Exercise, a joy or a necessary evil?

[food girl]

I just read the profile article in the August issue and I am a little baffled. When asked about his decade of fitness, Mr. Adventure states : "I still hate every minute of it". I find it odd that CL would profile someone with this sort of attitude, much less put it into print!!


I admit there are days that I would rather veg out, cook, read a book, do laundry (har har) than exercise.

Am I just kidding myself that I enjoy it?

How do you feel?

Lisa

[emilycat]

I LOVE IT!
Sorry to scream; I just wanted to profess my adoration of exercise. :D

While yes, sometimes I run because I feel like I "have to," (as in I know I need to take a day off but I can't because I feel like I need to run), I truly love it (albeit a tad compulsive about it sometimes).
I grew up a very active child; I can't remember a time I wasn't involved in some sort of athletic activity, be it dance, gymnastics, tennis, whatever.
Our family vacations have always revolved around hiking or biking, and I can't imagine a vacation that doesn't at least start off each day with a run in new environs.
I love getting out there and doing stuff; it's so good for my mind, and my body loves it most of the time. :)
I don't think you're fooling yourself. Everyone's different, and there are definitely people who love to exercise and don't, just as there people who do and don't love to cook.

[Shirley Panek]

This is a new attitude for me, however. I think that as I've gotten older and started listening to my body more (or perhaps it's just starting to yell a little louder) - I find that I feel so much better when I exercise. I workout 5 days a week, and find that even if I have to drag my butt in there because I'm pooped (or sick), I find that I feel 100% better after I've finished.

[lindrusso]

I put myself down as a "love it", but that may be taking things a bit far ;) , but it's no longer a "necessary evil" either. I do look forward to it most days and the benefits outweigh most feelings of resentment (or whatever you want to call it when you don't feel like working out - laziness?).

When I was heavier and more out of shape, I definitely had a harder time psyching myself out. Now that I'm seeing progress and improvement, I look forward to working out so that I can maintain all the work I've done so far and to challenging myself to see how much farther I can go.

I also feel more relaxed and I tend to sleep better when I work out.

[BethML]

Several years ago, daily exercise (1 to 1 1/2 hours every day) was my favorite outlet for stress and the one thing guaranteed to relax me. Now, it's just another obligation tacked onto all the rest-- it's become such drudgery!

Food girl, funny you should mention that man profiled in the latest issue-- I was also surprised to read that statement, but it actually had an inspiring & comforting effect on me... and helped me make it to the gym more often last week.

[Nancy171]

What exercise? I really should do something (and I've tried sooo many times) but I just hate it! I live in a city so I walk a lot to get places but I can't bring myself to do anything really cardio-intensive. Genetics and youth have allowed me to get away with this so far, but as 30 approaches I fear I will have to change my ways.

[Natasha]

Pure bliss! Seriously!!

Why do you look so shocked? D'ya think I'm WEIRD or something for feeling that way?!

Well, okay, maybe I'm a LITTLE weird...but I do l-o-o-o-v-e my exercise. ;)

Natasha

[Julia1Pin]

I checked the necessary evil box, but I'm more in between. Now that I've been doing it pretty steadily for the last 1 years and a couple of months, and see a big difference (finally), I'd rather not stop.

But really what hit home the fact that I crave?!?!?!??! exercise is that I stopped for like 2 weeks because of work, and my back hurt, and I was tired and cranky. I have realized that exercise benefits me mentally as much as physically.

So, I love what it does to me and for me, I just wish I didn't ahve to take time out of my day to do it.

[KValley]

No doubt, I love it. I love moving, sweating, the feeling of accomplishment, knowing that what I do has both immediate payoffs and long-term benefits. When I just DO NOT WANT TO lift weights, I think about being 70 and strong. The emotional and physical high is, literally, addicting. I allow myself to feel vain pride in my muscles and cardiovascular endurance- it is motivating to me to not want to lose what I've worked so hard to gain.

There is a lot of variety in what I do - the key for me is to remain challenge and to not get bored, so that "exercise" doesn't become a have-to, but a want-to. On non-gym or non-run, non-boxing days, I still get out to hike, bike, walk. My goal is to make it as much a part of my life as sleeping, eating, working- part of what I MUST do to be a happy, healthy person- but to always look for new challenges so I am stimulated mentally and physically.

BTW- I was not at all athletic as a child; this whole "go-girl" attitude has been a mid-20s to now-early 30's development and the addition of a DH who loves the outdoors!

[daner94]

I love it, and look forward to working out. I tend to sweat heavily, and I get great satisfaction from pouring sweat. Tonight I am going rollerblading. Tomorrow is an hour on the stationary bike and then yoga. I am already psyched for that!

A lot of it is feeling good because I am on my butt in front of this computer all day so it is good to get that blood flowing and my muscles stretched.

[Angela]

I used to love it. I always feel so great after I've exercised, but I haven't been doing it lately. I don't know what my problem is, though at the moment I know it's the heat that is holding me back. I definitely need to motivate!!

[cchhbb]

I used to really like to be outside and active, but definitely lost that feeling. I now have to force myself to exercise. I do feel better after working out, but it's such an effort to motivate myself into getting moving.

I have realized that I will and can make every excuse in the book not to exercise. I now schedule the time into my palm pilot and make myself get up in the morning first thing are work out.

[Jennett]

I LOVE exercise, but I'm fussy about the conditions.:o What I really love the most is 1.) being outdoors, and 2.) letting my mind be simultaneously free and focused. And I've definitely found that I do much better in sports that have those 2 elements at their core.

I've done equestrian sports (which can count as strength but not cardio exercise) my whole life, mainly because I love horses, as well as the mental challenges of the sport. In college, I started to get into more varied cardio stuff, mainly swimming. My biggest challenge is that I tend to be overly critical of myself, expect results too soon, and beat myself up about it, which becomes a negative cycle (duh!). I've recently started running again, and hopefully have learned something! :) I'm still working on ways to motivate myself to be better at indoor activities, i.e. weight training, or spinning when the weather is bad. But I do get bored, though I've found some success in thinking about how much better I'll be at the other activities if I do this too.

And of course, ya gotta love the post exercise high! Nothing beats it, even when you felt like lead jelly the whole time you were working out.:D

[Lynn B]

GREAT poll, Lisa!!!

I checked the "necessary evil" box... but that's not entirely true. (I don't consider my workouts "evil"... just maybe slightly "mischievous"?!!! :) ) But I couldn't truly in GOOD conscience :) check that I "love" it either! What I LOVE is being active, in shape and feeling good. But I have to admit, when that alarm goes off at 6 am, I would be LYING LIKE A RUG if I said I'd rather work out than SLEEP ANOTHER HOUR!!!! :D

Lynn

[workinprogress]

I hate to sweat :p, so I can't say that I love exercise, per se. However, I have really come to love what it does for me. I enjoy knowing that I have the strength to move furniture without help and the stamina to explore an interesting trail with my husband. I am also developing an appreciation for the things my body CAN do, rather than regretting all the things it can't do. Overall, I have to say that exercise definitely improves my life, even if I do have to sweat a bit! ;)

Robin

[Jewel]

Oh how I envy you people who enjoy it...no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot get into it at all. I get hot way too easily, and it makes it hard for me to breathe. If I'm on an elliptical trainer or a treadmill and I get too hot, I want to get off immediately. I have to have a fan set up in front of me or I can't do it.

I haven't exercised since I got the go-ahead from the doctor last month (can't exercise till 6-8 weeks after that surgery) because I just can't get motivated! Time restraints are also a pain for me. I have two hours after work before DH gets home, but if I use one of those hours to work out and the other half to cook dinner, then I don't have the extra hour to shower and get ready. I know what you're thinking about the hour for the shower, but I'm NOT one that can shower and go. I have the blowdry/style/makeup stuff to deal with too, and that's just me.

I know I need to find the time and find ways to make it work, but so far it's not happening! Mornings are out because I have to be at work at 6:30am as it is!! :D

[aggie94]

I lean towards the "love it" category. Most days, I can't wait to get to the gym or to kickboxing class or out on my bike. Some days, though, the last thing I want to do when I get home from work is exercise. I'd rather just lay on the couch, watch Friends, and eat a big bowl of ice cream, but I usually (not often enough!) end up dragging myself to the gym. Either way, I feel great while I'm doing it and afterwards, but some days are harder than others to get to that point.

[BosunsWife]

Well, I will admit that I was totally addicted to working out a couple of years ago. It was before I had DD and had even thought about getting pregnant. I was at the gym every morning at 6 am sharp. Did cardio, lifted weights, showered and then off to work I went.

Fastforward a couple of years. Worked out until I was 6 months pregnant and found that my knees were hitting the bottom of my ever increasing in size belly ( my torture machine of choice was an elliptical trainer). I reverted to walking on my lunch hour. After DD was born, I had a hard time finding to the energy to do housework at times much less working out.

Fastforward again to arrival in Hawaii last fall. I joined a gym with a day care, and was there five days a week. I had a slight slump from April to July, and have recently gone back. I have made myself a promise to go at least three days a week. Simply because its more realistic than thinking I can get there five days a week. I figure three days is better than no days at all. Especially since we are thinking about having another baby. I want to work out all the way through this time and think its more realistic to strive for three days and get there than push for five days and burn out.

A necessary evil? In my case, yes. Do I enjoy it, yes, but not if I push myself to go all the time. I have finally realized my limitations.

[maizeyoats]

This is for all of you that hate excercising but know you should be doing it.
I started going to http://curvesforwomen.com/ 5 months ago. In the first 4 months I lost 20 lbs.. I now weigh 125 and at age 63 I am quite pleased...esp because I have a great sweet tooth and don't want to give up chocolate etc.
I love going to Curves because it is only 30 minutes and you can start your workout whenever you get there. The music makes you want to move but best of all I have met so many great people of every imaginable age range.
See if there is one in your area and pop in for a free try-out. It might be just the thing to get you going.
I voted necessary evil but I must admit I am really enjoying this.

[BevP]

Necessary evil. I love the results: fit, eat more, low cholesterol, lower stress, socialize in class.... If they had a pill that would do all that, I'd be the first to take it. But that's never going to happen so I'll stick to the exercise. :(

[kwormann]

Unlike Emily, I didnt have an active childhood. Neither parent was active and dad went so far as to believe women shouldnt participate in sports, so even when my mom had us be in softball, he wouldnt practice with us.

Now, I exercise sporadically at best, better when it isnt so HOT!!! Its hard to break your childhood habits (I guess the fact I exercise ATALL shows I broke SOME of them!)

Put me in the necessary evil category:)

[BethR]

I lean very much toward loving it. There are some days I don't really feel like running or slogging through a step class, but I love the physical and mental results. An added bonus is that exercise time is ALL MINE -- after taking care of my two young sons all day, that time to just let my mind wander is so important to me! I couldn't do without it.

[sal]

Well, I've debated posting since I'm a minority, but I'll go out on a limb here. I definitely enjoy certain types of exercise, but due to the reality of my life/schedule, I cannot at this moment face the thought of getting up 45 mins earlier to get on the treadmill in our basement, basically my only option at this time. I'm in a rather dark place these days so one more obligation is not for me. At some point I hope I'll be back to enjoying it. sal

[maizeyoats]

This is to Sal,
I should be minding my own business but since you are on this board everyone here wants to be of help to you.
If you are in a dark place now you truly do need to exercise. It is not one more obligation for you it will make you feel better mentally and physically. I would suggest trying to exercise with others or at least outdoors so it won't be so boring.
Hope everything gets better soon.

[AndreaU]

I love my workouts because I workout by doing things I love! I kayak, hike, rock climb & mountain bike. In the winter, I'll take to cross country skiing whenever possible. To me, the best part of a workout is going somewhere and seeing wonderful things. I just can't work out in a gym and stare at other people working out. I'd much rather discover new trails, new rivers, new destinations. To me, it doesn't seem like much of a workout if you love what you're doing. :)

[food girl]

Sorry to be a little absent from my own post. I had my wisdom teeth out on Friday and I have been in a hydrocodone fog. Just kidding! I am doing great.

I am already missing working out! I fondled my bike yesterday and wondered if I would be up for a ride tomorrow.

I love what you all have had to say about exercise. I have been exercising 4-7 days a week for 13 years. I have never had a "slump" but I can certainly say that fear is as big a motivator as anything.

I love riding my bike, hiking, kickboxing and I love a good ol' step class even tho I am not sure that I get any benefit out of it anymore.

I don't like running, swimming or spinning classes (yowch! the seats!). Maybe Mr. Adventure needs to try roller hockey or rock climbing. Maybe he hasn't found his exercise niche?

Take care,
Lisa

[emilycat]

Lisa, I've thoroughly enjoyed your thread.
But you'd better just hope Jewel doesn't read the part about fondling your bike. :D

[Jewel]

Originally posted by emilycat
But you'd better just hope Jewel doesn't read the part about fondling your bike. :D

HUH??? Oh sure, pick on the lady with a healthy sex life why dontcha??? :p

[maizeyoats]

Well, Jewel, we know you are getting some excercise so all is not lost!

[Jewel]

Originally posted by maizeyoats
Well, Jewel, we know you are getting some excercise so all is not lost!

Yeah, sure, but until someone points out the page in the Kama Sutra that shows the 'workout' (wink! wink!) for the flabby underarms and inner thighs, I gotta find another workout to supplement!! :p

[vstowe]

Exercise?............ just a min. I had to look it up. I don't excercise because...bad back, no time, reading new CL etc..

I am new around here so maybe I will get motivated from some of your wonderful post.

[funnybone]

The thought of exercise is usually worse than the exercise itself. I find that once I put my clothes and shoes on, and start, I get into it.

I have exercised on and off for years. Fortunately I have never had a weight problem, so my main focus has never been to lose weight. I just don't want to gain any in the future.

The key is to find what you enjoy (this can be hard) and then sticking to it. I have enjoyed step aerobics in the past, and now am really enjoying "TaeBo". It really boosts my energy level, and I am seeing some results that I really hadn't seen before - in overall firming and toning.

[RobinC]

What started off as a necessary evil has become a joy. When I exercise regularly, I not only feel better physically but emotionally as well. Yup, count me as one of the many women..uhhh....people even that struggles with weight issues. Heck, toss in some depression in too. I recently started a 13 week walk to running program. Dang, it feels great that I, the big girl, have started running!

[kirkbyky]

Yesssss, I'm in the minority....:o
I don't like 'formal' exercise-you couldn't pay me enough $$$ to goto a gym-been there, hated it. However, I love being active, I'd rather crank the stereo and dance around the house for an hour or go on a hike in the outdoors. Of course I have a list of why I'm not more active, but the biggest one hurts! I injured my foot about 2 years ago, when I had no insurance & just had to deal (I've been to the doctor since, but alot of the damage is done). I compensated my style of walking & ended up killing my knees! You should hear them creak going up & down stairs!:eek:
So running is out, but I do walk & do yoga. I think I miss having an exercise buddy, my DH isn't interested-He's too lazy too! So no help with motivation there! I eat relatively healthy (low red meat, high veggies), am not really concerned about my weight, but I HATE feeling old & creaky when I'm only 30! That's my motivation to be active, but.....
whinewhinewhinewhine...yes, I know excuses, all.
Sigh. Thank You all for your previous comments, and for starting this post. Seeing my words in print gives me a chill, just replace 30 with 40, 50, 60. Signing off now, I've got to go!

Kyle

[Jen]

I've been lurking in this thread, but I think I'll jump in with a response. I LOVE what exercise does for me physically and mentally, but, like Julia1Pin, I just have a lot of trouble finding the time to do it. I went through a phase a couple of years ago where I went to the gym 3-4 times per week and I felt great. But the way things are going right now, I can't find a free evening to go, and I'm already up at 5:30 am most mornings to get to work. I somehow got roped into planning my 10-year high school reunion - has anyone else ever done this? With a class of 500 people, it is INSANE. I can't believe I agreed to it. Every night is taken up with stuff I have to do, and it's not like I can let it slide - people are counting on me to get it done and it's got a deadline. And that's on top of the 438 other things I'm supposed to be doing in the evenings. I'd love to find time to exercise, but I don't see it happening in the next little while. When I force myself to make the time, everything else slides - housework (even though DH is amazing and much better at cleaning than me), personal stuff, and especially planning meals/cooking. And this ends up being just as bad for me in the long run, since I eat junk!

Also, KValley, I was interested in your comment about not being an athletic kid. I was also non-athletic and a bit chubby as a kid and I think it gave me a permanent aversion to exercise. Even though I've lost some weight and am in much better shape, I can't get over the feeling that "I'm too fat for this", or "I look stupid"...I don't really care whether people think those things about me, but the voices still whisper in the back of my mind. I had fabulous parents, but I often think the only thing they messed up with me was teaching me to be active (my Mom refuses to exercise; my Dad does now, but never did when I was a kid). I did play soccer and take ballet for awhile, but it was obvious I wasn't very good at it so they pulled me out. It makes me even more determined to become more active now, so that when I have kids I can instill in them pride in their bodies and an active mindset regardless of what they look like, how coordinated they are, etc.

I guess I'd better get exercising!! :)