I have recently been trying to lose weight and improve my physique, however I find one massive problem with working out. It isn't getting tired and it isn't being lazy or anything but the problem I have is one of sheer overwhelming boredom. I cannot find many ways to make working out enjoyable in the least and the problem with that is I can only do an exercise for 25 minutes or so before thinking I could be doing something more interesting and finishing. So far I have discovered one thing that makes running on my treadmill interesting (and your going to think I am a total nerd but seeing as this is escapist thats fine)and that was grabbing my shield and sword off my wall and pretending I was running at a horde or Uruk-Hai alongside the soldiers of gondor. That worked for like an hour, but I can't just get into shape by only running and I am sure the uruk-hai thing won't work forever. Suggestions?
Ways to make working out fun?
- Thread starter Drizzitdude
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I wish I knew. I tried reading in the bicycle thingies but that didn't work out. I think the best thing is to listen to music while you work out and let your mind wander off with it.
If you have your own treadmill, can't you watch TV/a movie while you use it? I do that when I'm working out at home, either on my exercise bike or doing strength training. Plus the length of a tv program (say 45 minutes to an hour) is a decent length for a workout.
You could exercise in front of the TV? That's how I beat boredom when I'm on my exercise bike... Just put a film on and exercise away.
Also this. I personally find cardio boring as hell, even when I do it outside, but weights are great. Honestly, I now see cardio as a chore I make myself do before "treating myself" with some weights.delta4062 said:
Can't promise you'll get the same buzz OP, but it's definitely worth a try. I expected it to be boring too, but I was pleasantly surprised
As a few have already mentioned, get yourself a TV or something. Personally, I used a cell phone and Netflix at the gym so you should have some kind of an option. Just make sure you place it directly in front of you since most people move toward's what they're looking at and if your TV is to the side of your treadmill...
Also, if you've got the money, try classes. Skyzone is a trampoline park that has an exercise class here in Minnesota. I have also gone to aerobic kickboxing, which is a blast. It's a lot easier to work out when you have a bunch of people there and a high-energy instructor who has tailored the music to your workout. The real negatives of this is that it can get expensive and, as a dude, I tend to be the only dude there. On the plus side, as a dude, I tend to be the only dude there...
Also, if you've got the money, try classes. Skyzone is a trampoline park that has an exercise class here in Minnesota. I have also gone to aerobic kickboxing, which is a blast. It's a lot easier to work out when you have a bunch of people there and a high-energy instructor who has tailored the music to your workout. The real negatives of this is that it can get expensive and, as a dude, I tend to be the only dude there. On the plus side, as a dude, I tend to be the only dude there...
It's impossible. Sorry to be a negative nelly, but there's just no way to enjoy that kind of thing. It's like going to work -- accept that it won't be fun.
Try adjusting the exercises to your lifestyle.
If you're a gamer (and you probably are since you're on this site), start playing a game, preferably a challenging one, and for every time you die, do a short series of physical exercises (10 push ups, 10 squats, 10 sit ups). Once you get better at them, "level them up" (push ups with clapping, squats with added weights, things that make the exercises harder).
Some stuff can be done while playing games (maybe not push ups, do those during the cutscenes.
This will make you better at gaming as well.
If you're a gamer (and you probably are since you're on this site), start playing a game, preferably a challenging one, and for every time you die, do a short series of physical exercises (10 push ups, 10 squats, 10 sit ups). Once you get better at them, "level them up" (push ups with clapping, squats with added weights, things that make the exercises harder).
Some stuff can be done while playing games (maybe not push ups, do those during the cutscenes
.This will make you better at gaming as well.
Have you tried other exercises or going outside? I can't do repetitive motions with a machine, but I can take a hike through the woods make a trail or forte or climb some trees. Swimming is also fun, or I'll play Just Dance with friends. You don't have to work out to be healthy, just be active.
A few people have already touched on this, but try and find people to work out with. It's probably best to find a few close friends you can workout with and who you're somewhat accountable to. It'll be harder to talk yourself out of working out and they can keep you motivated throughout the workout. If that isn't possible have you ever tried to join a club sport? Check in your area and see if anything sounds even remotely interesting. I wouldn't worry about not being good enough, lots of people join to get in shape.
Punishing yourself for being bad? What is this , Dark souls? I like it.HardkorSB said:Try adjusting the exercises to your lifestyle.
If you're a gamer (and you probably are since you're on this site), start playing a game, preferably a challenging one, and for every time you die, do a short series of physical exercises (10 push ups, 10 squats, 10 sit ups). Once you get better at them, "level them up" (push ups with clapping, squats with added weights, things that make the exercises harder).
Some stuff can be done while playing games (maybe not push ups, do those during the cutscenes
This will make you better at gaming as well.
OT: Ehhh i'm way too lazy to work out. I Don't see the point of exercise, other than getting a sexy body that make people want you. Then again i just use my wit and charm for that.
Hmm, I have the opposite problem. I find weights to be boring, mostly because I have to pay attention to what im doing or else ill hurt myself. Cardio on the other hand I can veg out and let my mind wander. Weights is something I force myself into doing because of how effective it is, but boredom plays a serious role in how long I can do weightsdelta4062 said:
The Japanese invented a solution to effective cardio long ago:
Seriously, I was never in better shape than when I seriously played DDR.
Seriously, I hate ellipticals, exercise bikes, etc; it's just so boring. It's like telling me "Just stand here for 45 minutes".
Seriously, I was never in better shape than when I seriously played DDR.
Seriously, I hate ellipticals, exercise bikes, etc; it's just so boring. It's like telling me "Just stand here for 45 minutes".
I'm sure you already do but the only thing I find that makes any difference is listening to music. Heavy stuff is usually a good bet, I find Slipknot (especially Vol. 3) works especially well because they have a lot of pounding beats at just the right tempo [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_09wFxoaeQ] for a good workout. Even if it's not really your taste it's usually worth a try, I used to know a girl that listened to Lamb of God in the gym and never listened to metal at all otherwise.
Hell, if you like pretending to charge at Uruk-Hai, then power metal is only going to help.
Hell, if you like pretending to charge at Uruk-Hai, then power metal is only going to help.
For my weight lifting, it helps to have a video, my family has a weight machine so I can just watch stuff on my laptop while doing it.
For running on the treadmill, I don't need much else but my mind to keep me entertained. Since I run on the top speed it can get really loud, so I can't watch TV, listen to music or watch a video. I just think about many different things, and it gets me through my treadmill running.
For running outside, being outside alone is stimulating enough for me. The sights and sounds are interesting enough not to get boring, even if you run there all the time.
For running on the treadmill, I don't need much else but my mind to keep me entertained. Since I run on the top speed it can get really loud, so I can't watch TV, listen to music or watch a video. I just think about many different things, and it gets me through my treadmill running.
For running outside, being outside alone is stimulating enough for me. The sights and sounds are interesting enough not to get boring, even if you run there all the time.
Music, audiobooks,television, and trying new things. Kickboxing, Jujitsu, join a community sports team on your level (generally there are different kinds and different expectations - some are very competitive and some are just for fun). If you are into running (which I am not), definitely run outside or take up hiking, if you can. You don't need to endlessly run on treadmills and stare into a blank void. Push yourself and even enter marathons etc. It'll give you something to train for and look forward too. It'll also force you to put some expectations onto yourself and give you a time to beat for next time. You may not end up at the #1 spot, but it'll be worth it when you finish.