Does anyone actually enjoy working out?
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?
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I enjoy the simplicity of weightlifting. Make sure your form is good, count reps, count sets, take note of the weight lifted. All of that keeps my mind occupied for 2h, no room for it to wander into topics I'd rather not think about atm.
I also find some measure of joy out of knowing I'm lifting more today than I was last week, it's simple and measurable progress. No room for subjective bias, unlike other things I'm trying to improve upon.
It also has the added benefit of tiring me out. GAD and ADHD make for horrible bedfellows, they've made nights sleepless for me more often than not, so I'll take any help I can get.
Edit: otoh, I hate cardio with a passion. Its boring and does nothing but make me sweat and lets my mind wander. I've tried everything, from music, to audiobooks, to podcasts. Plus, I feel like I run loudly, like my feet are made of lead, and I don't like being loud.
Have you ever tried swimming? No sweat, no loudness, great cardio.
Used to swim when I was a kid, was pretty good too apparently. Coach wanted to put me in a pre-15 y/o (10-15 y/o) competition when I was 6 or 7. Got cold feet and dipped out. I dunno if I could take it as an alternative though, I've done it now and again but it feels like running. I prefer HIT and even that I don't love.
I love swimming because of the rhythm, the breathing, the form and it feels like flying. It's also very quiet. Like the noise of the world goes away first. And eventually, when I find my rhythm, my brain stops it's busyness. People tell me this about running, but running just hurts my knees a bit.