How To Work Out When You Hate Working Out

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

obviously what i look like when working out. lol not

I hate working out. 

There you have it, the flat out, honest truth. I hate working out with a fiery passion. The thought of getting up from my nice cozy writing nest and murdering my body with push-ups is not a thought that tends to bring me much joy. I'm sorry to all of you wonderfully healthy people- I wish that I was a member of your ranks. But I'm not, I'm really not. I love pasta. I have never tasted kale. And up until recently, I had never worked out on a regular basis. 

Then, theatre happened. 

I've mentioned on here that I am going to be playing Zaneeta in The Music Man. And oh my goodness, am I excited. Zaneeta Shinn is the dream role that I never knew existed. She is sassy and doesn't have to sing (which means I don't have to confront my deepest fear), and she dances like crazy. This is the most that I've ever danced in a show in my life, and I'm loving it. Music Man has infiltrated my life like no other, and it's wonderful. I dream about this show at night, guys. I am so freaking excited. 

But at the same time...a part of me is terrified.

When the show is over and I'm looking back on it, I don't want to say, "Well, if I'd just stretched a little more, that would have looked better," or, "If I'd just practiced that a few more times it would have been perfect". I don't want to give myself any opportunities to think about what I could have done better. I want to be able to know that I did everything I possibly could have.

So, out of this freakout, something new was born.

Since the beginning of March, I've been working out to some extent every single day. I am so determined to do everything that I can to do as good of a job as I can. And I can't believe that I'm saying this, but.....I. Actually. Enjoy. Working. Out. 


I am completely shocked to be able to type that statement, but it's true. I've gotten to the point where I'm actually disappointed if I can't work out for a day. It's the most bizarre thing on the planet, but it's true. 

So, in case you happen to want to jump of the cliff of crazy and join me in becoming a fan of exercising, HERE ARE SOME LOVELY TIPS I SHALL SHOWER ON YOU!!!

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1. Find Something You Like

I hate weight lifting. Running absolutely kills me. And let's just say anything that involves a ton of upper body strength just doesn't go well. But I love long walks. Hours upon hours of dancing is my favorite thing on the planet. Yoga is my go-to. And I stretch and stretch and stretch until I cannot stretch any longer. I've found things that I enjoy doing, and that are good for me, and so I do them. Find what works for you. If there's a form of working out that you enjoy, it won't seem like such a chore anymore, and you'll find yourself actually looking forward to working out. Maybe you love zumba, or swimming is what makes you feel alive. Figure out what works for you. 

2. MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

You've heard it a thousand times, but that's because it's true. Music makes SUCH  a difference! If you have a playlist that you love, it will make working out so much more fun. I love making high-energy playlists to jam out to while I work out. 

3. People or Nah?

Maybe you adore having a workout buddy to keep you accountable, and to have someone to joke with through the pain. Or maybe the thought of someone crashing your alone time makes you want to bash your head into a wall. Figure out what works better for you, and go for it! Personally, I tend to like working out alone best, but if I'm going on a walk or doing yoga, I like doing it with my mom. It's totally up to you!

4. Rewards

I tend to try to avoid food-related rewards (because sadly going and eating twelve brownies seems to ruin the fact that you just worked out. 'Tis an unfair world.), but coming up with a way to reward yourself for working out really helps. Say something like, "If I finish this workout, I'm going to go read that book I've been wanting to finish for half an hour" or, "If I walk one more mile, I'll watch a movie on Netflix tonight". It's a fun little way to encourage yourself to keep going. 

5. Make a Tracker

You can do a month by month tracker, or you can just do it up until a certain point that's your "goal time". For me, I took a sheet of paper and made rows of boxes counting down the days until tech week for the show, and every day that I've worked out, I've checked the day off. So far, I haven't missed a day! It's really fun being able to check that off and see your progress grow.

6. Multitask

Do crunches while you binge your favorite TV show. Go for a walk while you talk on the phone with a friend. Do some jumping jacks while you wait for your food to warm up. Squeeze some extra exercise in whenever you have a chance, and it won't feel like a chore. Just keep moving! 

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Why You Should Do It

Whenever I used to hear people say "I feel so much better when I work out!" I would honestly just laugh. Getting all hot and sweaty and exhausted can make you feel BETTER? How could that make any sense? But yet..it's true. When I'm consistently working out, I really do feel so much better. I have more energy, and I'm not as tired. Sometimes doing yoga will even get rid of headaches! It's the weirdest thing, but I finally kind of like working out. It definitely hurts the first few days, but it ends up being worth it. I swear this isn't me talking anymore I've been brainwashed send help.

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So, what do you think? Are you ready to join me? What are your thoughts on working out? Let's chat! 

33 comments:

  1. I LOVE WORKING OUT. It's been one of my favorite things for about three years, because it is so much fun! Altho the hard thing for me is just finding time. Doing it is no problem because i love it, but actually finding the time to do it is HAAAAARRRD. Which is so frustrating because i love it so much ?!?! :(( Because i found out a few years ago that weight lifting is actually very boring for me, i've been concentrating more on crossfit with weights and calisthenics (which btw is bomb if you do the fun workouts). I've been trying out yoga a little bit too, but like i said... finding the time. I really need to work on that hahahaha:)) And then i've also been trying to get more into running, just because i have a very low endurance level and i want o change that :/

    Anyways, OBVIOUSLY i'm happy about this post! Love it :))

    Jazzy / http://thrivinghope.blogspot.com

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  2. I
    Feel
    The
    Same
    Way. Like why leave your room and sweat ew. But haha it is crucial (especially for those who like food xD)

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    1. "Like why leave your room and sweat ew." << MY LIFE xD

      Ugh why must something so crucial be so painful?

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  3. Ooh, Music Man! That has to be exciting. Working out is so nice, just making yourself actually do it is the hard part.

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    1. The hardest part about working out really is just getting started!

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  4. I've started stretching almost every day, and yeah, it definitely feels good to be active!!
    Thanks for the tips!!<333

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    1. I haven't stretched as much lately, and I really want to get back into it- it feels great. Thanks for stopping by, Abby!

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  5. dude, same!!! i've recently realized that i need to exercise more, so i've been going to the gym and i'm actually starting to enjoy it!

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    1. That's so cool! I've actually never been to the gym. Do you like it?

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  6. Haha so I actually stretch/workout to old songs (and some new such as Tobymac or Unspoken) from old Disney movies...and the Sound of Music because why not?
    -Michaila
    the Wonderkept life (http://lovelypinkduckshome.blogspot.com/)

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    1. Songs like those make working out much more fun!

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  7. These tips are like yesssss. Yup these really do work. GREAT POST :)

    Ellie
    www.uniquelyyou1.blogspot.com

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  8. I LOATHE working out, but you're right that every now and then, when incorporated well and consistently, it is a blessed thing. :)

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    1. It just takes so long to learn to like it that sometimes it's hard o feel like it's worth it XD

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  9. This very relatable. I wouldn't say I HATE working out, but I always have zero motivation to actually do it. I've been doing yoga for a class, and while yoga weirds me out sometimes, it's been nice having a reason to stretch and take some time to work out. But you have some good tips, so I should maybe try to implement them in my life. :)

    Also, side note, but The Music Man is such a GOOD musical and I was so excited to see that you're performing in it!

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    1. I feel like the hardest part about working out is just getting the motivation, y'know? Sigh. Yoga's really fun!

      Oh my goodness, the Music Man. <3 My heart is forever in River City.

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  10. I love working out, but I was at that point not too long ago! Great post!

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  11. I think doing something you actually enjoy is the most important thing when it comes to working out :) I personally can't motivate myself to do squats or push ups or sit ups or any of those exercises but just like you I love going on walks (sometimes on runs too) and stretching. Yoga is something I definitely want to try out, we'll see how that goes x

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    1. It's so much easier to exercise when you enjoy it. :) You should definitely try yoga! It's super relaxing while at the same time being so good for you!

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  12. dude, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was working out consistently all last semester and it was great I felt so much better. but then liike the holidays came and I was like haha nope cause my schedule got screwed up. but just in the last week I've been trying to get back into it and IT REALLY DOES MAKE YOU FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. this was super practical and helpful and inspiring. You are THE QUEEN. <3 <3

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    1. Um, pretty sure YOU ARE THE QUEEN! Because your comments literally always make my day.

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  13. YESSS I need to start working out *motivation* (whatever happened to that new years resolution idek)

    (also lowkey gained like 10 pounds since last month and ...NOT GOOD) XDD

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    1. Motivation. Who even knows where that went XD

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  14. Getting myself to actually start is definitely hardest. I know exercise is good for me - but objects in motion stay in motion and objects at rest stay at rest. (physics physics phYSICS PHYSICS /physics/ PHYSICS) You're right, though... I should find an exercise I ENJOY and do it! (I think orienteering would be fun? because it includes sneaking around the bush trying to find certain spots before other people do and you don't want to lead them there)

    Good on you for having a regular system for your exercise! - and I hope your show goes amazingly! When is it?

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    1. It's so difficult to start, oh my goodness. But once you do, it really helps. I hope you find an exercise that you love!

      The show was earlier last month! :) Goodness, I miss it.

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  15. I basically hate exercise, but you've given me a lot of great tips to maybe start!

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  16. I do an exercise program on YouTube most of the time for my daily work out most of the time. :) That is what works for me and I have found it rewarding. Thanks for the ideas!!

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  17. Derp......I just realized I repeated "most of the time" twice......XD

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    1. YouTube workouts are great! And I totally feel you- half the time I don't even know what I'm typing xD

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