Hey! all you fitness folks, where are my endorphins?

[eliza61]

My New Years resolution this year was just to take care of my family's general health. We had some really bad habits. So far we're sticking to them. Trying to buy healthy food, cut down on Soda and Mickey D's and exercise more.

I hate exercising. I keep waiting for these endorphins that every one says will kick in to start but so far nada, zip, zero. I joined planet fitness and I've stuck with it reluctantly.

I'm hoping now that the weather is nicer, I'll enjoy walking and running outside.

Does every one "like" exercising? Any suggestions for a "hater" like me.
I'm not trying to lose any weight (ok, I could stand to drop a few pounds) but I would like to not clutch my chest after walking up 1 flight of steps.

Help a coach potatoe out.

 

[Christine]

My New Years resolution this year was just to take care of my family's general health. We had some really bad habits. So far we're sticking to them. Trying to buy healthy food, cut down on Soda and Mickey D's and exercise more.

I hate exercising. I keep waiting for these endorphins that every one says will kick in to start but so far nada, zip, zero. I joined planet fitness and I've stuck with it reluctantly.

I'm hoping now that the weather is nicer, I'll enjoy walking and running outside.

Does every one "like" exercising? Any suggestions for a "hater" like me.
I'm not trying to lose any weight (ok, I could stand to drop a few pounds) but I would like to not clutch my chest after walking up 1 flight of steps.

Help a coach potatoe out.

I never got the endorphins either. Well maybe once or twice after I hit a good stride while jogging, but it was rare. Sorry, I'm no help...

 

[joviroxx]

I hate it! I hate every single minute of it! I dont get people that say " I just love going to the gym" UGH UGH UGH!

I workout cause I have to. After losing a large amount of weight, I can't manage to keep it off without exercise and I hate everything about it!

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I hate it too. I've been pretty consistent since the middle of February and not a single endorphin. I dread the elliptical. I don't even like walking anymore now that I know the calorie burn doesn't equal the amount of time I put into it. No point joining a gym, I'll just hate that too.

 

[Myothername]

I hate it too. I did join a gym but only because it is a block from my office and I can hit it on my way home in the evening. Also it only cost me about $14 a month. Got a deal through my insurance company (hear that Obama?) I only do the treadmill though. My thighs are already big enough that the eliptical will make me look like a linebacker. No endorphins for me except maybe once or twice. I listen to sports channels or jeopardy. Now that baseball has started that will keep me more interested.

 

[wvjules]

Another gym hater here!

I belong to Planet Fitness as well. I think I need something more fun, like a bigger gym with spin classes, or aerobics or zoomba. Something more than just working out.

But until I do join another gym I found my motiviation. (Still no endorphins) I plan on doing the Disney Half Marathon in January 2011 and that has kept me motivated. When I think I don't want to do it anymore I just think "I'm going to Disney World."

DBF and I started the C25K program a few weeks ago to get started running. I can't say I really enjoy running yet but I do like the bonding between DBF, DD and I when we run together. (DD kicks our butts.)

Having a clear goal in mind is what seems to be working for me. (Besides weight loss and better health, obviously.)

 

[ckay87]

Well, I do get the endorphin rush after a workout, but I think it's taken a few years. Or it's taken a few years for me to make the connection that a good workout = feeling good. Walking out of the gym, I almost feel like I've taken a drug. If I'm mad or stressed going in, it is all gone when I come out. I even have trouble sleeping anymore if I don't workout.

This is not what you want to hear, but are you exercising hard enough? That is one thing I got from taking classes was how to really really PUSH myself. Get your heart rate up as high as you can stand it and keep it there for as long as you can. Let it come down and take it back up again. If you can't do this on your own, consider taking a class. Step classes are a blast. Maybe a little hard to get coordinated at first, but when you stick with it, you can get a great, fun cardio workout. Real tough cardio work is where I get a good endorphin rush.

PLEASE note that I say all of this assuming that you are in good enough health to handle this without hurting yourself. If you're not sure, of course, see a doctor first. (I just had to say that so I don't get anyone in trouble )

 

[Briarmom]

I never get the endorphin rush. People always talk about 'runner's high' and I always say I get 'runner's pissed off.' I'm always angry after I work out.

 

[PlainJane]

I hate it too. I've been pretty consistent since the middle of February and not a single endorphin. I dread the elliptical. I don't even like walking anymore now that I know the calorie burn doesn't equal the amount of time I put into it. No point joining a gym, I'll just hate that too.

Walking can burn a decent amount of calories if done at a fast enough speed. Adding an incline will also add to the burn. The stamina to keep up the fast clip will just come with time. I know, when I walk consistently enough, I can walk as fast as a slow person can run.

Back to the original question. I do get the endorphin rush, but I still need a goal to get my butt in the gym. When I was younger I would go so I was in good enough shape to keep doing progressively harder stunts for cheerleading. Then when I did dance it was important to be strong because it would improve my technique. Now I'm training for a half-marathon.

So, set a goal that is attainable, but only if you consistently exercise.

 

[joviroxx]

Step classes are a blast. Maybe a little hard to get coordinated at first, but when you stick with it, you can get a great, fun cardio workout. Real tough cardio work is where I get a good endorphin rush.

You see, I get envious of people who feel like this LOL.. Ive been working out 4-5 days a week for the past 2 years. I work HARD, but NEVER has it been fun LOL! Do I feel good afterwards? sometimes, but every minute that Im working out , I hate! Im do kickboxing classes and spin and have an elliptical at home. Its just not fun for me, I sooo wish it was!

 

[ckay87]

Step classes are a blast. Maybe a little hard to get coordinated at first, but when you stick with it, you can get a great, fun cardio workout. Real tough cardio work is where I get a good endorphin rush.

You see, I get envious of people who feel like this LOL.. Ive been working out 4-5 days a week for the past 2 years. I work HARD, but NEVER has it been fun LOL! Do I feel good afterwards? sometimes, but every minute that Im working out , I hate! Im do kickboxing classes and spin and have an elliptical at home. Its just not fun for me, I sooo wish it was!

Just a little OT, but....
Judging by your username, I have a really great, inspirational playlist on my IPod that might help you out . Ha ha, there is NOTHING better than exercising to Bon Jovi....actually running to "Runaway," bouncing to "Bounce."

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. But seriously, a good playlist is ALL that keeps me going if I'm not in a class.

 

[XTinabell]

Well, I do get the endorphin rush after a workout, but I think it's taken a few years. Or it's taken a few years for me to make the connection that a good workout = feeling good. Walking out of the gym, I almost feel like I've taken a drug. If I'm mad or stressed going in, it is all gone when I come out. I even have trouble sleeping anymore if I don't workout.

This is not what you want to hear, but are you exercising hard enough? That is one thing I got from taking classes was how to really really PUSH myself. Get your heart rate up as high as you can stand it and keep it there for as long as you can. Let it come down and take it back up again. If you can't do this on your own, consider taking a class. Step classes are a blast. Maybe a little hard to get coordinated at first, but when you stick with it, you can get a great, fun cardio workout. Real tough cardio work is where I get a good endorphin rush.

PLEASE note that I say all of this assuming that you are in good enough health to handle this without hurting yourself. If you're not sure, of course, see a doctor first. (I just had to say that so I don't get anyone in trouble )

ITA!
Classes are also great for people who hate the gym. I am a gym hater so I stuck to the classes, I enjoyed the interaction with other people and pushed myself harder. I then got a personal trainer to help me in the gym and going three times a week I got a little addicted to the gym even though I hated it. Classes are different, I found them fun.

 

[DisneyBeagle]

I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that there are so many others out there that don't like to exercise. I have several friends who just LOVE to work out and I thought something was wrong with me.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My endorphins only kick in after an hour or more work out. A workout that for me is moderately intense. Not all out crazy--but something that really exerts my energy--and only after I hit the hour mark.

My endorphins cause me to go into this calm peaceful place. Anything less than an hour--or anything that is at a much more relaxed pace--just doesn't do it for me.

I have no earthly clue why.

When training for my marathon gets to the 10mile+ long runs--I really look forward to those days. Though--as stated earlier, it is only when I get to about an hour before I settle in and enjoy the peace the endorphins bring. (yes, I'm slow--I run/walk. I'll get there eventually!)

If I exert the same effort in a 30 minute period..I get the I'm tired, this workout sucks kind of mood.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that there are so many others out there that don't like to exercise. I have several friends who just LOVE to work out and I thought something was wrong with me.

FYI--my above post is by no means a reflection of my "enjoyment" of said activity. I enjoy the aftermath and the results...but not so much what it takes to get there.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I started running on Jan 1st and I hated it, it was so hard. Now I like it, but I love the way I feel afterwards. I signed up to do my official first 5K in June at Animal Kingdom, I'm excited. Try pushing yourself harder, that might help. Keep up the good work!

 

[luvmyfam444]

I hate exercise too - even when I've done Jazzercise - which I love - well that's a strong word- its a fun way to torture myself...LOL

I still have no energy afterwards & want to take a nap!

THinking of joining our gym/rec center - 'cause it has classses & the pool - but not sure if I wanna dump so much $ in...

 

[joviroxx]

Just a little OT, but....
Judging by your username, I have a really great, inspirational playlist on my IPod that might help you out . Ha ha, there is NOTHING better than exercising to Bon Jovi....actually running to "Runaway," bouncing to "Bounce."

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. But seriously, a good playlist is ALL that keeps me going if I'm not in a class.

Got that all set up on the IPOD LOL!

 

[mrsklamc]

I hate it too- and classes just make me feel more out of shape and uncoordinated.

I've read lately that if you do interval training you can get more effective results with less exercise though.

 

[Evi]

your so not alone I don't always get the endorphin rush. But I have noticed it when I push myself enough. Almost always after a good hot yoga class or a bike ride. Good luck