Hate to Exercise? Try These Ideas!

Are you the type of person who hates to exercise? You're not alone! If your motivation (or creativity) is lacking, try some of these fitness ideas from people who used to hate to exercise but realize the need to MOVE as a critical component in their daily lives.

I have a stationary bicycle, which is great for me, because I can read while I'm on it. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, and definitely not boring. Now I actually look forward to exercise."

"I find it's easier to exercise if there's a purpose to it. I don't run on a treadmill, but I run to the grocery store to buy one small item. I ride my bike if I need to go to a bookstore. I walk to the grocery store if I need to buy something I can't carry while running."

"I have always thought of my exercise time as ME time, and I try to treat each session like any other appointment in my day. I don't do it for anyone else's benefit, only my own."

"Try coming up with something you really want to do, like a triathlon or road race, and figure out what you need to do to accompli**** It is a great motivator, and more importantly (I think), your motivation changes. It's no longer about losing a few pounds, but rather accomplishing something much larger."

"I used to not like working out—I'm not athletic at all. For me, it was as simple as signing up for exercise classes at my local community college. Once signed up, I felt like I needed to attennd.

"You don't have to 'exercise.' Just find an activity that you enjoy—maybe dancing? The more you start to move the more you're going to want to move. It may sound silly but it's true. Start small and just add a little more movement each week. Also, weight lifting can be very empowering. You just may like it."

"I hate exercising to, so I have to be very creative in what I do. I always do my stair step machine because I can watch television while I am doing that. I usually pick something to watch that really entertains me because it takes my mind off of what the exercise is. Other times I walk my booty off outside. I take different routes each time I walk. That way I have something new to look at while I'm walking."

"I thought I hated exercise, but what I really hated was going to the gym, so I don't go. Now I have a couple DVDs that I do in my living room and I do power walks that include these really steep stairs in my neighborhood. On weekends I hike or ride my bike."

"Working out is the hardest thing that I have to do all day. Try distracting yourself while you workout. I received an iPod shuffle for Christmas and use it every time I work out.  I find music to be a great distraction when I'm working out. Each song takes me to a different place! It's great!!"

"I often find it hard to get motivation to go to the gym, but not to go on walks. What I did when I started was only walk outside. I lost 30 lbs in about 3 months, just by walking everyday and eating less."

"Start small and build. I started by getting off the subway train a stop early and walking 10 minutes to get to work. Now I get off three stops early, coming and going for a total of 50 minutes a day."

"I used to hate exercise and only did it because I had to in order to lose weight. Then I started trying new things. I discovered that I love yoga. And the most surprising thing is that I like to run! I think once you find something you enjoy, the more you do it, the more you want to do it. I also used to hate exercise because it was hard for me. The more I do, the easier it gets, and the more I like it."

"We have to stop thinking about exercise as a nuisance. Our bodies were designed to move! Don't even call it 'exercise.' Just get out and live! I'm at a point now that I can't end the day without doing some sort of meaningful movement, whether it's taking the dogs outside or just 10 minutes on the recumbent bike. It seems like I usually end up doing more than I intend to do and I feel so good afterwards."

"I started running at age 44 (I could only run for 30 seconds before I had to start walking). Fast-forward 18 months and I now run 5 miles (average) 3-4 times per week. What keeps me going are the constant challenges I take on.—signing up for a 5K run weeks ahead of time, keeps me totally inspired to keep on training. If you need to find a race in your neck of the woods just check out Active.com.
 

You're such an inspiration, Boneman .. Too bad you don't live closer to more of us so we could maybe form an exercise club or some such.  

 It looks like I"m just the opposite of you, in that the only time I used to feel inspired to exercise was when I went to the gym ..  A social thing, I guess ...   I just would not be able to suck it up and exercise at home alone for any length of time ..  But now I would almost be afraid to go to the gym, with all this loose skin flapping around   --  people might run out screaming or something ..  

 btw, what do you think of those elliptical machines?   They look pretty good, except you have to stand the whole time you're using them and I think that would be "unmotivational" .. 

I love the elliptical, great exercise, I do about 40 to 50 minutes 5 days a week.  There is also an ARC trainer that is similar to the elliptical but with arm movement included.

Jim

Great post, Bone!

As I acrue a variety of exercise experience, P90X Pose Running, Astanga Vinyasa and Bikram Yoga, as well as a couple of full body resistance training routines, the whole thing becomes like one big series of dance steps - and dancing is fun, even alone. Hard to put a finger on why.

I like to also think that every new motion is providing new development, not only to the body, but also to the brain. Since tossling and other physical motion helps kids' brains develop, I'm certain that this must be true with adults. This is how physical therapy works: New motions make new nerve paths.

Just think of it as a bank of resources that can increase with age and be with you as you age.

Best Wishes,

Dave