Confessions of a Gym Dropout: How I Found a Fitness Routine That Doesn’t Make Me Miserable

Let’s be honest: I was never the “fitness girl.” I was the girl who signed up for a gym membership with the best intentions, showed up twice, and then mysteriously disappeared forever... Just the thought of treadmill-induced suffering made me want to cry or hide in bed binge watching The OC (can you tell I'm a millennial?). The gym honestly made me uncomfortable, from the overly enthusiastic gym-goers to the intimidating equipment and the impatient gym bros trying to mansplain how the equipment works to me (which I did not ask for). I didn’t fit in, and I hated feeling that way.

If you’ve ever felt like the gym just wasn’t your thing and even convinced yourself that fitness just isn’t “for you,” trust me, I get it. But here’s the kicker: I went from being a professional gym dropout to becoming that friend who actually enjoys working out. So, how did I get here? Well get ready, because this journey has had more ups and downs than a HIIT class (which I love now, by the way).

What is “Fun” Fitness?

For over a decade, I thought the gym was the only way to get fit. Jokes on me: It’s not. Every time I tried, I felt awkward, disconnected, and, let’s be honest, quite miserable. The only times I could stick it out for a whole gym sesh was if I brought a friend to suffer with me. But you can’t always rely on someone to drag you to your fitness goals, so I had to come up with a new plan. It took me a while to realize that fitness should feel fun and rewarding (or at least not awful), and if I dreaded every second, something needed to change.

The key for me was finding workouts that didn’t feel like punishment, or public humiliation. That’s when I found spinning. The high-energy music, dim lighting (so no one sees me struggling), and group energy made me want to show up. Plus, the classes cost a minimum of $30 so if I paid, I was going no matter what. The surprise was, I wasn’t dragging myself to the gym anymore. I was looking forward to class. After a couple classes I even made some spin friends, and I really started to feel like a part of a community. People of every age and physical ability were there, and it felt awesome to be all vibing out to a Dua Lipa track together in sync. I knew I found my place in the fitness world. 

But the truth is, spinning isn’t the only option. There are so many other ways to stay active that don’t involve mind-numbing treadmill sessions or lifting weights in a crowded, bright room that smells like Axe body spray. You can do dance classes, yoga, Pilates, or even just long outdoor walks, these are all valid and enjoyable ways to get your body moving. I heard someone say once that “motion is lotion” but don’t quote me on that. The fitness world is so much bigger than we think, and we don’t have to force ourselves into a mold that doesn’t fit.

Why Fitness Should Feel Good

Fitness is often marketed as a painful grind that you need to get through to feel good, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Studies show that people who enjoy their workouts are more likely to stick with them long-term. Aside from the physical benefits, enjoyable workouts improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost confidence. When you find movement you love, it stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming a part of your life. Now I can’t believe I used to dread any sort of physical activity. 

Now that I realize moving my body in a way that brings me joy is far more beneficial than punishing myself with workouts I hate, I truly am a convert. Movement should be something we celebrate, not something we dread. When we start focusing on how exercise makes us feel instead of how it makes us look, everything changes. 

How to Find a Workout You Enjoy

Step 1: Abandon the “Gym or Nothing” Mindset

There are seriously so many ways to move your body, Zumba, hiking, rock climbing, running, even at home workouts. If the gym isn’t your thing, that’s okay. The key is to explore different activities until you find what excites you. For me after I started spinning it encouraged me to try other classes and at home workouts too, and you guessed it, I love those too!

Start by making a list of all the activities that sound fun or interesting (or even a little scary), to you even if they don’t seem like traditional workouts. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try paddleboarding, take a pole dancing class, or join a recreational volleyball league. Give yourself permission to experiment and keep in mind that it’s okay if you don’t love everything you try. The goal is to keep exploring until you find something that clicks. Don’t give up, there’s something for everyone, trust me!

Step 2: Make It Social

If I let my negativity towards gyms get me down, I’d still be making excuses. But when I started working out with friends, doing a Pilates class here and there, yoga in the park, or even just surrounding myself with people who enjoyed fitness, it became easier to stay motivated. Bagels and mimosas after spin class? I’m there!

Having an accountability partner makes a huge difference. When someone else is expecting you at class or a workout, you’re far more likely to show up. Plus, working out with friends makes the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. Even if you prefer solo workouts, being part of an online fitness community or following fitness influencers who align with your values can help keep you inspired. Apps like Strava or Peloton are great, you can see your friends working out, but you don’t have it actually go with them to the classes if your schedules don’t align. 

Step 3: Adjust Your Mindset

For the longest time, I thought I had to be “good” at fitness to enjoy it. Spoiler Alert: You don’t. Once I let go of the pressure to be perfect, I started having fun. Some days I crush a workout other day I feel like I’m passing away. But I keep showing up, and that’s what matters.

Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. It took me almost a whole year to really notice a physical change, but my mental health improved within a few weeks, so I was healing in more ways than one. If you can reframe exercise as an act of self-care rather than a punishment, everything changes. Instead of focusing on calories burned or inches lost, start celebrating non-scale victories: feeling stronger, sleeping better, having more energy, or simply enjoying movement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forcing yourself into workouts you hate – If you dread it, it’s not going to work.

• Expecting instant results – Progress takes time; consistency matters more than physical changes.

• Going at it alone – Having a workout buddy or supportive community makes a huge difference.

• Ignoring recovery – Overtraining leads to burnout and injury. Rest days are just as important as workout days, you can still move just remember to take it easy and listen to what your body is telling you. 

Additional Tips for Staying Motivated

• Set realistic goals. Instead of aiming for drastic changes, focus on small, achievable milestones, celebrate every time you make it (or don’t, who cares you’re awesome!!)

• Make it enjoyable. Listen to your favorite music, wear cute workout clothes, or reward yourself after a great session, don’t skip out on the treat yourself part.

• Give yourself grace. Skipping a workout is not a failure, it’s just part of life.​

Fitness Should Work for You

If you take away one thing from my gym dropout saga, let it be this: you don’t have to suffer through workouts you hate to be fit. Find what feels good. Find what excites you. Maybe it’s just dancing around in your living room. Whatever it is, own it. Fitness isn’t about forcing yourself into a routine that makes you miserable, it’s about creating one that makes you feel incredible.

If you’re struggling to find a fitness routine that sticks, start exploring now! Try new activities, invite friends to join, and most importantly, have FUN. Subscribe to my blog for more fitness tips, and let’s make movement something to look forward to, (even if you feel like garbage sometimes) I got you!

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7593334/

https://www.cnn.com/interactive/exercise-recommendations-workout-quiz-wellness/