While some people have days where they don’t feel like exercising, others simply hate working out. With every fiber of their being, they despise it. Some will go to any length to avoid it, scheduling early morning meetings and after-work appointments to justify not having the time to fit in the fitness.
People who hate working out aren’t necessarily born this way (or at least, it hasn’t been genetically proven yet). In fact, you could be someone who once loved breaking a sweat, getting your heart rate up, and feeling the muscle burn. But now, if working out were a human body, you’d punch it right in the throat.
Reasons You Hate Working Out–and How to Overcome Them
Getting hot under the collar may amp up your heart rate, and thus a bit of fat burning abilities, but it’s simply no replacement for exercising. If you’ve suddenly fallen out of love with fitness or have always seen working out as public enemy number one, it’s time to see what’s at the heart (or lack thereof) of it all and rekindle the love.
Sweat: If you hate working out, what you really might hate is getting sweaty. And who can blame you? Perspiration makes you feel grimy and gross, and that’s without added bonus of stinkiness.
Fix it: Not all workouts have to be sweat sessions, and sweat doesn’t have to be present to burn fat. Instead of biking on humid days or doing downward-facing dog in sauna-style hot yoga, choose a different program to help you keep your cool. Swimming, Tai Chi, Pilates, and walking are all options that will help you stay dry while still getting your body moving.
Sore muscles: If you hate working out, what you really might hate is being in pain. Working out, especially for beginners, comes partnered with a painful awareness of muscles you didn’t even know existed. Suddenly walking up stairs, sitting down into your office chair, or just lifting a fork to your mouth can make life feel unbearable.
Fix it: Muscle soreness is often an unfortunate part of working out. Scientifically speaking, muscles become sore when micro-tears happen in the muscle, which is the basis of how muscles grow. So if your muscles are sore, it typically means your hard work should pay off in a stronger and more sculpted you. The good news is you don’t have to cripple yourself and be in such dire pain that life doesn’t feel worth living. Instead, make sure that when you are working out, you’re doing so at an intensity that is right for you at that time. That means don’t go too hard too quickly if you’re a beginner. And if you’ve been feeling run down, back off a bit. Do what is right for you body, not what you think is right given your past experiences. If you do get sore (and you probably will…sorry!), spend time stretching, rolling your muscles out on a foam roller, and soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath for relief.
Clothing: If you hate working out, what you really might hate is what you’re wearing. It’s kind of like showing up to a party or work function and being either under or overdressed. There’s this immediate sense of discomfort in your clothing. The same can happen with fitness, only it’s less about fitting in with the crowd and more about your clothing not being comfortable. For example, leggings that won’t stay up, tanks that won’t stay down, and sport bras that won’t keep the girls contained. It’s all a workout wardrobe malfunction, and it’s messing with your fitness.
Fix it: What you wear when you workout shouldn’t matter, so make sure that it doesn’t. If you find that you wear something that constantly needs to be readjusted, causes you pain, or just doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, ditch it. Arm yourself with gear that makes your workout better not worse. Basically, this is your permission slip to go shopping. You’re welcome.
Comparing: If you hate working out, what you really might hate is not feeling as if you’re good enough. The mind is a real jerk sometimes, always out to compare you to someone else. It only results in negativity that stymies you from making any progress.
Fix it: One solution is to not compare yourselves to other, but for as simple as that may be, it certainly isn’t easy. You could also stop working out in public spaces where other people’s progress is always front and center. However, that would also mean staying off of social media where people love to share their weight loss and fitness journeys. So instead of the avoidance approach, try bolstering yourself up instead. To do so, stay mindful of when negative comparison thoughts creep in and banish them away with the mantra: “This is my work out; that is their work out.” Every body is different, so there is no reason you should be exercising the same as someone else, and vice versa. Also, keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down one thing about your body (mind included) for which you’re grateful. The more you love yourself for who you are, the less others will matter.
Didn’t see the reason for why you hate working out? Tell us in the comments!
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
