this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
200 points (97.6% liked)

Asklemmy

43810 readers
1 users here now

A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions

Search asklemmy ๐Ÿ”

If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!

  1. Open-ended question
  2. Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
  3. Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
  4. Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
  5. An actual topic of discussion

Looking for support?

Looking for a community?

~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_A@discuss.tchncs.de~

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
 

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?

(page 4) 50 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[โ€“] hungover_pilot@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

I didn't enjoy it at first, but seeing progress in my weightlifting encouraged me a ton. Eventually I did start enjoying the actual workout, and if I skip a day it feels like something is missing.

Ive been lifting for about 4 years, it took 6-12 months for me to start enjoying the process.

[โ€“] RagingNerdoholic@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 years ago

For its own sake, no. Unless I happen to be doing something I intrinsically enjoy that happens to give me exercise, I hate it every time. I need some really motivating tunes otherwise, and they wear out fast after a few listens.

[โ€“] debeluhar@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

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.

[โ€“] poudlardo@terefere.eu 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

It's similar to brushing your teeth. You know you have to do it and feel bad if you missed it. For the last 2 years and a half it became a habit for me, I have to go every 2 to 3 days, but no I still don't see it as a source of pleasure. Instead, I'm relieved once it's done.

[โ€“] andyMFK@reddthat.com 1 points 2 years ago

I started running to lose some weight recently. And I genuinely enjoy it.

It's alone time, time to think, or listen to an album or podcast and just be alone.

I enjoy the progress I'm seeing. Every week I can run further than I could the last week, every week gets easier and faster, and beating my pb is a real endorphin rush. Every week I weigh less than I did the previous week.

I enjoy feeling proud of myself. It would be so easy to sit on the couch and watch Netflix. Or play a silly little video game. And that's what most people do. I enjoy not being most people. I enjoy putting in the work to better myself.

I enjoy pushing myself. When my legs burn and I don't think I can run anymore, but I push through that and run another kilometer. the runners high is real. Not comparable to a fun drug, but still feels good.

So yeah, I'm not a fitness guy, but working out definitely has it's place and can be enjoyable

I get the natural endorphins "runner's high." Music sound beautiful and all is well. And the cardiovascular exercise is good for me.

[โ€“] Ghostc1212@sopuli.xyz 1 points 2 years ago

When you pump large amounts of iron in rapid succession at the gym, it makes you feel unstoppable, like you could take on the world. It's an absolutely wonderful feeling to have, and I think it can be chalked up to the testosterone boost. The way to cultivate this mindset is

  1. Simply work out. The body releases the "unstoppable" chemical when you do Chad shit.
  2. Have more faith in your own capabilities. This will naturally happen if you surround yourself with positive reinforcement and if you do step 1.

Fucking love it. I'm an absolute gym rat.

Problem is, I'm currently wasting away due to severe anemia, and in the last 2 months, I've gone from deadlifting 500lbs to barely being able to carry in groceries.

[โ€“] Junkdata@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago

I dislike running, getting tired, hot and sweaty. However i love post workout feeling good, the moment its over for the day, the tension of my muslces after a workout, and a nice cold shower especially during summer heat. I also enjoy when i notice things have become easier after being consistent with my workouts, though i have to increase the difficulty its a nice fealing of progress. Sleep is getting better i just need my meals to be at a good direction to get the best out of myself.

[โ€“] cultsuperstar@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago

I, for one, am disappointed in our evolution. We should be able to control every cell in our body by now and not have to exercise. But I guess this is the end of the road for our evolution lol. This is as good as it gets, folks.

[โ€“] EfreetSK@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Eh, not sure if enjoyment is the right word. But it's nice.

I started with running this year and it was awful and painful. But after I passed a certain threshold I realized it's no longer painful, I could just hold the pace and run like forever.

Now it's sort of relaxing experience where I can just let loose my brain and think about whatever I want for like half an hour. Which is nice when you're an adult with no time for yourself

How to achieve this - I don't even know myself how I made it. I got one of those Garmin watches for birthday and there was this Coach feature, I just followed it and after like 4 months I was able to run 12 km

I love it, I listen to music and it's like meditation. The pain of muscle fatigue for me feels good and bad at the same time.

[โ€“] skullgiver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

[This comment has been deleted by an automated system]

[โ€“] Determinator@lemmy.world 0 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Apparently I'm in the minority here but I love working out. Specifically powerlifting. Cardio is ok after the fact but I don't particularly enjoy it during, but lifting heavy is a huge stress relief and something I look forward to daily.

load more comments (1 replies)
load more comments
view more: โ€น prev next โ€บ