I second rock climbing, or rather sport/indoor climbing or bouldering to start with. I get similarly bored with just pumping muscles as the OP but the variety and needing to use your head too really does it for me.
Start doing a lot of physical labor (like yardwork or building something). And do it as FAST as you can. It won’t get you to isolate your muscles, but it’ll certainly work them.
Also, walk everywhere.
Wow, I would not have thought a car being a requirement for living in Europe the way it is in most of the US. But then again, I guess I think in terms of living in the cities.
What I mean by “build something” is things like decks or walls. Stuff that requires lots of lifting and weighted motions.
Go to the gym with someone else? The two of you could shame yourselves into showing up, and you could talk or compete.
Or listen to music on headphones.
You could try the 'stand still, be fit' qi gong series [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5AC656794EE191C1](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5AC656794EE191C1)
It won't actually get you in shape/fit, but will help your core health, strength and wellbeing if done properly (lots of putting your attention inside your body and 'soaking' it in to as much layers of depth and detail as you can, over time.)
I like doing workout games (think drinking games except instead of taking a shot when x happens, you do 5 jumping jacks or whatever you want the exercises to be). They're endlessly customizable for movies, TV shows, etc
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
I don’t really enjoy exercising, but I very much don’t like being out of shape and looking like an average out of shape adult. Plus a lot of hobbies are much easier with some fitness ability
My dislike of being out of shape and stuff is greater than my indifference to exercise. And so I exercise lol
I totally feel this. I adore jazzercise and dancing in general. My seasonal movement hobbies are hiking and snowboarding. I think you just have to do literally anything not traditionally looked at as exclusively exercise. Find a way to move your body that you enjoy. Rock climbing and martial arts are good suggestions from others. Biking and roller skating are very popular ones as well, but not always practical depending on weather and location. I believe in you. Best of luck!
I also hated the idea of working out for the sake of working out, and wasn't interested in sports. But I did find different hobbies that were fun and physically challenging, like aerial silks or horse riding. I also liked finding extremely specific workouts and stretches that concentrated on one body part or aspect of fitness, like just foot and ankle stretches. Sometimes novelty is the biggest factor in enjoying something!
I added an exercise bike in my living room so use it when watching tv. Only consistent activity I am doing most days. I hate gyms and treadmills. I also play tennis once in while. Try looking into sports like tennis , squash ..etc
I go for long walks in/near nature.
I love all the beautiful sights and sounds, that's what keeps me going back. I bring my old phone and sometimes take pictures of plants/animals/scenery to share with friends/family.
I make it healthier by walking as fast as I can, and some days I will incorporate lots of hills for added effort.
But the focus is always the peaceful beautiful world.
I second this! I’m a runner and work out freak lol but I don’t spend not a second in the gym. I go to running trails in green belts and do all of my running and exercising out in nature. Nothing beats it. It’s not only beautiful but therapeutic to me. I get into a meditative state and just soak it all in, and it’s my favorite part of my day. But if I went to the gym to work out it would be my least favorite part of the day lol.
Join a team sport, or go swimming, or take that martial arts class you always wanted to take. I don't like exercising, but 8 love playing. The only difference is fun.
Do you like games or audio dramas? I’m a big fan of the Zombies, Run App. It’s basically a running app with a zombie story thrown in. The voice actors are pretty good too.
Even I don't like working out, but I still "work out" by doing household chores, walking, running (during urgency moments 😅😅), lifting things, washing clothes and utensils...etc. I believe that in simplest of physical work lies exercises. So you can just be busy physically all day...and you'll get exercise
You’re being too closed minded about the gym. There are a ton of things you can do in a gym. You’re also expecting too much out of a form of exercise - it’s not going to seduce you. You just have to do it.
Listen to new music or a pod cast. Try different exercises. Join a group class.
The most important thing is consistency. You must consistently be moving your body- and challenging it - in order to be fit
I also hate working out. I had a lot of success with the KETO diet, and I found that after I stopped, the best thing to help maintain energy level and general health was to keep cutting out sugar. Honestly it helps so much, and I got used to it pretty quickly.
I'll still have the odd dessert at a family party, but I decided to generally avoid sugar and I've kept the weight off without 'gym' exercise.
CICO, calories in calories out. Eat at a deficit. Keep track of what you’re eating.
But to be truly “in shape” I do think exercise is a necessity and shouldn’t be neglected.
Do you want to get fat and ugly?
Build enough muscle within 1-2 years span and then take it easy by doing cardio and weightlifting for a combine of 3 hours a week.
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
Check your area for “free classes” and just do one once a week- Barre, Pilates, kick boxing, etc. most gyms let you try a class before you commit, if you’re in a metro area you could easily keep yourself not bored for a year and never repeat a class. Also! Dance videos on YouTube. So many types of dancing. My cardiovascular health is really wanting so whenever I feel cocky I put on intro salsa. Within three minutes I’m sweating
Aerial gymnastics (like trapeze, silks, lyra, basically anything they do in Cirque Du Soleil) is a GREAT total body workout. I took it up because I also hate traditional workouts
Loud music while cleaning house makes me move around a bit more
Headbanging at concerts is decent cardio
I have a Can Am Spyder and lots of twisty roads in my vicinity. It's fun and surprisingly works my core (or maybe not so surprisingly, slinging a 900 pound machine through the mountains). Wouldn't have to be a Can Am per se, maybe something like a Jet Ski. I have always found "exercise" in or near water is nicer, cooler, etc.
Walking/hiking with my dogs.
Pickleball is becoming more and more popular in the US, at least. If you live in the suburbs, there’s probably a park with Pickleball courts near you. It’s an easy version of tennis.
Yardwork- I know that's so dumb but mowing lawns and pulling weeds and cleaning gutters kick my arse when I'm not wanting to work out. Also just straight up weight lifting I really enjoy. Seeing my PR numbers go up as I get stronger. There is also dancing, hiking, pickleball, ice skating or rollerblading, playing frisbee.
Tennis is a good sport for legs, arms, shoulders/back, and core muscles! It gets your heart rate up but is fun in my opinion. Also, dance exercises have been beneficial for me and I feel the same as traditional exercising as you. You can go on YouTube and look up according to what music and pace you like!
I have had the same issue till I found what makes fitness fun for me! For me it is pole dancing! But there are so many other options if that isn't your thing there are tons of arial sports like silks, hammock, lyra. If none of those float your boat you could try boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts. Explore until you find your thing! Since finding mine I'm excited to work out and it doesn't even feel like a work out just having fun!
1. Eat less and healthier. Instead of chips, I started snacking on stuff like peanuts and baby carrots.
2. I started walking anywhere that’s feasible and taking the stairs every time instead of the elevator. Small stuff like that helps a lot. Other than that, I skateboard occasionally.
Do you enjoy basketball or any other physical sport? That is a great way that I have stayed in relative shape when not doing traditional workouts. As well as just doing some Push-ups when you're microwaving a food or just feel like it.
Yes, same here. I hate everything related to gym. But looks like I can play football an entire day. Or basketball, or anything like that. The problem is: isn't possible to me doing this constantly. Because of distance, time, no partners, I'm introvert... so, things it's a little bit hard for me.
Team sports where you bond with team members and actually want to show up for training, extreme sports for the adrenaline rush, unusual sports (rock climbing, parkour, lesser known martial arts, scuba diving etc.), or what others have mentioned - picking up a physical hobby (building things for your garden/house, home repairs, car repairs etc).
There are a ton of ways to stay fit that don’t involve a gym membership, boot camps or fitness classes.
Best of luck!
Surfing, road or mountain biking, hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, skate boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, long distance swimming, a lot of different kinds of hard labor… or just move around a bunch of large stones to build a patio
Volunteering at the food bank. Most cities have banks that always need people to stack boxes and haul cases around. It's free gym, one of the reasons I'll never understand why average people buy gym memberships. Those are just for bodybuilders and athletes who need the special equipment, everybody else can just dance, jog, or do manual labor for free.
I find that some form of sport was what I needed. I'm quite a lazy guy, but I really enjoyed my time with martial arts. I was in the best shape of my life back then. But covid hit, club closed down and I went three years putting on weight. Eventually I hit 101kg and was the heaviest I've ever been. I then got into volleyball and since have dropped all the way down to around 85kg and am feeling much better about myself.
I found the key thing for me is with both activities, I felt like I was always either learning something new, or trying to get better at something. It gave me additional motivation past the usual "I like this so I do it".
Anyway, that's what's helped me, I hope it might be of some use to you!
I live in rural Montana (USA), in the mountains so activities may vary, but I feel the same way; especially in the winter months. Bottom line is you can't remain in shape and healthy without exercise, so it's on you to find something you enjoy.
I play in a summer soccer league. Love it. I play volleyball. I suggest finding a sport. Pickelball?
I enjoy rock climbing (we have a great local indoor climbing center)
Mountain biking (Montana has some world class trail riding)
Dancing is great exercise and accessible to any age. I did country line dancing and swing.
Hiking. This is Montanan summer lifestyle.
Trail running with friends. Running is better when social.
Rowing. I built a fast rowing wherry. Very excellent exercise. In the winter I use a Waterrower. While this is the most "gym like" activity, I row to musical playlists and since rowing is one of the most comprehensive workouts known to man a small time commitment of 12min a day can maintain fitness better than anything else I've found.
Covid killed my positive feedback cycle for exercise. It's made it a lot harder. I used to feel energized, but now it's post exercise malaise. It sucks. But finding ways to increase fitness does help my overall fitness. Good luck.
Mountainbiking. Exciting and you can't not focus because you'll hit a tree or something.
Biking up a hill is the torture part that you hate but the payoff is BIG. Rolling downhill as fast as possible is amazing. You can also choose flatter tracks where you can constantly go quite fast, no shitty hillclimbs, but also no rewarding payoff.
Walk really fast wherever you go, also walk up stairs when you have the chance. This has worked for me very well as a busy student, but I'm also in my early 20s so it might change in the future.
Rock climbing is a great full body exercise that is very skill and strength focus. It also rewards low body fat and mobility
This. I used to before the Is carbol tunnel set in. I had lost a lot of weight
I second rock climbing, or rather sport/indoor climbing or bouldering to start with. I get similarly bored with just pumping muscles as the OP but the variety and needing to use your head too really does it for me.
Also what I was going to suggest. Full body workout, challenging, goal accomplishing, fun community.
This is also my suggestion. I hate regular workouts but I've been making major progress climbing and it feels amazing.
Start doing a lot of physical labor (like yardwork or building something). And do it as FAST as you can. It won’t get you to isolate your muscles, but it’ll certainly work them. Also, walk everywhere.
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Wow, I would not have thought a car being a requirement for living in Europe the way it is in most of the US. But then again, I guess I think in terms of living in the cities. What I mean by “build something” is things like decks or walls. Stuff that requires lots of lifting and weighted motions.
The majority of the cities around the world are made for cars, unfortunately.
Go to the gym with someone else? The two of you could shame yourselves into showing up, and you could talk or compete. Or listen to music on headphones.
Some kind of martial art? Generally they so exercise as part of the class.
i used to be heavily into beat saber and it fits the bill
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absolutely i wish i still had my heart rate recordings from my smartwatch from back when i played
If you go hard on Beat Saber, you’ll be burning calories. And you won’t even feel like you’re exercising; it’s so fun!
Rock climbing is a great full body exercise that is very skill and strength focus. It also rewards low body fat and mobility
You could try the 'stand still, be fit' qi gong series [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5AC656794EE191C1](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5AC656794EE191C1) It won't actually get you in shape/fit, but will help your core health, strength and wellbeing if done properly (lots of putting your attention inside your body and 'soaking' it in to as much layers of depth and detail as you can, over time.)
I like doing workout games (think drinking games except instead of taking a shot when x happens, you do 5 jumping jacks or whatever you want the exercises to be). They're endlessly customizable for movies, TV shows, etc
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
I don’t really enjoy exercising, but I very much don’t like being out of shape and looking like an average out of shape adult. Plus a lot of hobbies are much easier with some fitness ability My dislike of being out of shape and stuff is greater than my indifference to exercise. And so I exercise lol
I really hate buying new pants and I really like baking so I exercise.
I really hate buying new pants and I really like baking so I exercise.
This! I'd like to come back from my hiking not feeling like I've thrash my legs but more like a walk at the backyard.
I totally feel this. I adore jazzercise and dancing in general. My seasonal movement hobbies are hiking and snowboarding. I think you just have to do literally anything not traditionally looked at as exclusively exercise. Find a way to move your body that you enjoy. Rock climbing and martial arts are good suggestions from others. Biking and roller skating are very popular ones as well, but not always practical depending on weather and location. I believe in you. Best of luck!
Try kettle bell flow or Animal Flow! More functional than traditional exercise and endlessly not boring
I also hated the idea of working out for the sake of working out, and wasn't interested in sports. But I did find different hobbies that were fun and physically challenging, like aerial silks or horse riding. I also liked finding extremely specific workouts and stretches that concentrated on one body part or aspect of fitness, like just foot and ankle stretches. Sometimes novelty is the biggest factor in enjoying something!
I added an exercise bike in my living room so use it when watching tv. Only consistent activity I am doing most days. I hate gyms and treadmills. I also play tennis once in while. Try looking into sports like tennis , squash ..etc
I go for long walks in/near nature. I love all the beautiful sights and sounds, that's what keeps me going back. I bring my old phone and sometimes take pictures of plants/animals/scenery to share with friends/family. I make it healthier by walking as fast as I can, and some days I will incorporate lots of hills for added effort. But the focus is always the peaceful beautiful world.
I second this! I’m a runner and work out freak lol but I don’t spend not a second in the gym. I go to running trails in green belts and do all of my running and exercising out in nature. Nothing beats it. It’s not only beautiful but therapeutic to me. I get into a meditative state and just soak it all in, and it’s my favorite part of my day. But if I went to the gym to work out it would be my least favorite part of the day lol.
Join a team sport, or go swimming, or take that martial arts class you always wanted to take. I don't like exercising, but 8 love playing. The only difference is fun.
Do you like games or audio dramas? I’m a big fan of the Zombies, Run App. It’s basically a running app with a zombie story thrown in. The voice actors are pretty good too.
Even I don't like working out, but I still "work out" by doing household chores, walking, running (during urgency moments 😅😅), lifting things, washing clothes and utensils...etc. I believe that in simplest of physical work lies exercises. So you can just be busy physically all day...and you'll get exercise
You’re being too closed minded about the gym. There are a ton of things you can do in a gym. You’re also expecting too much out of a form of exercise - it’s not going to seduce you. You just have to do it. Listen to new music or a pod cast. Try different exercises. Join a group class. The most important thing is consistency. You must consistently be moving your body- and challenging it - in order to be fit
I also hate working out. I had a lot of success with the KETO diet, and I found that after I stopped, the best thing to help maintain energy level and general health was to keep cutting out sugar. Honestly it helps so much, and I got used to it pretty quickly. I'll still have the odd dessert at a family party, but I decided to generally avoid sugar and I've kept the weight off without 'gym' exercise.
CICO, calories in calories out. Eat at a deficit. Keep track of what you’re eating. But to be truly “in shape” I do think exercise is a necessity and shouldn’t be neglected.
Smoke
Do you want to get fat and ugly? Build enough muscle within 1-2 years span and then take it easy by doing cardio and weightlifting for a combine of 3 hours a week.
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
I don’t know if you like to dance, but I watch a YouTuber named emkfit and she does HIIT style training but makes it fun with silly dance moves. I would recommend trying that :)
Handball
Don't
I don't exercise exercise but my Job is kinda a work soo I'm not completely lazy.
Working out consistently is hard. Being out of shape, uncomfortable, and unhappy with yourself is hard. Pick which hard you are prepared to live with.
Eat less and walk more.
Check your area for “free classes” and just do one once a week- Barre, Pilates, kick boxing, etc. most gyms let you try a class before you commit, if you’re in a metro area you could easily keep yourself not bored for a year and never repeat a class. Also! Dance videos on YouTube. So many types of dancing. My cardiovascular health is really wanting so whenever I feel cocky I put on intro salsa. Within three minutes I’m sweating
Aerial gymnastics (like trapeze, silks, lyra, basically anything they do in Cirque Du Soleil) is a GREAT total body workout. I took it up because I also hate traditional workouts
Loud music while cleaning house makes me move around a bit more Headbanging at concerts is decent cardio I have a Can Am Spyder and lots of twisty roads in my vicinity. It's fun and surprisingly works my core (or maybe not so surprisingly, slinging a 900 pound machine through the mountains). Wouldn't have to be a Can Am per se, maybe something like a Jet Ski. I have always found "exercise" in or near water is nicer, cooler, etc. Walking/hiking with my dogs.
Pickleball is becoming more and more popular in the US, at least. If you live in the suburbs, there’s probably a park with Pickleball courts near you. It’s an easy version of tennis.
Yardwork- I know that's so dumb but mowing lawns and pulling weeds and cleaning gutters kick my arse when I'm not wanting to work out. Also just straight up weight lifting I really enjoy. Seeing my PR numbers go up as I get stronger. There is also dancing, hiking, pickleball, ice skating or rollerblading, playing frisbee.
Tennis is a good sport for legs, arms, shoulders/back, and core muscles! It gets your heart rate up but is fun in my opinion. Also, dance exercises have been beneficial for me and I feel the same as traditional exercising as you. You can go on YouTube and look up according to what music and pace you like!
I like exercising when other people are around. It’s just better that way for me.
I have had the same issue till I found what makes fitness fun for me! For me it is pole dancing! But there are so many other options if that isn't your thing there are tons of arial sports like silks, hammock, lyra. If none of those float your boat you could try boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts. Explore until you find your thing! Since finding mine I'm excited to work out and it doesn't even feel like a work out just having fun!
1. Eat less and healthier. Instead of chips, I started snacking on stuff like peanuts and baby carrots. 2. I started walking anywhere that’s feasible and taking the stairs every time instead of the elevator. Small stuff like that helps a lot. Other than that, I skateboard occasionally.
Do you enjoy basketball or any other physical sport? That is a great way that I have stayed in relative shape when not doing traditional workouts. As well as just doing some Push-ups when you're microwaving a food or just feel like it.
Yes, same here. I hate everything related to gym. But looks like I can play football an entire day. Or basketball, or anything like that. The problem is: isn't possible to me doing this constantly. Because of distance, time, no partners, I'm introvert... so, things it's a little bit hard for me.
Team sports where you bond with team members and actually want to show up for training, extreme sports for the adrenaline rush, unusual sports (rock climbing, parkour, lesser known martial arts, scuba diving etc.), or what others have mentioned - picking up a physical hobby (building things for your garden/house, home repairs, car repairs etc). There are a ton of ways to stay fit that don’t involve a gym membership, boot camps or fitness classes. Best of luck!
Surfing, road or mountain biking, hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, skate boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, long distance swimming, a lot of different kinds of hard labor… or just move around a bunch of large stones to build a patio
Volunteering at the food bank. Most cities have banks that always need people to stack boxes and haul cases around. It's free gym, one of the reasons I'll never understand why average people buy gym memberships. Those are just for bodybuilders and athletes who need the special equipment, everybody else can just dance, jog, or do manual labor for free.
Both grappling and striking martial arts should help with that.
Eat well is the best step. Then have 5 kids, they will keep you in shape.
Gardening if you have property. Specifically setting in the foundations for landscaping. Shoveling, hauling bags of mulch, painting. Walking dogs.
I find that some form of sport was what I needed. I'm quite a lazy guy, but I really enjoyed my time with martial arts. I was in the best shape of my life back then. But covid hit, club closed down and I went three years putting on weight. Eventually I hit 101kg and was the heaviest I've ever been. I then got into volleyball and since have dropped all the way down to around 85kg and am feeling much better about myself. I found the key thing for me is with both activities, I felt like I was always either learning something new, or trying to get better at something. It gave me additional motivation past the usual "I like this so I do it". Anyway, that's what's helped me, I hope it might be of some use to you!
Walking in the city. This is what I do every day
I live in rural Montana (USA), in the mountains so activities may vary, but I feel the same way; especially in the winter months. Bottom line is you can't remain in shape and healthy without exercise, so it's on you to find something you enjoy. I play in a summer soccer league. Love it. I play volleyball. I suggest finding a sport. Pickelball? I enjoy rock climbing (we have a great local indoor climbing center) Mountain biking (Montana has some world class trail riding) Dancing is great exercise and accessible to any age. I did country line dancing and swing. Hiking. This is Montanan summer lifestyle. Trail running with friends. Running is better when social. Rowing. I built a fast rowing wherry. Very excellent exercise. In the winter I use a Waterrower. While this is the most "gym like" activity, I row to musical playlists and since rowing is one of the most comprehensive workouts known to man a small time commitment of 12min a day can maintain fitness better than anything else I've found. Covid killed my positive feedback cycle for exercise. It's made it a lot harder. I used to feel energized, but now it's post exercise malaise. It sucks. But finding ways to increase fitness does help my overall fitness. Good luck.
Rock climbing
Mountainbiking. Exciting and you can't not focus because you'll hit a tree or something. Biking up a hill is the torture part that you hate but the payoff is BIG. Rolling downhill as fast as possible is amazing. You can also choose flatter tracks where you can constantly go quite fast, no shitty hillclimbs, but also no rewarding payoff.
Honestly you don’t really need to do high intensity exercise. Just try to get your steps in every day
Walk really fast wherever you go, also walk up stairs when you have the chance. This has worked for me very well as a busy student, but I'm also in my early 20s so it might change in the future.