Exercise makes me sweaty and angry

[Anonymous]

What is this "exercise high" I hear about? I just feel like crap when I exercise. I'm struggling for breath, sweaty, red faced, getting mad that other people are looking at me, getting mad at myself....

WTH? Anyone feel this way? Will I ever like it? About the only exercise I like to do is swimming, but that's not always possible. It's inconvenient for me.

[Anonymous]

Did you just start getting back in shape or have you been doing this for a long while? If you're just getting back in shape, it takes awhile before it feels good.

I exercise regularly now all the time. But when I used to take time off, I noticed that 4-6 weeks into a new exercise program was the sweet spot. So it didn't feel all that good before that but at about that time it would feel really good. After that time, I got used to the good feeling so it wasn't such a high.

Sounds like you're having a tough time, OP. Be gentle with yourself. The most important thing is to make it a habit and try not to think about what other people are thinking. You want to do this for yourself and not for anyone else. It will feel better but you have to hang in there. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You are going way too hard if you are struggling for breath. Slow down!!!

What sort of exercises are you doing???

[Anonymous]

Everybody who stays active has their own preferences. Me, I can't stand working with a trainer. I feel like they don't listen to my goals (not being sore) and want to push me too hard, too fast. Other people enjoy running outdoors, instead of a gym. Maybe you should try a different way-- a class or something. Or if you hate keeping up with the instructors, try the elliptical or treadmill and go at your own pace. After a few weeks, you might feel differently. Try making a playlist and enjoy your time. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Ha ha! This is me too, whenever I start exercising after a long hiatus! It means you should go slower and take baby steps, and after some weeks you WILL find your exercise high, I promise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everybody who stays active has their own preferences. Me, I can't stand working with a trainer. I feel like they don't listen to my goals (not being sore)

Hahaha! If I work with a trainer and I'm NOT sore, I don't think they did a good job.

OP- I don't get a high from any machine cardio. When I have a great lifting session, though, I feel like I can take on the world.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure you don't have exercise-induced asthma? You might want to see a doctor, just to rule it out.

FWIW - Last week I started a Couch to 5K program that someone on DCUM recommended. I've never been much for running but I come back high as a kite. This training program is not difficult for someone who has been sedentary for a long time (or in my case, ill for over a year). The music and chance to get outside make it more tolerable too.

[Anonymous]

Slow down! When you get angry it means you're overly tired.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm just doing fast walking and the trying to jog a bit. I'm VERY out of shape. Like I said, I like to swim, because that way I can move my body and I won't be sweaty. I want to go to a yoga class too, but I know I will be intimidated by all the tight ass ponytailed 25 year olds. Anyone know an yoga place that welcomes old (I'm 44) and fat (size 16) women?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Slash "the" from right before "trying." Oops. Although I suppose it is "the trying" that makes me angry.

[Anonymous]

After I lift weights with all the testerone and the pump raging inside, I feel almost invincible. When the "high" wears off I feel exhausted. LOL

[Anonymous]

OP, you have to make something about the workout enjoyable.

If you can't find an activity that you find fun, at least try to use music you really like.

It sounds like you don't like sweating. I'm not sure how to get around that. Part of what I like about working out is getting a good sweat. I feel like the gym is the only place where it's welcome and acceptable to sweat.

[Anonymous]

Good advice. I hate sweating *unless* I am in gym clothes. And I have to wear tanks at the gym, so pick something cool and comfortable. I also get angry sometimes in classes if an instructor is boring or can't prompt. It feels like a waste of time. Like a PP said, some trainers can really make you angry when they don't listen or have you doing their "rote" things that they always do that make you feel foolish, like lunges down a hall or on public steps or something ridiculous.

Have a backup plan so you can still have fun at the gym even if everything kind of sucks. Maybe some time with good music on the elliptical or some quiet time stretching.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like walking/jogging are not your thing, OP. I hate cardio and do the bare minimum. Lifting, on the other hand, makes me feel awesome and is totally addicting. Try new things and you'll find a form of exercise that clicks for you.

[Anonymous]

I started out similarly over a year ago, OP. I was as red as a tomato! Now I can go longer, further, harder, and finish with only a slight flush.

I still sweat like a mofo, but now I wear it as a badge of honor. I've knocked off 50+ pounds with that sweat, so it's nothing to be ashamed of. I keep a towel or two with me at the gym, along with water and good music, and that helps.

If you get upset at other people at the gym, use that anger to push you! Anger is an awesome motivator for the gym Take things from your personal life, and use that to get pissed off at the gym. Good loud music helps too

However, maybe you are pushing yourself too hard, too soon? If you can't sustain the momentum for 20-30 minutes, then you need to lower whatever you're doing down a notch or more.