a yoga class or a free yoga video if you just want to try it at home without so much expense and commitment.
Yeah for sure. Somedays no, but once you make it part of your routine it gets alot easier to enjoy. I usually listen to podcasts or music to keep my mind more active though and that helps alot, because then you are not thinking solely of the physical exertion on my body.
I do. I do it every day, at a public gym/pool. It was originally a way to maintain or regain “ability” (don’t call it “fitness”, I’m still old and fat). After a while, you start feeling better, and some time after that, start noticing things are getting worse if you don’t do it.
For me, doing something fun, out of the house with others, helps a lot. Spin class, circuit training, water aerobics, having others around doing the same thing is motivating. I worked with a trainer for a while, they helped come up with things I like, for example, one of my favorites is tossing a medicine ball. Don’t ask me why, but I like that.
Ive made the argument for years that working out in the gym is by far the worst possible way to work it. Its just so boring and depressing and take sup your limited time.
Why would I spend an hour at the gym working out when I can play football with freinds, or go to a skate park or go mountain biking, or even just go for a run through a park? Its like trying to learn something by just doing math problems over and over again instead of working through actual problems.
Because all those things you mentioned are sporadic and rely on good weather and scheduling of others. So how often can you even do them? Most people at my age can’t just whip up a game of football when ever.
It’s just easier to go to the gym if you want any chance at a regular routine.
There are always ways to make it work. Like for me I have regularly scheduled volleyball for a couple hours twice a week. Which because its inside I never have to worry about the weather and theres enough people that other peoples schedules arent an issue. And while volleyball can be pretty niche you can find regular open invite football anywhere even in small towns. Then I also go to the skatepark twice a week too which doesnt rely on other and the weather rarely interrupts it, and if it does I go to the one under the overpass instead. Ive been doing this for years, extremely regularly, and the fact that its actually fun and I look forward to it has made it far more regular than when I went to the gym, plus ive made loads of friends, learnt actually skills and dont have to put up with gym bros. So to me there is really no downside.
Nah, it’s definitely a delayed gratification in my case. I don’t dislike working out per se, I just like doing other things more. Hence why I do a couple of physically demanding sports.
I used to, but I fell out of the habit. Mostly with strength training, kinda hated cardio haha. The only way I liked cardio was to hop on an elliptical and tune out to a show while I “ran”.
Yes, of course. But if you don’t enjoy it, you don’t have to do it, or don’t have to do it at the level you’re attempting. There are 1000 ways to be fit and healthy, you don’t have to pick 2 and do them forever. Experiment.
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.
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.
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