Ask HN: I hate exercising. How can I exercise more?

5 points by valdagger 2 years ago | 10 comments

I have tried everything. Weight training, sprints, hiking in nature, pilates, yoga, etc. I have not found anything that I love. And because I don't love it, it doesn't stick.

Therefore, I have to constantly force myself to exercise. I don't like it, but I do it. And it becomes a repetitive off and on pattern (a few months in the gym, a few months off). But believe me, I'm trying...

How can I make it stick? Or how can I be one of those people who loves working out?

samridh90 2 years ago |

Have you tried structured group classes led by a coach/instructor? My biggest problems are not being able to deal with the ambiguity of self-driven workouts (i.e., wasting time at the gym because it's unclear what to do next) and not having someone to hold me accountable. Structured group classes helped with both those struggles. Think F45, Orangetheory , crossfit classes etc. It also helps that I book classes weeks in advance and have to pay a significant fine if I don't show up.

whatamidoingyo 2 years ago |

For me, martial arts tend to be the best way to stay disciplined with exercise. Specifically Jiu-Jitsu, but I also train Muay Thai occasionally.

When you experience sparring (i.e. "rolling") for the first time against somebody that knows what they're doing, you feel entirely helpless. It will make you crave learning more technique. Then you become the one making people feel helpless on their first day, and it's just a wild experience. It truly becomes a super power.

It's so beneficial because you're not only exercising. You're making friends, connections, and learning a valuable life skill (as well as some humbling life lessons).

JohnFen 2 years ago |

I hate working out, and nothing can make me love it.

What I did was to stop considering "exercise" as a distinct activity at all. Mostly, I started commuting to/from work by bicycle. In my mind, I'm just commuting. Secretly, I'm exercising for an hour every workday. Replacing your daily car commute with a bike might not be your thing, but the principle holds -- make exercise an intrinsic part of something else that you need to do anyway.

Also, keep in mind that if your goal is just general health and fitness, you don't need to do that much. 20 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week will get you there.

WheelsAtLarge 2 years ago |

I'm not a fan either but if you set a goal you want to reach by using exercise then it's much easier to show up at the gym.

Example, I have certain weight lifting goals that I want to meet so I go to the gym to work toward them.

Bottom line, decide on a goal for some activity that you like that involves going to the gym. That will be your motivation. Lifting weights over and over seems pretty stupid to me but once i add a goal it changes everything.

Look into joining a triathlon competition. It really gets you motivated to at least get in shape to complete it.

Bostonian 2 years ago |

Can you distract yourself while exercising? For example, I am an avid chess player, and since I discovered Lichess I can stay on the stair-climber for almost 30 minutes as I play quick games. Before I would get bored and tired within 10 minutes.

iab 2 years ago |

Are you the kind of person who loves to track/measure things?

valdagger 2 years ago | |

I do yes. Love that. I just hate feeling pain and discomfort.

iab 2 years ago | | |

Very subjective, but having a weight-tracker for weights is very motivating. Kinda gamifies it as well.

JohnFen 2 years ago | | |

Pain and discomfort don't have to be a part of an effective exercise regime.

btian 2 years ago |

Mix exercise with other things, like bike to the grocery store, jog to the office.