alt Hacker NewsThe greatest misconception about exercise is this "if you're tired your best course of action would be to abstain from the thing that will make you more tired" train of thought. Exercise doesn't always work like this. Yes you'll have bad days, but you'll find yourself more energised most of the time and mentally more at peace. Thinking it will make you more tired can often be just a preconception.
It's like that classic sedentary worker ailment of the sore back. Many people take this as a sign to rest more, but these types of issues are often caused by weak musculature and the best thing to do is start resistance training. Obviously not a blanket solution, but one that definitely seems overlooked.
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> best thing to do is start resistance training.
Doing so very carefully!
I will agree though. Before going on a long cross-state bike trip, I had some back issues and was cramming in work (too much sitting). I went out with lower back pain, resolved itself after a few days of riding for most of the day.
I very much agree that counter-intuitive behavior is often what is called for. The exercise or sedentary habits are habits. They really become normal one way or the other quite quickly.
> Exercise doesn't always work like this. Yes you'll have bad days, but you'll find yourself more energised most of the time and mentally more at peace.
Is there anything that will convince you this isn't true for all (perhaps not even most) people?
The right type of exercise matters. I've often gone on bouts of cardio on a treadmill for months at a time (multiple times a week - at least 30 minutes each session). It never ceased to suck.
I can do a hike and never feel bad. But a treadmill or cycling device? Always feels bad. I hope it benefits me in the long run, because it definitely reduces the quality of life on days I do it.
My only real hope is to find some other kind of cardio that doesn't annoy as much.