I can imagine people having fun getting lost in the flow of playing a competitive sport. I’ve also heard some people experience a post-workout high. But does anyone actually feel pleasure in the moment while lifting weights, jogging, cycling, etc?
If so… what does it feel like? Is there anything the rest of us can do to cultivate such a mindset?
For those that has natural build for body building, sure, it might be fun. Not everyone is built to lift weights.
I hate exercise for the sake of it. I’d gladly ride my bike all day, but put me on an exercise bike for ten minutes and I’m bored out of my skull.
Unrelated: I’m really fat.
I find gyms insufferably boring.
I play an intense competitive sport which burns easily 5000 calories a week, keep a reasonable diet, and do stretches/cooldowns according to my Dr and physio. Then at home I do a pretty basic routine of squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and stretch band exercises. I don’t smoke and barely drink anymore either.
I’m 38 and that keeps me in great physical condition, healthy weight, nice muscle tone; plus I’m energetic, and mostly injury free. I’ve also noticed I’m aging significantly better than my stagnant friends and colleagues.
Find a sport you enjoy and go all in on that.
For me it’s about making it a routine and part of your daily life. I started out with 3 days a week lifting and now do 3 days lifting and 3 days cardio. I find it’s easier to stick to and enjoy if it’s something I do everyday. The other thing I’ve noticed is you really need to pay attention to nutrition and sleep too. Working out is a lot easier/ more enjoyable if you are providing your body with the nutrients it needs and getting enough sleep. If you just eat junk food you’re going to feel like junk when you workout
It’s delayed gratification.
I hate working out. It feels like shit. It hurts. It takes time. It’s not fun.
But this is so much better than looking like shit.
I’m weight deficient for a man. Had to deal with a lot of comments from not being a real man to bring viewed like a cartoon character to some women.
Every time I want to stop a set early or not workout that night, I hear all the haters and I run back to my routine.
I do it for them. And it works.
Number go up, weight get heavier, me happy.
I feel pleasure while my bicycle. The feeling is a mixture of childhood play and feelgood brain chemicals.
I like to go fast :)
I do genuinely enjoy cycling yeah, at least if it’s outside. In general though I hate working out (and don’t do it nearly enough as a result), but I do actually like the feeling afterwards
Fuck no
I hate it during the workout but I love the feeling after. Problem for me is getting started
It depends on the workout for me. When I’m in shape of course, if I’m not in shape then it’s hell.
Running 4-6km is very neutral, nothing special
Running 6-10km is kinda enjoyable
Running 10-15km feels really good for some reason
Then everything above 15km is hell (I only ever ran a half marathon at once)
I find running a bit like meditation, or I just let my mind wander wherever. I can’t really put to words the experience, but I would definitely describe it as enjoyable. Especially in winter, I absolutely love it when the cold bites my skin as I start running, and then when you warm up you don’t feel it anymore.
It depends on the exercise for me. Weights/ strength training I struggle to enjoy but going for a run is my jam. It can get pretty rough on the longer runs but every time when I finish and catch my breath I generally feel a lot happier about myself and find dealing with life a lot easier.
Love working out, more body weight and running then anything.
I enjoy a nice bike ride.
Yes, I do actually enjoy working out. I am a sotfware developer, but at the end of the work day, I am tired of developing, I am tired of computers, and I just want to go outside. Both cycling and hiking is my therapy and I clear my head when I do it. I like fresh air, nature and views from mountains. Also, I feel really happy when I finish working out, because I know I did something for myself. But it was not always like that. It was hard from the start, but step after step, it became easier and easier for me. Don’t start with too long walks/hikes/rides. Starts with smaller ones, and every few days add more and more. Start with 1km walk for example. Next week add maybe 0,5km more. Next week maybe add some hill or something. Just don’t overdo it. And find some motivation to do it. Do you like nature? Go walking into nature. Do you like dogs? Get a dog and go walking with a dog.
How did I start hiking and why? When I was hiking with my friends, I was always last, and I couldn’t keep up with my friends. Also, it was really hard for me. I was also overweight. So I had to do something about myself. I started walking, but with short walks. Really short ones (like 0,5km only). But every few walks I added more and more. Now I can do really long walks and hikes without any problem.
How did I start cycling and why? Well that’s another story. I really liked one girl, and she was cyclist. I was thinking it would be easier for me to hang out with her if I also start cycling. I would also have something to talk about with her. So I started cycling and cycling and cycling. Of course I was also talking with her, showing my results, etc. She was really big motivation for me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out with her, we went on a lot of dates, but eventually, we stopped dating. But at the end of the day, she helped me becoming good cyclist and now I can do really long rides, without any problem.
So, moral of the story: I think the main key here is motivation. Find something that will motivate you. And it doesn’t need to be about walking or hiking or cycling. It can be totally different. This worked for me, but something else will work for some other people.