Why do we avoid working out?

I frequently look for reasons to avoid intentionally exercising.  I have no idea why, because I feel good while exercising, and always feel better and more committed to a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

But I'm constantly making excuses for not going to the gym.

I know there are many things I can do at home that aren't labeled "exercise", and I do them, but I also enjoy working out at the gym.  So why do I avoid it whenever I can?  Its a nice place, good equipment, a pool, lots of things to do..and I avoid it like the plague.

Just wondering (and sitting here avoiding the gym this morning)

[Trialanderror]

Same here. I have never been able to let myself be a hamster in a wheel. I need an immediate purpose of my physical actions. Running to get away from a thunderstorm, strenuous mountain climbing to reach safety before night falls, paddling like an athlete in a canoe to reach the other shore, carrying my 45 lbs son on my shoulders for 6 miles because he is missing a shoe. That type. Even archery I can only do if I invision the target is my yummy dinner-to-be. As much as I would like to let the path be the goal and live in the here and now and just exercise for the joy of it, I do not have that Zen touch. I need a purpose or competition to get the initial adrenaline going. It might be inherited. Or it may be something else: the past decades have been full of demands, around the clock, no time for me. So the last thing I want is any gym equipment or a pool or any arena staring at me with a silent demand to give my all, my last two percents of remaining energy. Maybe that is what keeps me from being "the best I can".

[crystalfresh]

I love doing it when I am awake and alert. When I am tired the last thing I want to do is work out. Mental stress can do it too.

[Suri123]

Hi Peekawho, how are you doing? Hope you are in good health and physically fit. I agree with you at times one may tend to avoid doing physical exercises/gym willingly just without any reason so, a set routine exercise schedule after some time becomes really boring and enjoyless. Sometimes on weekends or national holidays on weekdays, you might feel like relaxing and once the regularity is broken, you might feel difficulty to continue again. Illness and being busy with studies or daily activities can also hamper your workout schedule. Do make up your mind to follow your workout schedule every day, do not over exert any time. Take care and share your thoughts.  

[2ndBaby]

I recognize myself in your commentary on exercise.  I think you summed it all up for me in your last two sentences.  Thank you for putting my feelings on this subject into words :)

[Trialanderror]

Hahaha...you`re welcome. (*slumps back into be to read about belly fat after forty*)

[LenoraS]

I feel the same way. I know its good for me, and i feel better throughout the day after i do it, but an excuse not to go always creeps into my mind. Like: its too late, my t.v. show is coming on, i wont have time to  cook, im tired. blah blah blah

[marissposa]

I think it is like Newton's law.  An object in motion continues in motion until acted on by an outside force, an object at rest....  
Also, we all have so little free time, that any added responsibility is a drag and the only person that cares if we exercise is us,  so it's easy to procrastinate.