this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
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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?

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[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It depends. Running and lifting I enjoy the results but the activity is boring, I never got runners high.

Jazzercise was fun fun fun though, any sort of dance aerobics like that is perfect because have to pay just the right amount of attention to it - enough that I can't think about other things, but not so much that I really have to think hard about the movements. I wish there were still classes by me.

Yoga is fun too, in a different way. It takes concentration, always adjustments to posture, and it's very empowering to be able to do handstands or other arm balances, it's challenging in a good way and the reminders to coordinate your breath with movement is helpful.

So for me it depends on what the workout is but sure, I like moving physically, enjoy it and don't do it only for results.

[–] debeluhar@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year 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.

[–] MrMcMisterson@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

I have a love hate relationship with it. I absolutely love it when I'm consistent with it. When I fall off the wagon, I hate trying to get back into it. Its hard and I could easily just go and do anything else.

[–] guckfoogle@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

I've been an athlete since a child so in some weird way I guess I've been raised to just enjoy the discomfort of working out because I know the reward is tenfold of whatever discomfort I'm feeling while working out. So basically don't raise sedentary kids, give them a love of working out so they can live a healthy and happy life.

[–] icesentry@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

I absolutely love lifting heavy shit and I can't imagine my life without it at this point. The feeling you get when hitting a new PR is incredible. Knowing that you actually pushed yourself feels great to me.

The rest period are also weirdly meditative for me.

[–] plutolink@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Yes, I love it. I feel that enjoying it comes with a few factors: knowing what you're doing is correct and maximizing each workout, and a shift in mindset that the "dread" of it doesn't actually have to be dread, which takes time to shift your head into. Of course, there are days where I'd rather not go, but showing up for the ritual is what matters, at that point.

[–] crowsby@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Sometimes, but not always. Whether it's cardio or weights, I'd guess maybe 20% of sessions are amazing, 20% are garbage and I can't wait to finish, and 60% are fine. I generally prefer weights, but there's actually something really fun when you're having an s-tier cardio session.

[–] cmoney@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Recently bought a rowing machine, gotta say I enjoy taking my frustrations from the day and putting that energy into rowing.

[–] szlwzl@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I love the erg. If you're ever looking for inspiration or sessions to try, have a look at Eric Murray on YouTube(free) or buy the asensei app(if you are able to support them).

[–] kurogane@lm.helilot.com 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I started working out at a park nearby in the morning. I kinda hate it on the moment, but I reward myself for the last 15 minutes or so, with some creativity.
Freestyle dance (??!), kicking around, doing the cartwheel, random moves. All the while listening to old school hip hop and pretending I'm a hot shot, haha.
Those last minutes are amazing.

[–] PartialPenguin@aussie.zone 2 points 1 year ago

I lift weights a few days in the week and it's just routine now. I don't find working out to be fun, but seeing friends at the gym and and chatting is fun.

I'd rather hang upside down under water and smack my face with fast moving rocks than work out in a gym

Cuz I kinda do that

[–] unalkalkan@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Aside from the fact that you are literally developing yourself, I really enjoy doing fitness because it doesn't have any flow or competitiveness to it.

I'm someone who constantly thinks of projects and side projects and things to do and improve, but I've seen that when I am doing weight lifting, my mind is completely there and empty of all the worries

[–] quindraco@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Working out is pain and suffering, but you can get so used to it you don't notice/mind the pain.

[–] LongbottomLeaf@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Gyms are weird. However, trail running in my favorite park til I feel like I might go into cardiac arrest is great! Plenty of distracting wildlife, no cars. Pushing past that feeling of "I'm gonna die" as I pass the muscular heavy lifters.

What can you do to cultivate this? Uhh...hate yourself and love the outdoors? But in a "guess I'll floss cause it hurts" kinda self loathing. Also gotta find a park you wouldn't mind dying in.

[–] CatBusBand@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

I personally don't unless it's an interactive activity. Examples are rock climbing, swimming, badminton and tennis. Otherwise, workouts feel boring.

[–] time_example@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

It’s a few things. It’s the positive feedback loop of seeing and feeling yourself get bigger and stronger. It’s the rush of good chemicals/hormones/whatever the body releases. It’s the feeling/thought that there is nothing you could be doing that could be more beneficial for your health, and knowing the knock-on effects that has for you long term. Its the pump.

[–] Junkdata@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year 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.

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.

[–] _haha_oh_wow_@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I used to, but I fell out of the habit. Mostly with strength training, kinda hated cardio haha. The only way I liked cardio was to hop on an elliptical and tune out to a show while I "ran".

[–] lasagna@programming.dev 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Nah, it's definitely a delayed gratification in my case. I don't dislike working out per se, I just like doing other things more. Hence why I do a couple of physically demanding sports.

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