Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

For YEARS I have really wanted to work out. I start a program and stop within weeks. I REALLY REALLY hate it.

I definitely know that a gym just isn't the place for me and I would probably do better with an at home program.

I purchased the BB Slim in 6 program (2 weeks ago!!!) and just can't bring myself to start it. The thought of it makes me cringe.

Has anyone gone from someone who LOATHES working out to someone who LOVES it?

If so, how did you do it? What worked for you?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

I can't say that I LOVE to exercise, however, I got so fed up and disgusted with the amount of weight that I put on this year, that I finally decided to suck it up and join the gym.

I look at it as even if I have a day where I am just walking on the treadmill, that's better than just sitting around doing nothing all day.

I have used that line "I am so not a gym person" either for years, and honestly, the gym seems like my BEST option to lose weight. (Combined with changing my diet, of course).

Where I go too it's only $19.99 a month.

I probably spend more at Starbucks on average each week.



I only joined a couple of weeks ago, but right now I am going first thing in the morning, before the sun rises even, and I have to say, I enjoy it.

There's hardly anyone there yet and I can just get in and get out and then I don't have to worry about it when I get home from work at night.

I'll probably die, but I am also planning to try a spin class this morning.



P.S. I am also looking for others who may be interested in joining, to kind of motivate each other. I can't afford a trainer, but if someone was meeting me there, I look at it as an appt. I have to keep, KWIM?

I have pitched my new gym to family who live in the area and need to lose weight, so we shall see.
On here too, if anyone is interested ;).

Message edited 7/16/2013 4:46:18 AM.

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

i did.

i was a couch potato of the Nth degree! i think i have a plaque to prove it. i hated any kind of exercise.

last year, a friend got into running with c25k. i got jealous and decided to give it a try. i also set the crazy goal of running a marathon.

honestly, i didn't believe i would accomplish ANY of it.

here i am a year later and loving the running.

in my experience and what i've learned about my self is this:

* find a way to move that you already enjoy. if all you like to do is to walk around the block. then do that. walking is great exercise.

* don't push yourself more than you feel comfortable with... ESPECIALLY at the beginning. you want it to be FUN.

* try doing it in ways that isn't "a workout"... go for a walk with a friend, your SO, kids, etc. talk and have fun

* after you get used to it, at a little more.

* work SSSLLLLOOOOOWWWWLLLLYYY towards your goal. it's better to have slow progress than to burn out in six weeks.

* find a way to have to be accountable. the friend who indirectly got me into running and i both post a lot on FB about our running. this way if we stop posting, someone will ask... for me, the shame of saying "oh, i quit" was enough to keep me sticking with it... again, especially in the beginning. now, i post to show off... i ran 15 miles on sunday. i can be so annoying lol

* finally, make better food choices. i've learned THE HARD WAY that real weight loss is found in the kitchen, not the gym.... btw, i still have 20lbs to go.

hth

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

I do not enjoy exercise, for the most part, or I should say that it's not something that I naturally want to do.

I agree with the PP that real weight loss happens in the kitchen, but I try to exercise for health benefits and I think it does help with weight maintenance.

For me, I think the 3 keys are to (i) find something you like doing, (ii) do it at a time that works for you and is realistic for you, and (iii) try to get a friend to do it with you.

I am not a gym person, but I do like zumba (fun music, more dance based), so I take zumba classes from time to time. Used to go to a dance studio in Levittown, and now I do a class at the Merrick golf course through Town of Hempstead. The hour goes fast and doesn't feel like working out to me.

Last year I did the c25K program, too. I never thought I would like running, and I am not sure if "like" is too strong of word, but I did it with a friend and I stuck with the program. I don't think I would have if my friend wasn't my "running buddy." We kind of spurred each other on in a healthy competition, and it was just nice to have support. But I think it helps when the friend is at a similar fitness level as you (my friend was a beginner runner, too).

And I would be realistic about when and how much you can exercise. If you are not a morning person, don't try to get up at 5 am to exercise. And don't try to do something every day if it's not realistic. Try to start with baby steps and if you find something you like, you can work up to more!

But I still struggle with getting my exercise, so I know where you are coming from!

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

I think the key is to find something you really like. For me, I can't just go to the gym and run on a treadmill or an elliptical.
I take classes twice a week and that keeps me motivated because I truly enjoy them!

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

I didn't start out with an expectation that I would have to love exercise to reach my goal. That's unrealistic. But I did expect to force myself and not give up just because I didn't like what I was doing. You gotta suck it up, at least in the very beginning and possibly throughout.

That led me to doing things that I didn't hate *as much* as other things. Taking classes - loathe. Walking on a treadmill alone with music in my ears - like.

Success gives you a perpetual feeling of accomplishment that will make you appreciate exercise for what it does for you, even if you never grow to love it. I look forward to exercising now but I keep it interesting and do all different things. The after effects are what keep me looking forward to it. And I've found some fun things along the way too - like doing Just Dance routines or jogging on a trail through the woods.

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

I know you say you're not a gym person, but from what you describe, I really think group fitness would work for you. You say you'd do better at home - but you're not doing anything at home.

It gives you a schedule - pick what days/times you want to go and stick to it. And there is someone telling you what to do, and the pressure/motivation of being a group to help you get through it.

There are so many gyms that will let you try for a week - it can't hurt! If you get out and go somewhere to workout, your only option is to workout - there's no laundry, tv, dishes etc. There is only a workout.

If it's in the budget I would highly recommend getting some sessions with a personal trainer. It completely changed my workout. I got comfortable doing exercises that actually worked, rather than hiding in the machines and doing the bare minimum. And I learned how to workout effectively and efficiently and to LOVE it (though I've always been active).

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

The others gave great advice too.

I ended up going to that spin class this morning and really enjoyed myself.

The teacher was really nice and emphasized starting out, doing what I can do.....not worrying about others looking at me.

I think tomorrow I am going to take another spin class (lead by a LIFer btw) and try her abs class afterwards.

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

Big Al's in Amityville.

Very affordable.

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?

i go through phases from loather to lover to loather. i am currently in a loather phase and just can not get myself to exercise.

Re: Anyone go from an exercise LOATHER to an exercise LOVER?