Buzz
Exercise isn’t always enjoyable, especially when done for health benefits or weight loss—it can feel like a tedious task. “For those who love working out, when and how did you start to enjoy it?” u/DaylightChampion inquires in a popular Reddit thread. Here are some responses.
It often takes several months to develop a liking for exercise
Among those who specified a timeframe, 2-4 months was frequently mentioned. Weightlossrant2017 highlights 80 days:
I’ve been exercising daily for 100 days now—15 minutes of brisk stair climbing, walking, and yoga. It took around 80 days to shift from ‘I have to do this’ to ‘This is fun, and I feel great afterward.’
Many responses emphasize the importance of consistency during the initial phase. After a few months, you’ll have proven your ability to maintain the routine and likely started seeing tangible results. asapwaffle shares:
I used to despise exercise, but now I genuinely love it. The turning point came after about 4 months of consistent effort. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not thrilled about 90 minutes of cardio, but once you start noticing the results of your hard work, you get hooked. You’re training your mind to endure something initially unpleasant for a rewarding outcome (fitness, improved appearance). When your mind links the ‘unpleasant’ action with the reward, the action gradually becomes enjoyable.
Establishing a daily routine makes a significant difference
Many Reddit users stress the value of a daily habit, which provides a sense of accomplishment early on, even if it’s just marking off days on a calendar. A_Big_Rat explains:
When you commit to exercising daily, you start feeling proud of yourself. That sense of pride in the morning sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. I became hooked on that good feeling, and it only intensified once I began seeing physical results.
You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you start missing it
LadySmuag shares that there wasn’t a specific moment when she began to enjoy exercise, but after about two months, she had an epiphany:
Last week, I missed three gym sessions due to a hectic work schedule, and I felt irritable and out of sorts. My mood instantly lifted once I returned to the gym.
Exercise becomes enjoyable when you can sustain longer workouts
Many Reddit users pointed out that longer workouts tend to be more enjoyable, but it takes time to build the fitness level required for such sessions. cpmoellering began running on a military base and shares:
Once I reached the point where I could run for an hour without stopping, I truly began to enjoy it. I wasn’t fast, but the act of getting out and moving became a fantastic way to clear my mind.
Exercise becomes enjoyable once the pain subsides
The initial stages of a workout routine can be tough, particularly if you’re not accustomed to physical activity and everything feels sore. However, as you grow stronger and fitter, your body starts to feel better. OriginalCompetitive notes:
A significant factor in enjoying exercise is the incredible feeling of knowing your body is strong enough to run, swim, bike, or do whatever activity you choose. It’s not about the pain—it’s about realizing that what once seemed painful no longer is.
While many Reddit users recommend discovering a type of exercise you genuinely enjoy (such as team sports or dance workouts), those who eventually grew to like physical activity often didn’t start out loving it. Many became hooked on the routine and the results before developing a genuine appreciation for exercise, a process that frequently took several months.
As our parenting editor Meghan Walbert discovered, significant progress toward enjoying an activity (like running, in her case) can be made in just a month. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t immediately love exercising; sometimes, it’s a gradual journey.
