HLSG Poll: What exercise do you hate the most?

[lindrusso]

What is that one thing that you dread when you're working out?

For some reason I hate to do my quads and hamstrings. Sit-ups are not a favorite, but I don't dread them as much as many leg work-outs. And for some reason I usually enjoy doing chest and bicep exercises. Don't know why....

I really should get in the habit of doing the exercises that I hate first - less excuses that way.

[Laura]

It used to be bench press. But now it is definately anything that works my hamstrings. Thus as a result, they are still the weakest part of my body. I am now doing them first to get them out of the way but also so that I have the initial strength to really work them (cause they need it) On the other hand, I love working my quads because I like to see the definition when I lift.

[MrsReber]

I hate upper body weight training. Can't stand it, which is why I am in dire need of it! I love doing legs since my legs have always been strong and nicely shaped, even when I was much heavier.

[emilycat]

I absolutely loathe pushups, which is why I forgo them for free weights and machines. Pushups are just not fun. I think that's about it, though. I like doing almost everything else.
Emily

[mightyh]

I hate doing sit ups... They hurt and I never feel like I'm doing enough of them cause I fail to see progress.

[ML]

Push ups are the worst! I always try to avoid them and my husband always reminds me to do them... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif that is what my face looks like when it is time for push ups!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[BeckyM]

I think lately it has been triceps. My husband showed me how to PROPERLY http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif work them, using really slow, steady movements on the "pull-down" machine (I'm sure it has an official name, but I don't know it.), and now they are REALLY hard! Now I am using ONLY my triceps, whereas before I was getting some other muscles into it too, and I was taking too much advantage of momentum. Doing it the "right" way, I had to reduce the weight I was using, and I feel like a real wimp. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif BUT, I can see and feel the difference in my arms, so I guess it's worth it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I just dread doing them.

[erinyyc]

I HATE areobics!!! And pretty much any high cardio workout. I LOVE weight training though and can always find the time for some reps. I do walk daily though, 2 hrs. if possible, except weekends (too busy having fun!) I do know I need more of a vigorous cardio program, but I hate it sooooooo much. Maybe one day I will be able to afford a tredmill, I do like those. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gifErin

[iqueen]

I hate ab work. I think one of the reasons I hate it is because I know I don't really do it properly (mainly my breathing) and it irritates me that I can't get it right. I still do it though and grimace the entire time.

[AndreaU]

I cannot stand running/jogging. I just don't get the point. I'll do weights, sit ups, push ups, etc. For me, cardio has to have a point, it has to be meaningful, not just running around town. Instead, I love to kayak, hike & mountain bike.

[Sandy1]

Absolutely hate 'hover squats'....I'm positive that I can actually hear my leg muscles screaming at me!

[cookgirl]

Anything that requires the slightest feat of strength (ie movement) from my rear end is on the HATE list for me. The problem is...it's also at the TOP of my TO DO list, if you get my drift!

[emilycat]

Okay,
I'll try not to be overly defensive, but I feel a runner's need to defend AndreaU's statement that running is pointless. I'm an avid runner; I log about 45-60 miles a week. I can't say that there is anything more fulfilling and meaningful than completing a 20+ mile long run in training, completing a marathon, running races and general, and even running daily every morning, 6-8 miles, just to clear my head. Running is the cheapest form of therapy; it gives you insight into the chaos of the day that otherwise just seems a blur of craziness. I love running with a passion, and I think any other runner would agree; it's one part of my day I look forward to the most; I feel so good while I'm running, both in my mind and in my body. And the discipline a training schedule requires validates any sort of uncertainty I have about work, or whatever. I agree that an exercise has to have meaning to the person doing it, but plenty of people have an undying devotion to running; if my words seem a little strong, just pick up a few copies of Runner's World. You'll see what I mean.

Emily

[Gwenniver]

Squats, squats, and more squats! Ick.

I take a cardio Kickboxing Aerobics (isn't that a mouthful) class on Tuesdays at my local Y. The teacher is great..the class has a lot of variety (some weights work, some abs work on the floor, some kickboxing), which unfortunately means we usually do squats.

Oh well, they're good for me, so I'll have to keep a stiff upper lip...or is that a stiff upper glute muscle? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[lindrusso]

I don't think Andrea was really saying that running itself is pointless so much as it is pointless to her . I think that for Andrea the activities she chooses simply keep her interested and enthusiastic and that definitely IS the point. I like to use the equipment (treadmill, elliptical trainer, bike) at the gym and I like aerobics, but some people find them horribly boring! Whatever works for you is what counts.

As you sort of eluded to emilycat, it really seems to me that running can be a true PASSION for some, not just a form of exercise. I myself have never liked running, too jarring and something that I would just never stick with. On the other hand it seems to me that those that run faithfully are usually in the best shape, so I often wish I liked it!

Good thing there are so many great choices for getting exercise to accomodate all our different preferences! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

I actually prefer the cardio portion of my workout because that's when I really sweat and get my heart going and I feel like I'm accomplishing something. I never thought I'd like running, but I found that I could challenge myself with it each time I went to the gym (I don't think I could run outside). Each time, I'd try to run faster or longer. I'd rather just put on my walkman and do cardio workouts than any weights, but I know that the weight training makes a big difference. It's just so hard and the weights are so heavy!!!!!

[andi]

I wish I had the passion for running that Emily and Natasha do but my knees hurt, my lungs hurt, my side hurts (and my heaving, saggy bossom hurts). I have friends that are marathon runners and they tell me I need to push beyond the pain but it doesn't happen. The treadmill and weights seem to get my heart rate up to that target zone just as well. I have to wonder if some people are just more physically suited to run while others of us are better suited for other aerobic activities?

[AndreaU]

lindrusso, thank you.... that's exactly what I meant. TO ME, there is no point in running around the neighborhood when I can GO somewhere and see beautiful things while exercising. I never meant to bash runners in any way... totally an opinion!

[Natasha]

Andrea,
Come run with me sometime. You really can see beautiful places and run at the same time!! No, I'm not taking offense, not at all...just thought I would mention that one of my favorite ways to take in gorgeous scenery is through long, solitary runs. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif To each her own...have a great day!

[Kelly]

Great topic!

I hate pushups!!! I have never been able to do one and really don't think I will ever be able to. I couldn't do them in gym class and now 20 yrs later, I still can't!

[emilycat]

Sorry I misunderstood you, AndreaU...I didn't mean to go into attack mode. I must have been in an edgy mood when I read your post. I guess since I love running so much, I enjoy running through nice neighborhoods in training...but my favorite runs are along the Chattahoochee on the weekends, where you have to fight to get a parking place if you don't get there early enough! I also agree with Andi, I think definitely some people are better suited to different types of exercise. That's not to say that some people can't do some exercises, but that for others, it may be easier. Anyone can run, but running is so much easier for me than for some of my friends; my roommate last year was an awesome cyclist, and she had the ideal biker's build. But the most important thing is that your exercise connects with you in some way. Don't ever make yourself do something you don't like. Otherwise you won't want to do it!

[cookgirl]

Originally posted by Kelly:
Great topic!

I hate pushups!!! I have never been able to do one and really don't think I will ever be able to. I couldn't do them in gym class and now 20 yrs later, I still can't!
Kelly, I bet you can work up to one. Try these two methods.
1)work on your upper body form, and do a push up keeoing your knees on the ground. Keep your back straight and your stomach firm. lift your toes a little of the ground, so that when you do the push up your body sort of rocks, with your knees as the anchor point.
2)Face a wall in your house with the distance between you and the wall being the length of your arms with fingers extended. Your feet should be together and hands shoulder width apart. Now flex your hands on the wall, without moving your feet, so that you lean slightly in towards the wall. From this position let your boday lean into the wall until you elbows are bent at a 45 degree angle and then return. Be sure to keep your body completely straight, stomach andback tight and let your arms and chest control the movement.

This ought to help you understand the form of a push up and help you do one in no time!

[Laura]

I have a great story about pushups (altho its not about me) My parents are much older and my dad was 50 when I was born. He decided he needed to get in shape so he started doing the Royal Canadian Air Force calisthenics every morning (it was all the rage in the early 60's) When he started he could only do 10. For his 65th birthday he wanted to do as many as his age. For his 80th birthday he wanted to do a hundred. He is now 88 and does a hundred military pushups (without stopping) every morning, and as he says it, if he feels good he will do more. He generally does around 120 but has done as many as 150. He is such a stud! (Can you tell I am just a little proud!)

[Pat58]

My personal gripe is power yoga classes taught by so-called "yoga instructors" who got a certificate at a weekend workshop somewhere. I am seeing two distinct fields of yoga instructors: those who truly study the art and its healing benefits, and those who are mutating yoga asanas into potentially dangerous exercises for the physical body only while completely neglecting the mind/body/breathing connection. Unfortunately, the power yoga classes are more popular with my gym friends with the "no pain no gain" mentality. I cardio to the max, weight train 'till I'm pumped, but my time on the yoga mat is to restore, stretch and rejuvenate. I've actually been injured in power yoga classes taught by incompetents who just happen to have great bods and backgrounds in gymnastics. I HATE it!

[food girl]

One thing I really dislike is this new boot-camp class. It reminds me of high school P.E. (which I hated). I can't stand to do burpees, run suicides and the ilk. Give me a good ol' step class to Ricky Martin tunes any day.

Lisa

P.S. Adrea, I am with you on the running thing.