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?
Yeah, but no.
I’ve been lifting weights daily since I was 15, and I’m 33 now. I enjoy it in that it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something more than I would be if I just sat on my ass at home. It feels good to push yourself physically and ‘feel the burn’ and work up a sweat. Humans were meant to use their bodies and if you don’t there’s a very good chance that that is the reason you feel like shit all the time.
But also no because I find weight training to be exceptionally boring. This is easily mitigated though because once you have the flow of your workout solidly built into your head, it’s simple enough that you can turn your brain off and focus on the podcast you’re listening to. 30-50 minutes will pass by in a flash.
I still have days where I dread my workout, and I have to really push myself to complete them. Generally, if I go straight home from work and sit on my couch, I will not get back up.
Same, that’s why I prefer cardio. I can do something with my brain and hands while burning calories at the same time. However, when I push myself to lift more, it’s very rewarding, especially when you get to the point where you feel like you could lift the entire fucking rack with how much you’re lifting.