Does anyone go to the gym alone?

CafeRacer808

I prefer going to the gym alone. I've done the workout buddy thing in the past and what generally happens is that one of us finishes before the other. I don't like making someone wait for me because I start to feel rushed, and I don't really like waiting on others either. I've always viewed gym time as "me time", not "we time".

TRI_COMMANDO

Yes

Unknown

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Savagedistraction

Prefer to go alone. Then I'm not waiting on someone else to show up, I get in and out faster, and focus more. It's actually the best way to work out IMO.

thelovelyLIZ

I go to the gym alone all the time. I used to read on the treadmill and I'd only allow myself to read that book while I was working out. I've been doing the same thing with some podcasts recently too.

After a while too it just becomes a habit. It's really cliche, but I never regret a workout. I DO regret being lazy and not going though. Working out makes me feel great, boosts me energy level, and lets me unwind.

KDar1988

I go alone. I don't feel you get a good workout if you can talk to the person next to you. Had some girls carrying on a conversation the other day. I look over and her elliptical was set at 4 incline and 1 resistance. They never broke a sweat...I was dripping when I got done. Much more effective workout when alone (for me)

MonkeyMel21

I have always gone alone. Most of the other ladies that are there at the same time as me go alone too. There's actually only one pair of guys that come together at the same time, everyone else is solo.

natalieg0307

I go to the gym alone. I don't go to socialize. I take my class or do my workout and leave. I meet friends for lunch, not a workout.

rugratz2015

I go alone because I don't have anyone else to go with. I don't talk to anyone, I joined with two lads (strangers - discounted price) but I wouldn't recognise them if they stood in frount of me tomorrow. I watch Netflix when doing cardio and listen to music the rest of the time. I like that I don't have to consider anyone else, I see others that seem to spend too much time talking, sharing machines so they're on them for triple the time because of the talking and changing the settings etc, or the ones who seem to treat it like a social club, strutting around with a couple of 5kg weights. TBH, the only reason I'd want a buddy is for a coffee afterwards, and that wouldn't be every night.

Make yourself a good playlist and get in there, you won't regret it. Best wishes for a new (more confident) you x

helloyukihayashi

I go alone all the time! I prefer it. It may be helpful to have a buddy for heavy weightlifting but I feel like for most cardio you're better off on your own with a great podcast or playlist.

If you prefer the motivation, why not sign up for a group fitness class?

kuroshii

In the past when I belonged to a gym, I have always gone alone. Stompy music on headphones and focus on the equipment.

mom22dogs

I also go to the gym alone. I have tried to get people to come with me, but they won't, which is just as well, I can focus on my workout and get in and get out. I'm not there to socialize either. I don't even like to walk with someone because we have different paces and it just seems to take longer.

cgvet37

Motivation comes from within. I like training with someone who has the same goals as me, but I have trained by myself for most of the time.

yourfriendlaurie

I always go alone. The few times I've gone with a friend it was really awkward to be honest. We end up just talking and not working out or I want to work out longer than they do or they run way faster than me on the treadmill and I feel self-conscious or there's only one free machine and we have to decide who gets it, etc.

That was a nice gift for you to give your friend but here's another way to think of it - would you have bought the membership for yourself if she had said no? It sounds like you needed that boost to push you to go. Now that she's bailed, it's all on you, but if you hadn't bought her that membership in the first place you might never have gotten one for yourself!

lorrpb

I go with hubby when his work schedule allows, but I also work out at home by myself a few times a week. I would venture to say that the vast majority of people at my Y come by themselves.

WickAndArtoo

I prefer going alone.

Also just a positive note here, if your friend is already bailing she would not have been a good work out pal, so yay for not having someone holding you back!

The fact that you care enough to reach out for ideas and keep to your plan shows that you have great determination and I have no doubt you will reach your goals!

I never get bored at the gym... however some good ideas are watching movies/tv shows, listening to books on tape, and making a super amazing heart racing play list on your phone.

Adc7225

Sorry that your 'friend' flaked on you. I have had periods of both solo and with a friend so here are my pros and cons
I started with a friend but changed my hours to early morning so that meant I was going solo, some of the great things about that is - you set your own time; you don't have anyone comparing what you are doing; you don't have to find something two people can do; you can make this time all about you!!!!
Of course when you are going with another you have to wait on them; discuss what you both want to do; if they are ready to go . . . either watch them sit there or cut your workout short There are some pluses to having a workout buddy but for me I have always been the motivator, this can be a plus for you but as you see it's really hard. Either get yourself some great music or a good book and again, make that time your own.

CAlexRose

I've been going to the gym alone for years. I can't rely on anyone to be as consistent as I am, plus I don't want anyone to slow me down...

sho3girl

yes - but I'm doing classes so there are many others witnessing my attempts lol

trigden1991

The money that you spent on your friends gym membership can now be used on a training session.

Personally my best workouts are when I'm alone. Put your favourite music on and go and smash it!

housels

ARE YOU MENTALLY READY???? I went to the gym looking for an accountability partner. I found one, but she didn't work out. I tried to get my g/f to start with me too even though we live in different cities, but she had too many excuses. I had already MENTALLY set myself for what I wanted/needed to do in the gym, so it didn't sway me one way or another if I had an accountability partner or not. Also with your mindset, you're going to get bored and eventually stop going therefore you may need a gym with classes to change it up. Set your own small fun goals to keep it interesting so you can zone out and focus on your workout. Find some good good music. I listen to techno gym on Pandora. A lot of people turn their head lol, but when you want/need that heart throbbing beat and base to get you moving.....that's it and before you know it, your workout is done. Challenge yourself. Change it up. Lift weights too...don't shy away or be intimidated in the gym....i believe that's what it is for most. Walk into the gym with blinders on girl. You got this!!!!! Again are you MENTALLY ready for this?

lauracups

A friend and I joined at the same time and I still prefer to go alone. I like to mix it up and most days, weather permitting, I walk 5-8 miles. When I do go to the gym I like to get my tunes in, do hiit, get in get out, not there to socialize. If meeting with a trainer isn't in the budget, YouTube up a routine while there, and try to follow along. Start off with machines that you feel comfortable with, and push a lil harder as you go, don't over do.

ajwcyclist2016

I go alone it's not really an issue. First time I went with my coach just to go through the exercises and that I've to do. After the first 3 or 4 times I soon got into the swing of it and routine of it.

BeeerRunner

I go alone all the time. None of my friends are are at the same fitness level as me. I think most people tend to go to the gym alone.

As far as your friend, you don't need your friend there with you. Sounds like she'd slow you down.

T1DCarnivoreRunner

Back when I had a gym membership and went 2-3 times per week, I would always go alone. It was a 24/7 community gym with key-card access so I could go about whenever I wanted. The facility was not very big with an open floor plan and various areas with different types of equipment, weights, etc. With the exception of locker rooms / bathrooms, anybody in the gym could see completely across the gym from anywhere and know everyone else in the gym.

I'm generally a quiet person, so I never really talked to anyone. I did come to recognize about a half dozen 'regulars' with mostly the same schedule as me. On other occasions, I might be in at midnight or 2am and be the only other person there. As long as I wasn't doing anything where I would need a spotter (never did even when there were others around), there wasn't a significant safety risk. I prefer to workout alone anyway, so the early AM when nobody else was around was always the best time.

3rdof7sisters

I always go to the gym alone. When dd is home, she goes with me. Early. At the most, only 2 or 3 other people there, they are also alone.
I prefer to be there alone. I want to do my thing, get done, and leave.

KatzeDerNacht22

Of course I go alone, most of the times I go with my mom but she's not exactly my gym buddy lol, so yeah, alone or not the important thing is that the squat rack is free

jdhcm2006

I work out alone and with a buddy. On Thursdays I lift with a buddy and a personal trainer, and the rest of the week I am on my own. But in about two weeks I'm going to lose my workout buddy b/c she's moving and once my remaining PT lessons are used up, I'll be completely on my own. Honestly, I'm looking forward to it. I prefer to workout on my own. Just me, my music, and the bar or pole. I can get in and get out. I don't have to worry about someone canceling or trying to work my schedule around someone else's. But it's all a preference.

It was super nice of you to purchase that membership for your friend. But since that person is no longer going to be going. Cancel it and save your money. Put your headphones on and focus on you.

cmtigger

I go alone. It's also easier because if I want to stay longer I can, if I need to leave earlier I can. I can do the machines or activities I want. The only downside is my accountability is only to myself.

CitizenNova

Like others have said -- go alone. If you need a hook find a program you like on bodyspace.bodybuilding.com and download their app to track your workouts. I find using the app to log my workouts helps me to stay motivated.