[aareet]

I felt this way for a very long time and have made similar choices. I simply can't get myself to consistently go out on runs, or work out on gym machines. That said, out of sheer chance I discovered an enjoyment of powerlifting and swimming and I've been able to keep those up, and even look forward to doing them. Perhaps it's a matter of finding the exercise you can tolerate.

[zeruch]

"Perhaps it's a matter of finding the exercise you can tolerate."

This.

I was a bit of a free-weight gym rat in my 20s and never liked it (still don't), but have over the years find things I have/do enjoy, and that makes it easier to get stuff done. Some are very low friction to accomplish regularly (Kettlebells, ergs, trail-running/hiking...note, I hate running on treadmills or in urban environments, but will alternate running and hiking in an afternoon in the forest like a 5 year old kid exploring. It's actually a joyful event for me. YMMV). Other things happen perennially due to logistics or weather (e.g. swimming, rowing, Bikram yoga).

I've tried lots of other things in between, so there is some measure of "i need to figure out what works and what doesn't" and that in and of itself can be an unpleasant set of experiments, but...

[ferrumfist]

There are many forms of exercise outside of a fitness center. I know a handful of guys in their 60's and 70's who are in fantastic shape due to fencing. They can still regularly place in the top 20% of regional tournaments against guys in their teens and 20's.