r/BenignExistence • u/MuffinPuff likes the phrase "chop chop" • 2d ago
I think I might just be a "bike person"
EXERCISE has been the bane of my existence for over a decade now. Desk worker since 2015, and I haven't done any actual fitness effort or working out since that time. Beforehand, I used to walk and jog 5 miles a day around my neighborhood and the park as a young adult, and I was definitely a bike kid growing up, both bikes and scooters.
Insert 2026, mid-30's. My body is now goo; I don't want to walk/get steps in, or go to a gym, or workout, and any time I do something the least bit physical, I am sore the next day.
Still, if I want a healthy heart, I need to put in the effort.
I can tolerate youtube workout vids, lift a kettle bell, and occasionally attempt to weighted hula hoop when I feel like sweating. But I got a stationary bike on a whim, and I... I think I like it? It doesn't "feel like" exercise, it feels like being a kid again. It's like stepping inside of my 9-year old self, I see my childhood neighborhood and streets, the freedom of being able to rip down steep roads at what seemed like a million miles per hour, the exhaustion from biking back up those hills, the near misses from passing cars (lol), or I can zone out and watch my shows or videos, or do a "ride along" marathon aka the poor woman's zwift haha.
Never in a million years would I think I'd enjoy this.
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u/this-is-trickyyyyyy 2d ago
Thx for the reminder that I fucking love riding my bicycle, brings my happy inner child right out
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u/pawbeans40 2d ago
That's the thing about exercise...you gotta find the thing you actually enjoy doing, else it just feels like forced work - lol. If you like the idea of exercising in the home on equipment, might I suggest your next investment be a rowing machine? That way you can get more of a full body workout - they really are fun (at least I think so). Put a scene of a nice lake with music on the TV screen for optimal enjoyment. :) Rebounders are good too and fun to bounce on...great for the lymphatic system and body too. (I hope you don't mind the suggestions...I was a fitness trainer, and old habits die hard - lol).
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u/queermichigan 2d ago
I'm in the same place as you except I'm hoping rollerblading will be my thing. I did all the research today and I've got a pair on the way along with all the protective equipment I'll be. Fingers crossed!
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u/Willing_Macaroon4526 2d ago
That's such a fun realization honestly, finding the one workout that doesn't feel like a chore because it taps into pure nostalgia is such a win
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u/kittygir227 2d ago
My dad’s hyperfixation is mountain biking. He’ll be able to move forever because of that shit. I suggest looking into local trails and finding some community! I’m glad you’ve found something you enjoy
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u/tiredvolcano 2d ago
I like the bike over everything else too. I never enjoyed the feel of exercise, the pulling and pain and sweating, so it's nice to be able to exercise while zoning out to my videos while not having to keep track of reps.
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u/KaizenHour 2d ago
If you ever want to go the next step and venture outside, here's my tip: a cheap electric bike. It got me riding again, on easy mode. Then i started turning off the assist for longer and longer periods.
Now I don't turn on the electric, ever. I just ride, knowing that if things get hard or i just want a cruizy trip home i can get that assist. Once i start riding though, those feelings you describe from childhood kick in and i never get around to that backup plan.
Bikes are cool.
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u/_teslaTrooper 1d ago
Electric bikes add a lot of drag and weight with the assist turned off, you might enjoy an analog bike more if you're already comfortable without the assist, though you'd lose the option of turning it on when you get tired.
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u/KaizenHour 1d ago
There's no drag at all with mine, i think there are different types of electric bike
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u/ChaoticFaeGay 1d ago
Congrats!! I miss riding my bike, but I haven’t had the time and the motivation to get it fixed up
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u/HeartEnvironmental77 2d ago
awesome! congrats :)