Exercise you actually enjoy?

Canada
March 29, 2012 2:00pm CST
I admit it... I hate to schedule exercise. I hate to feel like I'm forcing myself to do something because, even though I know it's good for me, I don't enjoy it. I have a treadmill and it's the most boring thing on earth for me when I use it. I listen music, I've tried watching a movie as some have suggested to me as a distraction, but I just can't stay motivated for the long term. I prefer walking outdoors and try to do that as often as possible but there are some times of year in Canada where I simply don't relish the idea of freezing for the sole purpose of getting some exercise. What exercise do you do that you truly enjoy? Do you play a sport that you never want to miss? Do you have a certain exercise you do with friends and it's more social and fun that drudgery? Please be honest and don't say you like it if you don't I think many of us would be more dedicated to fitness if we could just find "that thing" that feels a little more like fun than simply working out.
3 people like this
19 responses
• India
3 Apr 12
I don't do regular exercises on all days. Most of the days I go for playing. I used to play cricket, football and as well as badminton. I love those games well. SO if i get a chance to play those games i will make use of it. So I think I doesn't need of such regular exercises. What do you think ? Am i right?
1 person likes this
• Canada
3 Apr 12
I think you've found a great way to be healthy :) You are being active and exercising while playing games you love... nothing could be better than that! It's something you will stick with because you enjoy it... and that's really the key
• Canada
5 Apr 12
You're right and that is exactly what I'm hoping/trying to do ... there aren't many organized team sports for women in my community. It's mostly directed at football and baseball for the men - or soccer for the kids. So, I'm looking at fun ways to get my regular exercise. I have my bike ready for the nicer weather and I just received my sport hula hoop (which I tried as soon as I opened the box and was excited that, while I can't do it perfectly yet, I was actually able to use it LOL). I think if we learn to "play" more than "exercise," we end up being in much better health
• India
5 Apr 12
So why can't you perform the same thinkingoutloud ?
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
5 Jul 12
Dancing is great exercise and I love it! My last job provided the opportunity to work out twice per week with a personal trainer and that was rough, but rewarding.
1 person likes this
• Canada
6 Jul 12
Dancing is definitely a fun way to exercise... and people don't always realize the benefits! Think about all those Dancing With The Stars contestants... Many of them get into serious shape during all that dance training! Of course, we wouldn't be dancing to that level but the getting up and moving is so beneficial. How lucky that you got the opportunity to have a personal trainer through your job! I think a lot of people don't work out regularly because they really don't know what to do and they have no one to keep them motivated and on track.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
8 Jul 12
Working out with a personal trainer was definitely motivation, but it wasn't always the kind of workout that I wanted. I was just glad I was able to keep up a healthy lifestyle.
• Philippines
31 Mar 12
I have never tried working out in the treadmill. I would love to try it to see if it's really boring. Anyway, I admit all of the exercises I do are not enjoyable except for the bicep curls (which I enjoy because everytime I do it I feel like my arms are slimming ). I work out with the use of jumping rope most of the time and I have to force myself to do it every time.
1 person likes this
• Canada
31 Mar 12
One of my daughters uses a jump rope some of the time and she seems to enjoy it. She says it makes her feel like a little kid again and it's more fun That would be something that I could easily try and it would be good cardio. Here's an interesting example (it's a men's fitness page but it's all the same really): http://www.mensfitness.com/training/jump-rope-cardio
• Philippines
3 Apr 12
I feel bored with the jumping rope. Like you getting bored with the treadmill. I really want to try the treadmill, I feel like it's more enjoyable than jumping in rope. Of course at first I feel so excited whenever I get to jump rope but after doing it everyday, it feels tiring.
@agent807 (751)
• United States
2 Apr 12
Usually, I like to lift weights, but I like moving heavy stuff because I have so much strength and muscle. I like that feeling of being able to take on something heavy and defeating it. I have lifted weights on and off for a while, but my goal is to stick to it this time, and become a weightlifter, or strongman or something in that area. Each time, I have lifted, I have progressed in gaining size, strength, and weight. I have always been a big boy, a heavy one at that, but I also played football and lifted weights to increase my strength, and control the weight. What came from heavy lifting was losing fat, gaining size, weight, and muscle out of it, which made me a difficult person to play football with. I stopped playing football because I was hurting people unintentionally and used this monster body for other things, mainly at work, and helping other people doing things like moving what a normal person could not move. Apparently, people like having a ridiculously strong person on their team, as I found myself with the heaviest of jobs. I found this out a few times when helping clean up an alley, and found myself dragging abandoned cars (this is one strong kid) since tow trucks couldn't get inside, or throwing old furniture in the dumpster. I also volunteer planting trees, which used to be another challenge, but because I am not human, this is no longer a hard job. I get this a lot at work, with people leaving me the heaviest of jobs to do because it would take too many people to do what I can do myself. It doesn't bother me, this is why I go to the gym to make sure I am strong enough to take on what everyone throws at me. I admit that I am a big boy at 5'9" and 335 pounds, and have gotten up to 353 pounds at one point, but most of it is muscle, and I like what I have because it carries so much power and energy. The size also intimidates people, and I like the comparisons to being a small horse.
1 person likes this
• Canada
3 Apr 12
I've never done weight training but I could probably benefit by it at some point in time. I carry most of my strength and power in my legs... I don't have terribly good upper body strength. As a woman, I wouldn't be interested in weights for size, of course, but I know it's very good for toning and sculpting
@agent807 (751)
• United States
14 May 12
Usually women don't get really big muscles like guys unless they are training like guys. It takes a lot of effort to even get that big. a lot of work, food, and supplements. Even those really big guys have to work hard for it. Those women who are bodybuilders have been training like that for quite some time. I am friends with a lady who lifts heavy and to be honest, I don't see why people fear women with muscles. They're a different, yet lovely set of curves in my opinion. For me, I like the feeling of being compared to a horse, bull, or gorilla (I hear those a lot, and I take those as compliments). I see people do weight training for sculpting and toning, which helps make the body more durable, and less prone to injury if you are a busy person, and it also helps mentally when you can clear your mind and focus. My problem is that I have so much going on right now, that it is hard to clear my mind lifting. I don't think I am doing it right because I keep mixing up weightlifting and powerlifting exercises on top of heavy labor, so instead of having some athletic looking physique, I just gained a ton of weight, and have animal like strength, not that I am complaining about it. I convinced myself that big boys are always going to be needed.
• Philippines
30 Mar 12
I like bench presses and bicep curls. I want to concentrate more on my biceps and chest. I also do sports and my favorite are basketball and table tennis.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
I don't belong to a gym or have weights at home so I don't do weight training but I do like the sports you mentioned! I was on the basketball team in high school and, with all the schools and parks in my town, I could easily shoot hoops outdoors for just the cost of getting a new basketball. Not a bad idea! Table tennis I haven't played since I was a kid... but I remember when my dad got us a table for the family room. We sure had a ton of fun with it!
• Philippines
7 Apr 12
Basketball would help you maintain to be fit. At the same time, you are enjoying at what your doing. :)
1 person likes this
@olliekobra1 (1825)
30 Mar 12
i love exercise i play football twice a week and go to the gym three times a week and i love it. If you hate exercise you should maybe change you could play work out games on the wii with your friends you may enjoy that more.
• Canada
31 Mar 12
Sounds like you are very physically fit! Congratulations, that's excellent The Wii is a good idea too - especially in the coldest of the winter months where it's really uncomfortable and unpleasant to be outside for long periods of time. I haven't actually had a Wii in the house for very long and, up until now, only my daughters have been using it. I'll have to look into that
1 Apr 12
If your playing on the Wii you get Benefits of getting fit but also your daughters will love it
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Mar 12
I have a treadmill as well and I'm the complete opposite of you. When I'm on the treadmill I listen to music and catch up on my reading and try to get things done that I wouldn't be able to get done because I don't have the time. I also dance so that's good as well. Maybe you should try dancing as well, because it's extremely fun and it makes you sweat like crazy! I dance hip hop and I love it so maybe you can try that.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
I tried reading on the treadmill but I will admit I wasn't very successful at it I do listen to music though and, if I have the right stuff playing, it can motivate me to stay on longer and keep going. Often, I'm ready to stop and a song comes on that I love so I'll walk through it. Dancing, though, is a lot more appealing to me. I love music and dancing and people always say that you don't have to have a specific routine -- that you just need to get up and start moving. I guess what I have to remember is that exercise really doesn't have to be structured to contribute to being healthier.
@GreenMoo (11834)
1 Apr 12
I don't normally exercise as such as I live a really active life and don't feel the need. But i went swimming last week and afterwards i felt really relaxed. It encourages you to stretch your muscles in a way that you don't do in normal life. I wish i could go more often.
1 person likes this
• Canada
1 Apr 12
I would love to swim on a regular basis, too, but the one fitness center in my town that has a pool requires a car for me to get there and I don't have access most of the time :( It's also pretty expensive to join. I love to swim though... always have and we always had a pool when I was growing up. My sister has one and I manage to get over there a few times in the summer but not often enough to be a health benefit -- just for pure enjoyment For the people who can do it regularly, swimming is fantastic exercise
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
29 Mar 12
I don't blame you, walking on a treadmill is pretty boring, I don't enjoy it either but I love to work out. I have DVD's that I do at home that are dance workouts. They are really super fun and I enjoy doing them. I even look forward to doing them. I think you need to do something that you enjoy. I also enjoy kickboxing workouts, but there are also DVD's where you do sport type exercises to music. Try out a few work out DVD's go to your local library and try some out, you might find something you enjoy. I personally love Turbo Jam and workouts by Shaun T.
• Canada
30 Mar 12
Awesome! Thank you for the specific recommendation, ladym! :)) I love dancing so I'd probably enjoy something like that and I could alternate it with other workouts. I've tried "dance type" workouts (you know, like Richard Simmons' Sweatin' to the Oldies kinda stuff hehe) but I think I'd like something current. I've never tried a total kickboxing workout but I did have an exercise routine that incorporated a couple of the kick and punch moves... I found them very effective. But, yes, I'd really like to find something other than the treadmill and maybe only use it once or twice a week, if possible. I just ordered a sport hoop today and I'm kind of jazzed to try hula hooping! I think it'll be a good core exercise -- if I can actually DO it
@Cale2012 (114)
30 Mar 12
I'm very agree with point. and doing some sport workout is good for our health and spiritat. Like treadmill exercise is much boring. When I move on it, I can't get any pride and score, and leave a much depression feeling.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
30 Mar 12
Whenever I'm able to exercise with my children, that is exercise that I really enjoy. For me, this means that I love going to the pool during the summer with the kids and swimming with them (and working with them on their swimming skills as well). I like to go on walks with the kids and with the dogs. And I've also got a bicycle and now that both of the kids are able to ride without training wheels, I'm really looking forward to getting out and riding with them.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
I really, really miss having a pool. We always had one growing up and my first home had one, too. Where I live now, there are problems with a neighbor's tree roots and putting in a pool will mean constantly replacing torn liners and such so I haven't done it. My sister has a pool... a big in-ground one, actually... which I do try to use but of course it's more awkward when it's not your own, you know? Bike riding is great! As I mentioned in a comment above, I'm getting my bike in tip-top shape this year. Had it serviced at the cycle shop and all because I didn't use it even ONE time last year and that's disappointing to me. I've always loved bike riding but I didn't make it a priority. I'm going to try to take advantage of some of the new additions to the bike path in my town - but, fortunately, I live in a place that is still quiet enough that we can just bike ride around the streets too and it's enjoyable.
• Philippines
30 Mar 12
Exercise that I really enjoy? Basketball. It's one of the best workouts ever. Another thing - jogging. If you find the treadmill boring, then try jogging. You're able to go to places, see different things and probably even meet different people, and you're able to burn a few calories at the same time!
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
Someone else suggested basketball too! Even though I used to be on a team in school, I never thought of basketball as a regular exercise at this point in my life... but there's no reason not to play. There are schools and parks not too far from my home that have outdoor courts or even just single practice hoops. The only hard part is finding a spot that isn't already occupied by a ton of kids I've never been a good runner (or jogger) but I do walk with purpose. I don't walk at a snail's pace -- when I go, I really move. I agree that being outdoors and seeing things and getting the fresh air is a lot more motivating than just being in my house on the treadmill. I have a different and more productive mindset.
@almond24 (1248)
• Hungary
30 Mar 12
There are not too many, which is not good, because if I want to keep a routine I easily give up something that I don't enjoy. I like dancing the most. We had a dance group in our town for many years, but unfortunately there is nothing like that now. I like playing badminton too. And walking - I walk everywhere that is in walking distance, and some people think I'm crazy to do that.
1 person likes this
• Canada
31 Mar 12
I do a lot of walking, too. If I'm going somewhere that it's possible to reach on foot in a reasonable amount of time (or if I don't have a specific schedule), I like to walk instead of drive. I think dancing would be something I would stick with because I really do enjoy it. Mainly, I believe it's the routine of doing the same thing, over and over, for every workout, that makes me lose interest. So, I'm thinking that, with more of a variety of activities, I'd be more successful
• China
30 Mar 12
I had a trademill once.I was running on it to lose my weight initially.But the trademill was broken sonn.So i had to jog outside even in winter,is so boring .I was jogging alone with listening music.I have been stick to it about 8 years.Now it is my habbit!Once you have been acusstomed to sth,you will not consider whether i hate it or not.Your routine includes it.If i dont do it because my lazy,i feel guilty for that.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
You are right! Exercise has to become a habit for us to maintain it successfully. I find that, with the treadmill, I can be very strict about it for maybe a month or two and, after that, I get bored and I lose my focus. Congratulations for finding an exercise plan that you can really stick with for so long! That's terrific
• Philippines
30 Mar 12
That's funny because I'm not a sports addict nor am I a health buff but if there is a certain kind of exercise that I am most comfortable with, it's working out with a treadmill. I love the thought of testing your physical limit by walking or running an extra mile or two using the treadmill and see yourself sweating profusely. I can't see myself using other exercise equipment than just a plain old-fashioned treadmill.
• Canada
31 Mar 12
The worst of it is, I know that I'm lucky to be able to have a decent treadmill right in my home because, let's face it, they are pretty expensive. I was fortunate that I caught a half-price sale and that's how I got mine. I also have an exercise bike that was given to me years ago and I never use it. The tension doesn't work correctly and it is HUGELY uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time. So, of the two, I'll take the treadmill every time... but, as I said, I get really bored walking in place in the house and I catch myself watching the time and just waiting for it to be over. It's not very motivational for me personally It's great for you that you challenge yourself successfully and stick with it
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
29 Mar 12
i like to go for walks when i am feeling ok and the weather is not too hot or cold.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
I love to walk too... I used to walk at night but then I switched my work and I'm working at the hour I used to exercise. I have to get used to a new schedule now. I don't mind if it's a bit hot or cold but it's the real extremes I can't handle.
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
30 Mar 12
Although I am not good at many sports, but I like it. I especially enjoy playing the badminton, riding the bike and swimming. I find it fun for me. When we have a day off, we like to go out to have the outdoor activities. It will be good for our health and relationship. I love China
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
Oh! All activities I enjoy -- I haven't played badminton in a LONG time (since I was in school, I guess) but I always found it to be really fun. I should look into getting a net for the backyard. I think both my daughters would use it too! I am already getting my bike prepared for the nice weather. I didn't ride it at ALL last year and I'm disappointed in myself. So, this year, I intend to do that. You're so right that being active is not only good for our health but it strengthens relationships, too, when we do fun things together! It makes it about having a good time and less about being focused on "exercising."
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
30 Mar 12
I am taking an abs and arms class with several teachers that I work with. Most nights it is just us, and it is our time to talk about things that are not work. I am developing more than just a co-worker relationship with these people which is kind of nice. We complain about our husbands, and our own kids. I also really like zumba, or just cranking up the music and dancing and singing along to it.
1 person likes this
• Canada
30 Mar 12
Wow, abs and arms... there's a ladies class if I've ever heard of one! Sooooo many women worry over those two areas, in particular. How great that you can spend some time strengthening your friendship with your co-workers at the same time. Side benefit I haven't tried zumba but my sister and I were talking about it recently. We've heard it's a tough workout - is that true?
@sbucu57 (55)
• Philippines
8 Jul 12
You have a good point in saying that exercise should be done with enjoyment. For me I always enjoyed walking and dancing. Walking had helped me tremendously health wise, as I worked during evenings for more than five years now yet I seldom get sick. I do brisk walking on my way to work, and at times uses the stairs instead of the elevator. I do get to dance only during weekends with a colleague who became a buddy. I also started to join fun runs. It does take a lot of focus and discipline to get fit. It is really hard at first but I believe if you set your mind in something that you really want to do, you will find creative ways to achieve it.
@riyauro (6421)
• India
8 Jul 12
I like skipping..I enjoy it..and another thing i enjoy is batminton..i can play for hours..and walking also..otherwise i don't like routine exercises...oooooooof