Do you enjoy gym?

[TT-ONR-NRN]

One thing I enjoy is going to the gym four or five times a week. I think it’s mainly due to the adrenaline rush a decent workout gives me, but I also really appreciate the body confidence it gives me. I’m someone who’s naturally very slim, and intense training helps me to build muscle and bulk up a bit.

Does it improve my mental health? Definitely. Even when I’ve not noticed a major change to my physical appearance, the burn afterwards makes me feel somewhat proud of myself for putting in the effort, and gets me pumped for the rest of the day.

I wondered if any of you go gym, and if you get anything out of it too? I’m also really enjoying recent sessions with my trainer, as I have lost a lot of weight over lockdown and since having regular sessions (these were required when I worked on camera and on stage while in my early teens) and having one to one training helps me stay disciplined and motivated.

 

[Scotrail12]

I think working out itself is a good thing and after a year or so of doing it, I can't go without exercise. But I'm not as crazy about gyms themselves. The atmosphere usually isn't my cup of tea. Like you, I have a personal trainer but I don't care for the guy much (we're opposite personalities, convo is always a bit stilted) nor do I like his gym which is a dingy, humid basement and just feels void of personality. And that sterile, uninspiring vibe seems to be the case in most gyms. The one in my uni is the best one I've been to since it's a modern facility.

I do go 3 times a week and feel motivated with it now I'm seeing some growth in the arms but that's mostly for the muscle side of things. I tend to go elsewhere and try other things for cardio like walking (10-15,000 steps a day) or swimming (am a beginner at it but it's a good full body workout).

 

[cactustwirly]

I go 3 times a week after work. I enjoy it, helps me to de stress and obviously improves my body image and self confidence.

 

[BrandanM]

There's a gym upstairs at the leisure centre I go to, but it's the swimming pool that I use.
I swim between 1 and 1.25k (40 to 50 lengths), mostly front crawl at pace, pretty much every day.

I absolutely love it and can't imagine giving it up. Really missed it during lockdown.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I think working out itself is a good thing and after a year or so of doing it, I can't go without exercise. But I'm not as crazy about gyms themselves. The atmosphere usually isn't my cup of tea. Like you, I have a personal trainer but I don't care for the guy much (we're opposite personalities, convo is always a bit stilted) nor do I like his gym which is a dingy, humid basement and just feels void of personality. And that sterile, uninspiring vibe seems to be the case in most gyms. The one in my uni is the best one I've been to since it's a modern facility.

I do go 3 times a week and feel motivated with it now I'm seeing some growth in the arms but that's mostly for the muscle side of things. I tend to go elsewhere and try other things for cardio like walking (10-15,000 steps a day) or swimming (am a beginner at it but it's a good full body workout).

Ah see I go to an enormous gym in town with brilliant facilities and studios (and a large sauna which I use afterwards to get rid of body toxins) and I have a great relationship with my PT, who has a similar body type to me and is relatable re. bulking and diet plans.

I don’t do cardio at all as it is counter-intuitive to my goals. I go to gain weight and muscle. Cardio causes weight loss which I do not want.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

There isn't really an option for me: Don't really enjoy it, but still try to do it very regularly because I value my health. So I had to pick the closest one.

 

[cactustwirly]

(and a large sauna which I use afterwards to get rid of body toxins)

Which toxins are those?

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Which toxins are those?

I don’t know, but I’ve been told using the sauna afterwards gets rid of toxins created by the workout.

 

[JohnMcL7]

I've not voted in the poll as there's not an option for my views, I don't go to the gym as it's not something I get any enjoyment or benefit from but I can certainly appreciate why others do it and do not think of it as vanity. I'm a big fan of cycling between road cycling, off road cycling and indoor training and for similar reasons, people find it odd I want to take part in brutal races or challenges but it gives me a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I've not voted in the poll as there's not an option for my views, I don't go to the gym as it's not something I get any enjoyment or benefit from but I can certainly appreciate why others do it and do not think of it as vanity. I'm a big fan of cycling between road cycling, off road cycling and indoor training and for similar reasons, people find it odd I want to take part in brutal races or challenges but it gives me a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment.

I’ll change the last option to just say “Nope!” then, rather than suggesting everyone who doesn’t go thinks of it as vanity. Then views such as yours will be included.

Edit: It would seem I can’t

 

[cactustwirly]

I don’t know, but I’ve been told using the sauna afterwards gets rid of toxins created by the workout.

The only "toxin" produced during a workout is lactate which is recycled in the liver anyway.

Don't get me wrong, the sauna is very relaxing after a workout. But to claim it helps detoxify is false.

 

[eMeS]

I don't go to a gym.

The last time I exercised (or, was exercised) was when I was doing National Service - in 1958. And I hated it.
The RAF had us studying in school-type classrooms for around 9½ days out of the 10 days in two weeks. Then the schedule had us over-exercising for a solid two hours, and we were whacked. Possibly, if we'd done 30 minutes every 3 days, I might have seen the point; but no exercise for nearly two weeks and then making up for lost time really was awful.
At university physical team games and practises were held in the afternoons, but that was when our laboratory practical sessions were done in the physics laboratories, and later the electrical engineering laboratories. These practicals were marked, so no degree if we missed too many of them. So, no exercise at university. (Things are different now, I believe - I've heard tales of rowing being done before breakfast, but that's a recent change.)

I used to cycle around Milton Keynes, but broken glass on the Redway underpasses soon had me revise my ideas.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The only "toxin" produced during a workout is lactate which is recycled in the liver anyway.

Don't get me wrong, the sauna is very relaxing after a workout. But to claim it helps detoxify is false.

Helps clear the accumulated dried sweat out of your pores, though that's not really detoxifying.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Helps clear the accumulated dried sweat out of your pores, though that's not really detoxifying.

I also find it prevents DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) - aka the pain the next day if you’ve not worked out for a few days before - if you sauna after as well. Only ten/fifteen minutes though to prevent light headedness and overheating.

 

[py_megapixel]

I enjoy exercise but I dislike the heat. I'd much rather go swimming or cycling (outdoors, at cooler times of day in the summer). As for the sauna - absolutely not!

In general, I find I'm much happier if I'm actually moving (as in changing position) - "running on the spot" on a treadmill/cross-trainer or sitting and lifting weights is soul-crushingly boring.

(Also indoor gyms tend to have noisy TVs or rubbish music on the background, in contrast to the swimming pool which has the much more pleasant sound of flowing water)

 

[Scotrail12]

(Also indoor gyms tend to have noisy TVs or rubbish music on the background, in contrast to the swimming pool which has the much more pleasant sound of flowing water)

Amen - I absolutely loathe the music played in my gym. If it wasn't for the PT, I could probably tune it out with headphones but it's still annoying.

 

[43172]

I don't use the gym, last time i had PE was in secondary school in 2015 so a number of years since I've used gym equiptment, but do walk past one on my way to the train station from home. Much prefer to go on walks as I enjoy being able to be by myself and stopping at points along the route taken if something interesting takes my notice. Have given it a thought as I'm hoping to start taking swimming lessons so may try joining a gym.

Never been in a sauna, but should like it in theory as I prefer the heat and warmth of summer compared to the rain and cold of autumn/winter time.

 

[GS250]

Love to work out. Have not been to a gym for over ten years though.

Much prefer keeping fit outside. Long walks, push ups, sit ups, squats etc. All weathers. I think it's so good for your overall health especially working out in and amongst nature trails.

 

[Welly]

Last time I used a gym was at school about 35 years ago!

 

[swt_passenger]

Last time I used a gym was at school about 35 years ago!

Over 50 years ago here…

 

[52290]

Last time I used a gym was at school about 35 years ago!

The last time I used a gym was at school 60 years ago. I prefer pubs now.

 

[PeterY]

I'm 64 and I've never been to a gym in my life and I don't intend to start anytime soon. . I get all the exercise I need from walking and cycling.

 

[TheBigD]

Used the gym for the best part of 35 years, managed to get a decent amount of muscle, though these days I'm into cycling and walking. I have a set of dumbells and a bench at home though it's use is pretty much limted to when it's pissing it down and I don't want to get soaked out on the bike. The one thing I do miss from the gym is the sauna. Always good to chill out in there for an hour or so after a good workout.

Been a member of various types of gyms over the years, from proper gyms to the commercial generic chain gyms.

I started using the gym when we got the chance to go as PE whilst at secondary school around 13/14. I guess these days with the institutional misandry of the education sector that it wouldn't be an option for boys these days.

I thoroughly enjoyed the gym culture, and met a good number of friends through it. Even had a couple of job offers (bailiff, personal security work) as a result over the years.

It's undeniably a good thing to take personal responsibility and look after your health and fitness.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

The one thing I do miss from the gym is the sauna. Always good to chill out in there for an hour or so after a good workout.

An hour? I’m surprised you didn’t die in there!!
There’s a sign on our one strongly recommending sessions to be limited to ten to fifteen minutes, with breaks in between if necessary.

 

[TheBigD]

An hour? I’m surprised you didn’t die in there!!
There’s a sign on our one strongly recommending sessions to be limited to ten to fifteen minutes, with breaks in between if necessary.

Bottom shelf, lie down (unless crowded) and just chill. Not a care in the world.

 

[Crossover]

I became a gym member nearly a year ago along with my other half. We mainly use it for the swimming pool and spa and haven’t used the gym much. Trips tend to be sporadic (life is busy and other things tend to get in the way!) but it is local which is handy. Swimming wise, I’m currently doing around 20 lengths per visit (of a 25m pool) but have, at times, managed 40 (though my legs didn’t thank me for it!). I’d like to get back there in time (and use the gym a bit too) but need to take it a bit easier and build back up following diagnosis of a chronic health condition a few months ago

 

[LowLevel]

I visit a few times a week, mostly doing weight training with a bit of cardio as I'm far too fond of my beer. It significantly improves my mental health and as someone who managed to acquire gout early on in life it also helps my joints - if I don't exercise for a while it is extremely noticeable and I can pick exercises that don't impact them. I have a trainer who is the same build, age and temperament as me and we have enough differences (he's a straight rugby player, I'm a gay railwayman who used to kick a football around on occasion) to keep conversation interesting.

All in all it's very helpful.

 

[AM9]

There's a gym upstairs at the leisure centre I go to, but it's the swimming pool that I use.
I swim between 1 and 1.25k (40 to 50 lengths), mostly front crawl at pace, pretty much every day.

I absolutely love it and can't imagine giving it up. Really missed it during lockdown.

Same for me, physical exercise is better if incorporated in lifestyle rather than driving to a gym. I usually swim 1km on four days per week, half breast stroke, half back crawl.
For me, non-impact exercise is less damaging for me, (for those that want lots, that can be had by walking), and swimming encourages good breathing (rather necessary in fact).

 

[kristiang85]

Yes. Every day.

Oh, gym? Sorry, I thought you said gin!

Nah, not been to a gym since I gave up PE at 14 years old. I do like a good spa though.

 

[nlogax]

Used to enjoy it but after a few years it became agonisingly boring. No change of workout routine or gym membership resolved that for me.

Long distance walking / hiking is my thing. The scenery always moves and I feel like I'm actually achieving something.