Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#101

Post by SimonSelg » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 7:55 PM UTC

SimonSelg wrote: post #98

If anything stops me from going to gym (I do weightlifting there - usually 4-5 times / week ) it's usually something that's worth skipping gym. In my recent lasts that has been either - social activities that I value more then gym (doesn't happen that often) - you can normally scedule that part of your life - Work that pays off that well that skipping gym is worth it. For example , I have a small company w/ a friend…

Also, you will probably need a goal. Aimlessly training just to stay 'fit' doesn't generate that much motivation.

For example, my goal is to get bigger (build up more muscles & get stronger) - and I can monitor my progress - which generates motivation ("oh today I was able to do this exercise with more weight then the last time!")

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#102

Post by aianus » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 7:56 PM UTC

inanutshellus wrote: post #2

Exercise is like keeping a feather aloft with your breath. At any point, you can choose to stop, or blow again. Blowing works for a short amount of time, you see some short-term results, and then you're back at the head of the loop. Basically... like most anything that takes effort you either have to make "the switch" and make it be a defining characteristic of who you are, or it will never matter more than a passing…

> Just keep showing up. Once your social circle includes healthy active people you'll go do healthy outdoorsy things to stay with them.

Would those people not resent you for showing up and making them lose?

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#103

Post by sliverstorm » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 7:57 PM UTC

rburhum wrote: post #94

For me, it was finding a purpose to exercise. Initially, it was _weight control_ (I ended up dropping 30+ lbs. This process was not just exercise - it had to be paired with proper diet (otherwise, you don't see any lasting results or you end up flattening out in your weight loss graph). After I got to my target weight, it started getting kind of boring. But then, the thing that really did it for me, was getting into…

Same here, I'm very motivated to train heavily for mountain climbing. A fit climber is a safe, fast, & happy climber. Additionally, a close friend has been motivated to train her core regularly for running.

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#104

Post by serge2k » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 7:59 PM UTC

moksha256 wrote: post #86

zck wrote: post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I had a lot of fun when I was lifting (I followed Starting Strength for about four months), but when my lifting partner stopped, so did I. I've been doing pushups/plank/jumping lunge squats/plank/pushups for a while now, which is nice, but I'm certainly not getting anything near the amount of exercise I'd like to. So my reasons for not exercising now are two: 1. I don't want to take the time to lift. By the time I st…

It (a) shouldn't take more than 60 minutes MAX for a workout and (b) shouldn't require a partner to check your form. That's one of the big logistical reasons I prefer powerlifting over bodybuilding...it's simple & quick because of its high intensity. If you're doing it right, it shouldn't take you very long...unless you're waiting on equipment or something. When you're starting out and learning the form, sure, a part…

> (a) shouldn't take more than 60 minutes MAX for a workout

60 minute workout, 30 minute to travel to the gym, change, shower after, change back into normal clothes.

> (b) shouldn't require a partner to check your form

You do to learn

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#105

Post by jlarocco » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:02 PM UTC

Nothing. I exercise all the time.

I think what demotivates a lot of people is calling it "exercise" and treating it like a chore.

I have a ton of fun riding my bike everywhere, skiing, trail running, and hiking through the mountains. Technically I get a ton of exercise, but I go out and play; I never "go exercise".

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#106

Post by sosborn » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:04 PM UTC

aianus wrote: post #102

inanutshellus wrote: post #2

Exercise is like keeping a feather aloft with your breath. At any point, you can choose to stop, or blow again. Blowing works for a short amount of time, you see some short-term results, and then you're back at the head of the loop. Basically... like most anything that takes effort you either have to make "the switch" and make it be a defining characteristic of who you are, or it will never matter more than a passing…

> Just keep showing up. Once your social circle includes healthy active people you'll go do healthy outdoorsy things to stay with them. Would those people not resent you for showing up and making them lose?

No, because for most people sports are an enjoyable activity regardless of final outcome.

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#107

Post by Fargren » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:06 PM UTC

iamben wrote: post #62

If you want to exercise, you have to cut something else out - the time you spend exercising is time you're not watching tv/eating/sleeping/doing any of the billion things that are more fun than sweating. For me that was the first thing I needed to get my head around. Once I kind of, well, knew the space was 'there', it was more of a case of missing the gym rather than missing doing something else for the gym. Secondl…

>If you want to exercise, you have to cut something else out - the time you spend exercising is time you're not watching tv/eating/sleeping/doing any of the billion things that are more fun than sweating.

There are some routines you can do while watching TV. And there are almost no routines you can't do while listening to a podcast, audiobook or some music. If these things are part of your routine already, you don't have to cut them out at all.

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#108

Post by alanwatts » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:07 PM UTC

alexandersingh wrote: post #63

I could see a lot of people on HN enjoying rock climbing. Each route you climb is essentially a puzzle to solve. It's very easy to get started and you can either do it on your own if you stick to bouldering, or you can top rope or lead with a partner. You can choose how deep down the rabbit hole you want to fall, as it can get highly technical and it's also a great opportunity to go climb outdoors on weekends. Anothe…

Rock climbing is also a great way to stretch out your body after sitting in a chair for ~8 hours a day. It's like a form of Yoga but much more fun and exhilarating.

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#109

Post by razvanh » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:08 PM UTC

You just need to find something that you like doing and doesn't feel like a chore. For me it's soccer - I would play every day if given a chance (too bad that my wife wouldn't agree with that though). It's so much fun that I play even if I'm injured and know I shouldn't.

I also go to the gym 4-5 times a week. This is harder to get into. What works for me is going over lunch time. It's a 10 minute walk to my gym and I spend about 35-40 minutes there lifting weights. I would probably go less if I had to go after work as I am usually tired and I have a 40 min commute. If you're looking into starting to lift weights I recommend doing StrongLifts 5x5 - It's beginner friendly.

Re: Ask HN: What keeps you from exercising?

#110

Post by atwebb » Fri, Aug 12, 2016, 8:09 PM UTC

RUG3Y wrote: post #88

atwebb wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know not everyone can but a home gym is very, very nice. Same with a treadmill desk (typed as I'm on one...)

I reaaallllyyy want to put a power rack somewhere in my house. I have the space for it, but I'm conflicted because I'm trying to downsize my possessions. While the convenience of a home gym is appealing, having more stuff to worry about is not.

I was in the same position as you. I grabbed a rack off craigslist with the thinking it'd be pretty easy to sell off if I didn't need it. Wound up using it 1-3 days a week and now it's 3-5. I really like it for when I've got some repetitive tasks or compares running since I can do sets while waiting.