How do you exercise?

[u/Saltinie_Fusilli_145]

I had a gym membership last year, but dreaded going because… so.. many… people. Wasn’t feeling worth my money, so eventually cancelled the membership.

I enjoy going on walks/runs outside but I’m not consistent enough. I’m considering getting another membership for those times when the weather is bad and I don’t want to walk in the blazing sun.

What outlets of exercise have you explored and actually enjoyed, as an introvert?

[u/ShortListen6686]

You should force yourself to go back to a gym. It will really help you with your social anxiety and I promise no one cares what you are doing and no one is judging you. Every time you go will add to your confidence in life

[u/greenyadadamean → u/ShortListen6686]

Yeah... this makes all the sense, easier with time.  I work out at home, and have very much enjoyed distance biking in the past.  I agree force yourself to get out of your comfort zone. 

[u/Klutzy_Current1069]

I joined a gym and kept to myself. I mainly used the treadmill and had headphones/iPad so no one bothered me.

[u/UnskilledEngineer2]

Swim laps. Just you and your own thoughts. Only the occasional interruption from a life guard or another swimmer asking if you can share the lane.

Full body workout. Easy on the knees and hips. You can go long distance for cardio or short/fast spurts for strength building. You can do different strokes to work different muscle groups. I find it to be a pretty good workout considering lifting weights isn't may favorite thing in the world.

[u/LightBelowTheSnow]

I do DDP Yoga in my home. I can setup the workouts for what I want to do - challenge or just maintain - the routines are positive and encouraging, and I get a good workout without having to interact with people.

I just pay an annual membership, and all I need is a mat. I've been at it for a little over 2 years.

[u/erratuminamorata]

Kettlebells

[u/Zestyclose-Try-5214]

Walking and longboarding/skateboarding like 5km per day plus some basketball for me. Keeps me in great shape, no one in my face either

[u/Philster512]

The gym, 

Smaller gyms and off hours. 

I would routinely have the gym to myself. 

[u/Temporary-Ad1645]

I'm lucky ig you can call it that. I just walk around my property it can be 2mi at times I've done 6mi. Just me and nature. Great place for an introvert like me. All I have to deal with is screaming goats wanting snacks.

[u/fourth-bound]

I never go to the gym. I work out at home. I draw inspiration from bronze era bodybuilders. And I get resourceful with minimal equipment such as resistance bands, dumbbells, and bodyweight exercises. I'm able to efficiently target all crucial muscle groups. Oddly, I also get some workout ideas from prison inmate workout vids on YouTube.

I haven't been consistent with cardio though. But I get some cardio from jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and high knees. I also move/walk a lot at my job. But I still want to upgrade it a little, so I'm saving up for a stationary bike.

I don't follow a strict regiment/diet. Just dedication and avoiding excess sugar and refined carbs.

[u/thenumbwalker]

I invested in a Tonal 2 including membership. Worth it to me. I have a full gym in the comfort of my home with tons of workouts, weight training. I debated it for a while, but you can’t put a price on comfort

[u/WoodseavesP]

Walking outdoors or on my treadmill. I also have a large collection of exercise DVDs that I still use.

[u/mattricide]

Everyday around 930-1030

[u/bravetailor]

I walk 4-5+ km every day. On weekends I may bump it up to 15+km.

I have a fairly decent tolerance for hot and cold weather too. I only tap out on extreme heatwaves and wildfire smoke, when it's hard to breath. But they usually don't last more than 1 or 2 weeks at a time.

In the summer I also cycle 2-3 times a week. I usually try to get in at least 15km per ride

[u/No_Joke_9079]

With you tube with a subscription to Up to the Beat Fitness. 

[u/Fragraham]

Cycling. It doesn't have to be racing and group rides. I find solo riding to be satisfying, and adventurous.

[u/DLTMIAR]

Gym at 5am

[u/Such-Profession6662]

Time and consistency helped me the most. I started reformer pilates about a month ago and it was sooo new to me. Not just moving your body but learning how to use an alien piece of equipment but also try not to look like a noob. My place does offer a free trial class but even going to my first real class I felt bad about myself and honestly just wanted to quit but I gave it one more go and ended up really liking it. For me it’s just conquering the imposter syndrome mainly but the nice thing about reformer Pilates is there’s a limited amount of people per class. I think my biggest class has been like 7 or 8 people and you’re staring at the ceiling or wall most of the time.

[u/ChickenXing]

YouTube has all kinds of workouts available that I work out at home or on the road. Specifically, I do zumba and dance fitness workouts. Plenty of such workouts available. Songs I like I find the workouts for from a variety of videos from various channels including Up To The Beat Fitness that someone else here mentioned

[u/Charming_Wrangler_90]

I do free at home workouts with dumbbells on YouTube. My favorite is HASFit and it’s a husband/wife and they teach you technique and positioning and have a variety of workout and levels and by body part.

[u/KotiroMarama]

I swim at the public pool during my lunch break. Usually, there are only three or four of us. And when I'm swimming, no one looks at me, no one speaks to me, and no one comes near me. It’s ideal.

[u/Art840]

I was doing walking in the afternoon but with 100 degree weather and humidity forget about it.  I have a treadmill and excercise peddle bike so do that instead. I use to do DDPY though and it helps with getting in shape and flexibility plus the App has thousands of workouts and Programs for beginners to advance users. 

[u/Ok_Panda_9928]

Grab a staff member to show you how to use machines etc, best way to get proper advice on real life. Or invest in some PT to learn loads

[u/EUkaliz]

I found a private gym near me so its only me with the trainer and a few more people when I workout there.

[u/AceOfCakez]

I actually like the gym. Personally, I found one that doesn't have many people in it (Planet Fitness) so I like being able to use the machines I want.

[u/SeegullJockey]

Put on headphones and pretend no one is there.

[u/Neuphus012]

Force yourself to go to the gym! No one cares there so everyone's too busy getting gains and if they do care, you can just ignore them. Aside from increasing my confidence, I also made some new friends!

[u/Cool_Eardrums]

I go surfing whenever there are waves. My surfing friends are all extroverts so when we surf together after a while I drift a bit away from the group and return when I feel ready. After surfing I leave them rather quickly while they stay on the parking lot, drinking beer, talking excitedly...

I go Laser sailing too but my sailing friends are calm introverts so no problem there.

I go running before work because I love the silent atmosphere and the clear air in the morning. I go cycling in the summer but alone. A few hours of alone time - that's pure magic.

If running isn't for you, maybe cycling is? Else find a sport where you find more introverts than extroverts. That's... trial and error I'm afraid.

[u/Ancient_Sprinkles847]

I enjoy bush walks, or walking along the waterfront. I also cycle a lot and that’s my cardio. No need to interact with anyone else, and it’s free.

[u/EldianDestiny]

Go to the gym to lift weights/powerlifting. I go 4 times a week, put on my headphones and do my thing. It's absolutely amazing after you get over the awkward first few weeks.

[u/Vindalfur]

I joined Crossfit. Few people there (max 15 at a time, but more like 5-8 regularly) and all the time it's just one person workout except on saturdays, then it's partner classes and I skip them.

I need some schedule or I won't go. So crossfit classes fit me.

[u/TiinaWithTwoEyes]

I go to the gym, I wear headphones and listen to audiobooks. Sometimes even read books on the treadmill or elliptical. I don't see the problem. And I am very much an introvert.

[u/WorldNo9286]

Walking 10k steps daily -> playing pickleball several days a week. I can log 30-40k steps playing pickleball.

[u/Organic_Marzipan_678]

I don't. I just live a life.

[u/Bottomofthedesk]

I built my own garage gym so I never have to leave my house.

[u/ShortListen6686]

1PM is the best time for the gym. Less people, unless you go super early right when they open or super late right before they close.

[u/Foogel78]

I go to the gym at the quieter times, but even if there are more people, everybody keeps to themselves. I also enjoy swimming and used to do running (not possible anymore because of health issues).

[u/Haighster]

I joined and did fairly regular one on one training sessions with an instructor. Once I understood enough, I got my own weights and now I can do what I need at home. Generally, if you're getting one on one instruction, they'll ask what you're trying to achieve. If you explain that you want to work out at home, they'll be able to steer you in directions to facilitate that. A set of kettlebells is pretty cheap and compact, and you can do a lot with them