I Hate Exercising
You know those people who say that exercising makes them feel great?
Yeah. I do too.
I hate those people.
Exercise does not make me feel great. Exercise makes me feel sore and stiff and reminds me of what a fat slob I am. Don’t get me wrong, each time I really put my back into burning some calories, I feel proud of myself afterwards and I know there’s no denying the health benefits of moving your ass a bit… but I still hate it. I never feel a sudden rush of endorphins or whatever other magic chemical is supposed to induce euphoria after having worked up a sweat. When I exercise, the only thing I think about is how much longer I have to go until I can stop. Seriously… I’m hopeless.
At this point, I haven’t succumbed to the pressure to join a gym — at least not yet. There’s a couple of reasons for this. First off, I’ve belonged to gyms before and, frankly, I hate the “meat market” atmosphere of those places. I’m not there to find a date or to show off my rock hard abs. If I go to a gym, it’s because I *need* the services that they are supposed to offer and I always feel like I am the only one there who truly *needs* to work out. Perhaps if there were gyms set up only for morbidly obese people who hate to work out but who love to eat chocolate, I’d join. But even then I’m not sure… which brings me to my second reason: I’m just too cheap. At this point, given how overweight I am, I feel as though I can burn enough calories and still gain some muscle mass without spending $75.00 a month on something I hate.
All of that said, currently my exercise routine consists of stretching, a series of exercises using small hand weights, time on the old exercise bike and some serious “power” walking — the kind of walking that makes the people you walk by think you’re either a) insane or b) having a seizure. In truth, walking is, for me, the most important part of my routine. When I started going for walks at night I literally couldn’t make it around the block without nearly passing out. Now I’m up to nearly 3 miles a night– and believe me, I feel every single step. It’s ironic really because I grew up with parents who, until recently, never owned a car. We walked EVERYWHERE — or took public transportation when we had to. In fact, *I* didn’t get my driver’s license until I was nearly 25 years old, and only because I’d moved to a place where public transportation wasn’t readily available and walking the long distances that existed between the places I needed to go just wasn’t practical. Up until that point, I was a walking machine… but no more. Now I’m, well… whatever the opposite of a walking machine is. In truth, the only thing that keeps me going when I am out there trying to sweat away my troubles is the iPod. I have several “walking” playlists that I alternate between and without them, I’d never make it through to the end.
Anyway, I know that eventually I’m probably going to have to break down and join a gym or do something that balances the amount of resistance training I am doing with the amount of cardio I am getting in. I realize that there will come a time when I will simply need to be building more muscle than I am right now… but I’m not quite there yet. So for now, I’ll just stick with my iPod and the .2 mile loop that surrounds my house (5 times around = 1 mile!). I suppose it’s better than sitting on the couch reading while downing a few brownies each the evening — but it sure isn’t as much fun.
Can I tell you something! I hate exercising also. My neighbor is a huge advocate of exercising and is constantly telling me the reason I have health issues is because I don’t exercise enough. I had a three year period of time where I went to the gym every day and swam. I lost a ton weight yes, I never enjoyed it. NEVER! It did not make me feel better even though I knew I was doing something good for myself. Endorphins smendorphins! I was pleased with the results and I am glad I did it but still honestly have very little interest in starting again. Now I was thrilled with the results it produced long term. That is always something important to remember. I really also need to kick my own butt back into gear now that I have put a few pounds back on. I know it is hard, but be proud of what you have done up to this point. You can do it even if it is done begrudgingly.
Yeah I hate exercise too. I wonder if we would enjoy it more if we were thinner and fitter? I do pretty much the same exercises at home as you do, but the extreme heat of the Australian summer has been really utting me off at the moment. It is just sickenly hot and I can’t be bothered exercising.
I agree about not wanting to spend $75 a month on a gym for something I hate doing and let’s face it- I will most likely stop going after 3 months like I normally do.
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, I love finding new blogs and I can really relate to yours.
Also, congratulations on all the weight yo have already lost! :-)
lululeelee: “Endorphins smendorphins” really made me giggle. I’m glad to hear that I am not alone in my hatred for exercise. Like you said, I know I *have* to do it and I am happy with the impact it is having on my body… I just hate the process. Isn’t there some way we can pay someone to do our exercising for us? *wink* Thanks for stopping by!
tully: “I wonder if we would enjoy it more if we were thinner and fitter?” I’ve thought about this, but haven’t come to any conclusions. I may feel a bit less self-conscious about myself were I bit less jiggly when I work out, but I doubt I’d suddenly think “man, ain’t this great?” But… in the end, I know I have to do it. And I’m totally with you on the gym. I just can’t justify it at this point especially when, like you said, I’d likely just end up quitting.
Anyway, I enjoy your blog a great deal as well. Your recent post about going to the beach was a true inspiration. Hope the heat lets up soon. Be well!
Cheers!
j
HAHA! I just did a post about the same topic. Then I came to your blog and found the same thing! I guess we’re all pretty unanimous about hating exercise. ;-) I hate gyms too. Mine is full of people like that and they all STARE at you when you walk towards your machine of choice. I heard that Curves is supposed to be designed for overweight women (only women) and they have programs that are designed for your needs…that’s just what I heard. I didn’t sign up b/c I don’t have extra money either and I don’t do so well in group exercises but maybe it could be something you can look into?
Oh dear, I think I’m a minority over here! Though I used to hate exercise with an absolute passion - especially when I got stared at, harassed, and it just felt so damn uncomfortable with everything jiggling and chafing. Fortunately, I have, in this superficial world, found a gym where everyone is just focused on their exercise and is oblivious to the actions of anyone else - and subsequently, found activities that I’m addicted to. I guess it takes time, patience, and a bit of experimentation. (Though what started off was DVDs from Amazon with the curtains drawn)
alice: *smile* I’ve heard that Curves is a good place for women, especially those who have a lot of extra weight to lose — but I’m just not ready for that yet. *shrugs* Isn’t it weird… you talked on your blog about “fat girl cliques” but I also think there’s a lot of judgment that goes on at gyms too. You mentioned people staring at you to see what machine you would choose. The very thought makes my skin crawl and tummy go all wobbly. When/if I get to that point, I’ll have to take a valium or something first. *wink*
Marshamallow: Ok. You’re not welcome here! Hahah… just kidding. Seriously, I think it’s great that you’ve found a place where you’re comfortable and where you can do some productive calorie burning. The truth is, I’m just envious… and patience has never been one of my virtues, but your experience gives me a bit of hope. So thanks for sharing! :)
Cheers!
j
Oh me too I hate exercise, but that is because I also HATE gyms and last time I went for a while I didn’t lose a single pound. If we’re talking a swim in the sea or a country walk then I love it. That’s not quite so accessible at the moment and there’s a time and energy factor.
I’m trying to address the issues in my life that are all part and parcel of my weight problem, which you’ve also mentioned in an earlier post. A complete change on location will hopefully lead to a better quality of life and then I hope I’ll be better able to schedule in the exercise that I do enjoy.
I know you said that you’ve always had a weight problem but did it become significantly worse once you gained your drivers license?
absolutely loved that post.. i can relate.. i have the worst time with exercising… but i guess in the long run.. it does help the bones and joints stay strong… so there is a positive… linked u to my blog and will visit often!!
I am not a great fan of exercise, but I really think it’s because I am so self-conscious. When I have our little complex gym all to myself, I could stay there for days.
The key for me - as embarrassing as this is- is tv. We don’t have cable, so the food network on the treadmill can really motivate me. If the only time I get to watch cable is at the gym, then I’ll haul my big butt over there!
Jenny: I agree that a walk in the countryside or swim in the sea is far more preferable to any time spent at a gym. Now that I think about it, although I haven’t done it in years, I used to quite enjoy a good swim… might be something to think about in the future, I suppose. Although, I’m nowhere near ready to don a bathing suit anytime soon. The mere thought makes me shudder.
“but did it become significantly worse once you gained your drivers license?”
Oh, absolutely. It was certainly a contributing factor. It was also only a year or two later that I began working two jobs and living a life that consisted of lots of stress, lots of travel and very little sleep. In that 10 year period I ate enough fast food to nearly kill someone. *points to self* Case in point. :) Anyway, as you said, changing ones entire life is the key. I hope your coming changes will bring you happiness, as well as the chance to walk and swim at your leisure.
Honi: Thanks for the link and the comment! I know, the benefits are undeniable… it’s just the process that I abhor. I actually work with a girl who had “stomach banding” surgery solely so she could avoid exercise. Now… I’m not *that* bad, but there have surely been times when I’m out there trying to squeeze at least 2 miles out of myself when I think, “Hmmm. Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.” :)
Krissie: “The key for me - as embarrassing as this is- is tv. We don’t have cable, so the food network on the treadmill can really motivate me.” *smile* I don’t think this is embarrassing at all. I often turn on the food network or flip through a magazine/read while doing the inside exercise thing. If nothing else, it helps make the time pass a little faster. Ironic though that we’d watch the food network. I guess if we can’t eat it, at least we can watch it, right? :)
Cheers!
j
Just wanted to throw my two cents in to say I have always hated exercising until I found something I like to do. The gym, exercise machines, etc. really make me hate to workout, but I discovered a video game (yes, video game!) with a workout I love. Finding something you enjoy actually makes exercising enjoyable. For the first time in my life I uttered the words “ya know, that workout felt great”. In my mind, it’s all about figuring out what you enjoy - walking, biking, swimming, bellydance, yoga, dancing, or whatever. Good luck!
The only time I like working out is the two minutes after I’ve just finished working out, when I feel all proud of myself but before I realize I’m red-faced, covered in sweat and sore as hell. The rest of the time I think it sucks, so take comfort in knowing you’re not the only one. Even Oprah hates exercising!
Thanks for delurking on my blog!
Aw… don’t hate exercising! When your fitness gets to a certain level, those endorphins will kick in and you’ll love it. I promise!
As for the gym, no-one cares what other people are doing. They’re either focusing on their own workout, or too busy admiring themselves in the mirror. ;-)
Jenn: Guess I haven’t located my magic exercise button yet… but I’m skeptical that I ever will. Congrats on finding yours.
fatbridesmaid: I know what you mean… I always feel proud of myself afterwards, but I hate every second of doing it. *smile* If Oprah hates it, it *must* be bad. :)
Susan: Hmmm. That hasn’t been my experience. But thanks for dropping your two cents in.
Cheers!
j