r/FTMFitness • u/SnooCapers9401 • 1d ago
Discussion It did not get easier
I don't understand the "it gets easier" crowd.
I've been consistently working out for 3ish years now and I still absolutely hate it.
I do 30 minutes of cardio (usually on the treadmill) and 30 minutes of strength training 3 times a week.
The strength training isn't so bad, but I can't stand the cardio. No matter how long its been, I just hate it. I feel tired from the cardio despite being at the same treadmill setting for almost a year. It feels like my body is going to give out any second.
But I'm always told by others how much they love working out and how easy it gets after a while.
I hate working out. I hate it so much. I like the results, but they've been at a stand still for a year (recently switched from strength training to just tryna build even more muscle so we'll see how that goes).
Does anyone else share this feeling? Not understanding why people like working out or absolutely hating the process?
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u/CagedBatter 1d ago
You know you’re allowed to try other things if you hate what you’re doing? I also hate treadmill cardio. Hate it. I do a five minute walking warmup and I’m itching to get off the whole time. But I love sprint HIIT workouts, sprinting hard for 20 seconds and walking til I can go again. There are so many other things you could do if cardio is a priority for you - biking, swimming, hell even just walking, hiking, climbing, jump rope, jumping jacks, local sports club where cardio just happens cause you’re playing a sport you enjoy. If you’ve been at this for three years and you hate it…….do something else. There are a million and one ways to exercise. You don’t have to spend 30 minutes on the dreadmill anymore and you also don’t have to strength train either. People love working out and it “gets easier” because they’re improving at something they enjoy. There are so many other ways you can move your body, build strength, and enjoy it the whole time. Free yourself dude.
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u/pranksterxy 1d ago
No matter how long its been, I just hate it. I feel tired from the cardio despite being at the same treadmill setting for almost a year. It feels like my body is going to give out any second.
This is exactly how it felt when I had an iron deficiency lol
Obviously you could be entirely healthy but I'd be remiss not to mention it
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u/audible_smiles 1d ago
Yeah, I was gonna say that OP should consider getting worked up for fatigue slash exercise intolerance.
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u/Fantastic_Menu2698 1d ago
I really enjoy cycling outside. I hate stationary bikes. No amount of sticking at it will make me want to. I force myself to do twenty mins in winter if I’ve not done much other cardio recently.
My advice is do something you actually enjoy.
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u/girl_of_squirrels 1d ago
Are you eating enough? Sleeping enough? Have you seen a doctor?
If your body isn't strengthening/adapting to cardio after a year? That is a situation that merits checking in if you have a health condition (like exercise intolerance, POTS, nutritional deficiencies, etc) that is exacerbating it then you need to identify the source and address it
Other people in the comments have covered the psychological aspect. I think it's worth checking if there is a physical/physiological issue happening first, because yeah you can only power through doing something you dislike for so long and you're hitting your limit. If you hate the treadmill drop the treadmill, but I think it's important to try and figure out why your body feels so done with it ya know?
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u/HelpfulSetting6944 1d ago edited 1d ago
There’s different types of muscle fibers. Some people have more muscle fibers that are better suited for endurance activity, some are better suited for explosive, powerful activity.
I am built like a sprinter. I develop muscle pretty easily. Cardio has always kicked my ass and made me feel terrible, all day. I tried training for half marathons, and I always felt exhausted and hungry. I never experienced runners high. But when I lift weights, I can lift REALLY heavy to failure and feel exhausted for about 10 seconds before I’m ready to go again (note: I do rest the full 90 seconds — I just feel ready after 10). I leave the gym after lifting for 90 minutes, always to failure, and I have no pain, no tiredness. I recover really fast, too. But if I go for a 5 minute jog? Man, I’m done for a few days. I’ve found that the elliptical is a great machine for me to warm up on. I never use the treadmill or any other cardio machine.
My partner is built for endurance. He can run for miles and not get tired. He can win his age group in 5ks and 10ks without even training much. But he can’t lift for shit 😂
Everyone has some combination of these muscle fibers — it’s genetic. Doing something that you hate and makes you feel bad isn’t worth it. There’s lots of ways to get a cardio workout, without the masochism of being on a treadmill. It’s okay to explore and figure out what works for your body and brain.
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u/semisubterranian 1d ago
Im built for explosive stuff (even my dna test said im far more likely to be built that way) and hated cardio until I started doing hiit, swimming laps, and sprint training lmao. Swimming laps is still very endurance but there's a lot of wiggle room to do a lap or two hard and then chill for a bit before doing more. Hiking is also cool but you can't go on a hike in the mountains as a warmup for your workouts unless there's a gym at the top (there isnt)
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u/HelpfulSetting6944 1d ago
I mean hey, that sounds like a challenging project!
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u/PerilousNebula 1d ago
so we're building a gym at the top? count me in!
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u/Ok-Bed5119 11h ago
In Japan and some other countries they do this actually! They have fitness trails and you hike up to the fitness places up top before hiking back down!
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u/Ponytroll 1d ago
this is a really good point! find what works for your body. HIIT is too taxing for me and requires too much recovery time, so i stopped doing it and started focusing on building strength. really found my calling in lifting as heavy as possible, i wish i started progressive overloading years ago.
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u/miscreancy 1d ago
Alright, couple bits.
- Don't do cardio before your strength training. 10 minute warm up (brisk walk on the dreaded treadmill), then do your lifts, then if you have to cardio as part of your workout, do it then.
- Consider just... Not doing cardio and walking everywhere, or separating your cardio from your workouts altogether and doing sthg like Zombie Run 5k/10k whatever, or swimming a couple times a week, or cycling, or heck, I'm about to take up kayaking as my cardio next summer because I live near a network of canals and it's a way to exercise without feeling like I'm exercising.
If it's making your miserable mate, stop doing it. Most people don't need to work specific cardio into their routine unless they live an incredibly sedentary lifestyle outside the gym, or they're training for a specific cardio-based event (like a marathon). Life is too short to spend your time staring at a wall, legs pumping aimlessly while going nowhere, for 90 minutes a week while you hate every second of it.
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u/iTiTiTiTiTiTiTi 1d ago
Then stop doing cardio.
I stopped doing cardio, or I only do it as a "bonus" after I'm done with lifting when I feel like I've got some extra energy to burn or feel like listening to high energy music while running.
I actually hate going to the gym, and feel like dropping out every other week. It's so mind numbingly boring. Only the results keep me going, but even then I sometimes just workout from home.
Maybe picking up a physical hobby/sport might help? Could give you an extra motivator to keep working out and some variety. I'm personally going to check out climbing.
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u/sevens-evan 1d ago
I mean, OP /can/ just stop doing cardio, but it’s really important for health and longevity so that’s not necessarily the best advice
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u/player_hawk 21h ago
Just to nuance a bit, any form of exercise that gets your heart rate up is good for cardiovascular health. If OP only does strength training at a good intensity, they will see cardiovascular benefits
OP can stop cardio as long they replace it with another form of exercise that gets their blood pumping. Cardio in the sense of going on a treadmill has no particular better benefits than any other type of working out
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u/sevens-evan 20h ago
Yes, the treadmill is not the be all end all of cardio, and yes, strength training can have some cardiovascular benefits, but every major health association that I’m aware of recommends aerobic exercise, not just strength training.
“ OP can stop cardio as long they replace it with another form of exercise that gets their blood pumping” So replace cardio with…cardio? Lol
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u/player_hawk 19h ago
Strength training at challenging levels “gets your blood pumping” so yes it has cardio in it, as you have pointed out. On top of strength benefits. Just depends on your goals! Obviously if you are seeking better endurance primarily, then yes stick to a purely cardio exercises, but what I’m saying is that all forms of challenging workouts have baseline cardio in them. Average adult health recommendations are about 1-2h of moderate to vigorous exercise a week, at least in my country, which can be achieved through weight training for instance.
When the commenter said “then stop cardio”, I felt the same: OP doesn’t have to do a block of just cardio exercises for health benefits. You gotta workout to the point of being challenged for sure. But you can get cardio benefits from all forms of challenging workouts.
At least this is to be the best of my knowledge as a weightlifter and I am open to being corrected by more informed people.
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u/slinkymart 1d ago
I hated going to the gym. I recently just got an adjustable weight set for home that can be dumbbells, barbells and kettle bells. I also paired it with a pull up bar and a resistance band kit and I love it. Gonna try and get some sort of machine for cardio as well for Christmas but as of now I don’t do much cardio, but I honestly should. I hate it too lol. I’m trying to relearn consistency and that as long as I keep going back to it, I do not need to follow the program to a complete T, life will get in the way and that does not make me a failure and I do not need to give up
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u/iTiTiTiTiTiTiTi 19h ago
Hell yeah, a fellow gym hater. I also got myself some workout gear at home, but I've got a small apartment and only so much space. Dumbbells and a pull-up bar are my current options. What cardio machines did you look into? Before getting a gym membership, I was eyeing a rowing machine. The cheaper running mats don't really withstand the type of elevated running I like doing.
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u/slinkymart 16h ago
I too have a small apartment LMFAO limited space sucks, but hopefully one day I will have my own house with a garage space gym or an extra room with a gym, either one works for me cus my dream is to have a do it all power cage (smith machine, bar pegs and cable machine, pull up bar and all)
I was looking into a walking pad! Just to try to get into it, I’ve seen some “heavy duty” ones on TikTok shop that fold up, but if not that I am keeping my eyes peeled for a free or cheap exercise bike or rowing machine that someone may be giving out at a yard sale or such. I’m also trying to get a yoga mat (hard floors suck) I also have a fold out bench, but she’s not the most stable tbh. It works though, and the bands work for warm ups and some exercises but not all I want to do.
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u/CrappyWitch 1d ago
So I realized I hated exercise because I have chronic illnesses that affect my endurance, muscles, joints, etc. It is LITERALLY harder for me to run compared to the average healthy person. It’s actually painful. Not the “oh you’re just lazy” painful. Seriously do a self evaluation of your health, it might not be you that’s the problem.
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u/kaiden-jh 1d ago
yeah i highly recommend trying out other types of exercise. the best type of exercise is the one you enjoy doing, or at least can tolerate the most.
you do not have to do treadmill cardio or even weight training if you don’t like it.
like i absolutely hate running, have always hated it, i will never like it, so i just don’t do it. i love weight training, and have been able to stick with it now for 8 years because i like it.
i know people always try to get into weight training for the benefit of looking more muscular, but ultimately any exercise is great for your health and in my opinion that should be everyone’s first priority, looking fit and muscley is just an added benefit sometimes.
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u/fluffikins757 1d ago
Go hiking dawg. Me and my best friend average 6 miles in 4 hours and have a ton of fun
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u/MakingMads 1d ago
What have you done for cardio? It doesn’t just have to be on the treadmill. You can also try gamifying your cardio, or do one of those “walking tours” where you play a POV tourist video.
Personally I like to do the rowing machine or bike, I challenge myself to see how far I can go in 15 minutes.
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u/AlTexasR 1d ago
Some people never enjoy working out but also you can maybe find something you enjoy. I fucking hate cardio but I actually really love to dance and box and thats very cardio heavy so I get my cardio in that way 😂
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u/BumblebeeStreet4048 1d ago
Have you tired to cut the cardio by half and make up for the time with added strength training? I can’t stand doing cardio indoors so I do between 10 and 15 minutes of easy cardio to warm myself up then do the rest of my workout with weights, machines, and body weight
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u/rembrin 1d ago
The only cardio you really need is just walking tbh. Just lift weights and build strength. Cardio can be hard if you have asthma or other underlying conditions like PEM
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u/Lunar_Changes 1d ago
Agree with this as an asthmatic who uses a walking pad 4x/a week. I watch 30 minutes of a movie while I do it.
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u/NinjaMcGee 16h ago
What’s your goal? Just cardio for the sake of it or do you have a goal, like a 1/2 marathon or something? As a former long distance runner turned obstacle course runner I like the competition. I like the chase of having people in front and running them down. I like the hills and knotted roots of trails.
Running is whatever, I’m mostly chasing others to win lol.
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u/squishybloo 1d ago
I feel good after I'm done, sure. After a good dumbbell session I get this full-body lassitude like I did as a kid after a full day of swimming at the beach. That's how I know I actually pushed myself adequately.
During workouts though? Absolutely not, I hate it! 😂 I don't run at all, although I did do the C25K plan and did finish it; I firmly (/j) believe the runner's high is a lie they tell themselves as well as others LOL
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u/Ponytroll 1d ago
fellow couch to 5k graduate here too, still hate running lol. and yeah i've experienced a lot of different highs in my life but runner's high has NEVER been one of them!
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u/girl_of_squirrels 1d ago
Yeah I also did C25K and it was wonderful for working up my running stamina since I've never been a runner (like, literally the first time in my entire life I'd run a mile in a row happened during C25K, and I'm pushing 40 here) but even after sticking with running for a full year after graduating from C25K? I haven't had a runners high. I just use it for the cardio benefits and blast music I like throughout the runs. I can say that each run doesn't feel like a miserable slog (because I've learned to pace myself) and I have more energy throughout the day now as a result... but it took months to get to that point
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u/ImJustTired2467 1d ago
I never ran in my life until this summer (I'm 41). I could barely make it around the track once before being completely exhausted at the beginning of June. Now (mid-October) I can jog 6-7 laps before having to stop and walk a half lap, then run a couple more, walk a half, etc until I am out of energy at about 10-11 laps total.
I feel absolutely horrible during the first lap. Like I'm going to collapse. Every single time. Then that feeling goes away and I'm just cruising until I'm too tired and need to walk to catch my breath. I don't know if it's a "runner's high" or what, but I do feel good while I'm running and energetic/cheerful afterwards.
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u/simonhunterhawk 1d ago
I'm 30 years old and the ONLY cardio I enjoy is hiking, which I unfortunately do not do enough lol There are some people who find joy in it, I am not one of them. I like riding my bike too but currently it's permanently locked up bc i broke the key in the lock xD
I'll do my walking pad at home sometimes but I've gotta be doing something else too
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u/CriticismFun 21h ago
For the bike problem you could use an angle grinder if it's a U Lock or a chain, the more plasticy cable ones are usually done with ling bolt cutters.
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u/simonhunterhawk 15h ago
yeah I have a dremel + safety glasses to do it and will cut it soon enough but my porch is right next to the entrance to the building and i have social anxiety and know it will be a long process so i have been putting it off 😂
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u/nyxwolf7 1d ago
You have to find the workouts that work for you more. It sounds like maybe you haven’t been experimenting with your routine. I would look into different forms of exercise. There are a lot of different routines and types of exercise you could try. Maybe try looking to classes of different types as well. Adding a social element to exercise might make it more enjoyable for you.
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u/pendragwen 1d ago
I really like using a rowing machine! The most fun cardio I've found is roller skating.
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u/Ceresberus 1d ago
i just dont do it. ill do like 10-15 minutes at home weight training for 2-3 days out of the week, go on walks and occasionally ride my bike (which is the most fun out of these things because its actually mentally stimulating), i just do whatever i feel like doing. my shoulders are broad and i pass decently, im satisfied with that. ive considered getting into something more fun like iron maces or basic flows with a staff to keep me entertained and make exercising more fun, but people cant convince me that being ridiculously fit is worth being miserable while training. same with diet culture, id so much rather be happy.
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u/guro_freak 1d ago
I found I kept unecessarily overdoing it on cardio until I started using a heart rate monitor while on the bike and ensuring I stayed in Zone 2 with some Zone 3 or 4 intervals sprinkled in there. There's also some forms of cardio I just can't stand doing for long–I could do hours of Zone 2 cardio on the bike and feel like time just flies, but 5min of incline walking to get my heart rate up before a lifting session feels like it takes forever. It's all about finding what you actually enjoy doing on a regular basis, and making sure you don't overdo it for no reason.
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u/caninecerebrum 1d ago
Stop doing robotic cardio and just start going on trail walks or something bro
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u/privateaccount_16 1d ago
My favorite forms of cardio are boxing and ice skating/hockey. Doesn’t hurt that they both give me great gender euphoria too
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u/thee_aqueerian 1d ago
Yeah treadmill sucks. I have enjoyed interval training on bike machines or honestly just go do a sport for cardio
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u/weeksahead 1d ago
Cardio sucks. Lift more and skip the treadmill. Walk around your neighborhood, ride a bike. Anything but the treadmill. It will always be boring.
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u/Empty_Tooth7647 1d ago
I hate cardio. Ughhh. I hate it. I stationary bike. Even then. I often don’t, and when I do I have to like watch tv and have music on and fucking make my brain melt essentially. I love weight training.
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u/Kool_Boo16 1d ago
I love lifting weights, but i will always walk by the indoor cycling machine after saying I'll do 3 miles. Go for a walk outside. I did one last night and got to see the beautiful sunset. My job has me walking and standing so I always hit my 6k steps whenever I do work. Nobody is forcing you to do cardio. Everyone has different goals with their fitness journey. Pick what you love doing and what you know you will consistently hit. Consistency shows results
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u/M0rgarella 1d ago
Some days it’s just gonna feel like boring maintenance, cause that’s what it is, but you might be torturing yourself unnecessarily. Can you swap one treadmill sesh for a walk at a local park? Maybe try a kettlebell class, which will combine strength and cardio so you don’t have to spend as much time working out.
Doing things with others helps, too. Maybe look and see if there’s a local club you could join that does a physical activity?
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u/Strict-Radio9051 1d ago
I think ist a misconception. I think it gets easier to go every day when you know it's working. But more importantly stop doing things you hate. Yes, you won't be fond of every workout, but stop cardio or at least that type of cardio. There are some many ways of doing sports, no need to be miserable.
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u/moist-astronaut 1d ago
treadmill is boring and bad for your joints long term, find something you actually enjoy that gets your heart rate up. it can be literally anything. exercise doesn't have to suck (entirely)
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u/akathisiac 1d ago
I hate to be one of these guys, but I hated all cardio and had terrible cardiovascular shape until I started doing Crossfit. Now I can run a sub-9 minute mile (which isn't Great but it's crazy for me) because I've done a bunch of workouts with 200-400m runs, a bunch of jumping, biking, rowing, skiing etc. included as part of the circuit. It helps to suffer in community too — definitely makes finishing the workout and showing up repeatedly easier!
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u/Objective-Hotel6514 1d ago
Finding cardio that doesn't ass ain't easy. I HATE treadmill with a burning passion, but I found that jumping rope is pretty good for me.
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u/lesbotron6000 1d ago
you don’t need to do cardio, do things you like. get your steps in and lift heavy and if you need to lose weight then just do a deficit
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u/mcrx21phandoms 1d ago
I skateboard, rollerblade, and walk around outside with music on, sometimes even a book on my phone, as cardio. Even if you still hate it, distractions will at least get you through it. I feel similar about weights
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u/ConstantElectronic36 1d ago
have you tried any variety? i mean, if you do the most boring versions of excersizes yeah, it does not get easier.
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u/ShinyTau 1d ago
The only way I get cardio is to walk an indoor track and gab with a friend while im doing it, then we split up for weights, then reconvene in the pool or in the sauna. Having a gym buddy really helps.
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u/bigduckyfeathers 1d ago
Youve already gotten good advice about switching up your type of cardio. Cardio didn't get easier for me until I changed up to running outside. And audio books instead of music. Idk why I just pace myself better that way.
But also if you're genuinely not making a lick of progress after 3 years, it might be time to see a doctor or look at your diet.
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u/Just_a_guy365748 1d ago
Maybe you get bored? For me I would hate to do cardio in the treadmill instead of outdoors, you can swap the treadmill for swimming or walking outdoors
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u/Easy-Read5862 1d ago
I started rock climbing about a year ago instead of just strength training. Great cardio and strength training, plus I find it fun because it’s always a project/puzzle rather than repetitive movement that isn’t applied to anything!
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u/colourful_space 1d ago
I also can’t really stand running, especially on a treadmill, but I love dancing and joined a group that practices every week. I may be puffed at the end of a dance, but I don’t notice it while I’m in it because I’m thinking about the music, my form, my spacing with other people, what’s coming next etc.
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u/Frogtatoes 1d ago
Are you ND by any chance?
I my experience the “it gets easier” crowd are neurotypical and it does not get easier for neurodivergent people.
Anyway ditch the treadmill if you hate it. Find something you like, or at least build it into your routine.
I get the “it’s the quickest way to do cardio and have fitness”, I did it too, I ran 3 times a week for an entire year and I hated every moment of it 😭
I ride my bike to work now. So the time is negligible because if I wasn’t on a bike Its still be wasted time as I sat on a train (for longer too), and it’s kinda nice on a nice day, better than standing on a packed train at least 🤷
Can you get a bike and ride to the gym? Or do a boxercise class (or any class you will enjoy), or maybe you’d enjoy the rowing machine more, or a ski erg?
You don’t have to do the treadmill if you hate it.
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u/meerkatherine 1d ago
If you've been building muscle the whole time you probably are heavier/denser over time making it more dificult to do treadmill. Try a different cardio that you'd like more
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u/PerilousNebula 1d ago
I find a rowing machine, elliptical and cycling were my favorite cardio workouts. I hate the treadmill, so if I'm running I would run outside, even if it is cold and freezing out it was better for me than the treadmill. I'm currently really out of shape due to a decade of injuries health conditions and surgeries. so even the things i used to like I don't, but i know that will get easier when my body can more frequently match what my head says it can do.
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u/ExternalNo7842 1d ago
I don’t like working out, but I do like doing physical activity, like bouldering, hiking, and cycling. So I don’t go to a traditional gym - I go to my climbing gym and hit some trails to get my workout in. Maybe you’re the same and would benefit from finding an activity or two that you enjoy and that keeps you active
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u/Muchmuchgo 1d ago
ditch the cardio and add more weight lifting. more reps at a faster pace = cardio
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u/powerpower9000 1d ago
Do what you like, if you're on 3x full body try switching to full upper lower or smt
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u/Sufficient2664 1d ago
I understand where you're coming from. If you have the resources I wonder if you try a different form of cardio and see if that improves the situation. I know not everyone can afford classes or what not in this economy though
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u/Fluxingperson 1d ago
I too, hate cardio. But I need it bc I have to be standing/walking 10hrs a day at work.
It gets easier once you go past a certain point. You want 30 minutes to feel easy? Go for 45 minutes. You want 30 minute to feel easier than easy? Go for 60 minutes. It only gets "easier" when you're normal cardio go passed 30 minutes.
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u/ccoffeeking 1d ago
Doing anything on a treadmill sucks. Try walking to someplace nearby, maybe a park or a close grocery store. Find a sport or outdoor hobby you enjoy and then it won't feel like such a chore.
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u/Diesel-Lite 1d ago
Have you considered doing some other form of cardio instead of something you actively hate
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u/rupee4sale 1d ago
Find exercise you enjoy. Some people like swimming. Some like rock climbing. Some enjoy hiking. Some like yoga. Etc etc. I personally enjoy bike riding and walking outside a lot. I think I am going to quit my gym membership because I almost never go and it's tons of money down the drain. I don't like the social awkwardness of exercising around other people in close quarters and I prefer being outside when I exercise.
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u/Illustrious_Fall1851 1d ago
Maybe if you don't like the treadmill you can find some other option like swimming or just walking briskly that you enjoy more. Running is great for people who like it but it's okay if it's not for you. It is more important to move throughout the day than to run but spend most of your time sitting without getting up very often.
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u/RineRain 1d ago
Just don't do the treadmill, I'll never understand why people do that, it just objectively sucks. Literally anything is better
my pitch: Blissfuly cycling on bike trails in nature, casually playing fun group sports with a chill bunch, rewarding solo sports like bouldering in the climbing gym, hiking oh I love hiking, cardio is the highlight of my day as long as it's not the treadmill/ gym machines
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u/xLeone30x 1d ago
I hate it. I hate the way my body looks when not working out, but I also hate working out. People say it helps them keep their mind off things, for me it’s the opposite - like the whole time I’m going I’m just thinking of the most negative stuff. It’s hard bro. I am sure you look great brother, but I’m sorry you don’t get the feeling everyone says you should.
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u/Estroyer 1d ago
I think it's also a person to person preference. I have always been told that running is addicting for some, so I tried it. I hate it with every fibre in my body and no amount of running convinced me. Lifting weights on the other hand I do love and I have to force the rest day or I'll be effing up my tendons. Find what works for you!
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u/EveryAsk3855 1d ago
I mean,,, do other cardio? Doing the same thing gets boring anyway. The stationary bike with high resistance will burn a lot of calories, same with stair stepper.
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u/player_hawk 21h ago
I’ve been working out for about 8 years now, with some breaks, weightlifting specifically. I started to impress a crush, so needless to say that this was about the results and not the journey itself.
Working out is so much bigger than the narrow view we give it. First point would be what are your goals? Having goals helps a lot. It can be strength, health, weight loss, endurance, whatever. Maybe it’s community and you’d be better suited going to basketball practice once a week. Or swimming. Or climbing. The gym has become the catch all of working out but you can be in excellent shape without going to the gym
My goals have really changed over the years and I constantly adjust what I’m doing to them so that I can stay motivated.
Second, keep being honest about what you like and dislike. Start to target what you like. I also hate cardio and prefer strength training. For a long time it was fine to get my cardiovascular benefits from weightlifting but there came a point where I wanted to see more endurance benefits, better pacing for myself. So I asked myself, ok what do I hate the least? Rowing. Rowing isn’t too bad. So I have added a 5min row at the beginning of each workout.
Next, I really don’t like doing legs. But I acknowledge that legs are super important to strengthen in everyday life and as a weightlifter. So I’ve moved towards kettlebells - it’s functional strength, it includes other body parts, it has cardio elements… the novelty of working out this way has helped me stick to doing legs regularly.
So my last advice is to try to find other ways to work out that you may like better. Hyrox, CrossFit, weightlifting, powerlifting, community classes, team sport, whatever. Again don’t know what your goals are, but if it’s “stay in general good shape” then you have so many more options than a treadmill
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u/Chrome-Rabbit 11h ago
I literally hate cardio with every single fiber of my existence. I find great joy in lifting and seeing my body change, I live in a diet based calorie deficit to compensate for lack of cardio.
I hate cardio a lot but I love being competitive so I plan to start a kickboxing class when I feel ready to undertake slotting that into my busy life. When I was younger I hated cardio just as much so I became a boxer and that was a great form of cardio. Decided on kickboxing now that I’m older bc my shoulder struggles a lot these days and there’s something cool about being able to kick well, moves the whole body really beautifully.
TLDR; Maybe just hitting the treadmill isn’t the cardio for you and you’ll find more excitement in something activity based alongside your lifting?
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u/marlee_dood 9h ago
Maybe you’re tired because you aren’t increasing? When I stay at the same walking time for days/weeks I always get tired at the end, but if I increase it slowly I feel more able to go longer. It usually still sucks while doing it, especially at the start of the walk/run lol
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u/wuffDancer 1h ago
What your describing sounds a lot like wellness issues are effecting your workouts. I love to workout but during the periods of my life when I didn't realize I wasn't eating properly, not bringing enough sleep, or had iron deficiency, working out felt awful.
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u/BeansOnMyPiano 1d ago
Try other types of cardio. Walk outside, ride a bike, try a spin class, swim, play tennis, the options are endless. I hate the treadmill so I don’t use it. There’s no sense torturing yourself when there are so many different forms of cardio. You just have to find one you enjoy.