Choosing to Sweat over Socializing

PeachCruiser

I wasn't sure where to post this but I am curious how many other people are like me. I could go to my gym for 10 years and only know about three people because I deliberately don't make eye contact and keep my headphones in. I have only one interest in being there and that is to have a good non interrupted work out. We live in a town where everyone wants to know everyone's business and I know many other gym goers perceive me as being unfriendly, My husband and I usually go there together and he talks to everybody so I just say a quick hi and walk away and get to work somewhere else. I am respectful to other peoples space and observe gym manners I'm just not a chatty Kathy.

erickirb

I am like you. I will say hi to people but when I am in the gym it is all business.

tmiqueen

I can sympathize. There are times when I want a walking partner to chat with to distract me from how hard the workout it. Other times, I need the quiet and focus to be able to keep my mind on the prize...and maybe work out some of my private thoughts and frustrations.

FearAnLoathing

I dont talk to anyone,but my gym does not seem to be full of overly talkative people either

lilRicki

I don't make direct eye contact with anyone..I don't want to make friends, I don't need to know who the regulars are. I just keep my head down and bust my *kitten*. I have a time limit, and i don't want it sucked up by mundane social chatter that I don't really care that much about.

shesblossoming

That's how I usually am. After I work out, I'll be friendly but while I'm in there all I can think of is, "I'm not here to make friends."

CorrieV1976

I get right to business......no chatting.....

acciomuscles

For me, exercising is a solitary activity. I am not an extremely social person to begin with, but when I'm working out I don't like to talk or feel like I have to entertain anyone else in any way! The only time I may socialize is before a class at the gym begins, and normally that's only if someone else initiates the conversation. Don't feel bad! Exercising is all about you and your body, after all

PeachCruiser

Thanks for the replies everyone! I am relieved to know its not just me!

Kolohe71

I think the only thing I have ever said to anyone at the gym has been "You done with that?". (Refering to a machine and/or barbell).

irisherin82

I'm exactly like you, I prefer to put my headphones in and get my workout done. I'm not a big socializer at the gym and it drives me nuts when someone wants to sit there and talk about anything and everything. I know they are being nice, and I'm being nice by responding but really I like gym time to be "me" time, which I enjoy quiet, music or reading the subtitles for a show I might enjoy. I love to enjoy the sauna, go in there and sit for about 20 mins or however long I can stand it (the quiet and relaxing part of the sauna is great), I usually leave if or when someone comes in that wants to talk up a storm with someone else that might be in there at the same time.

LorinaLynn

I'm Captain Oblivious at the gym. I focus on what I'm doing and nothing else. I walked right past my own sister without noticing her once!

HOSED49

when I do go to the public gym its straight to the tradmill, headphones in, and get it on. People I know will walk by and I give them a nod , I get the occasional smile when a female walks by, so I smile back, but I am there to accomplish my goal for the day nothing else. When I am done, i pack my bag and go home. I dont think I am being rude and most who know me have seen me there enough to know I am there for one thing only.

eillamarie

I wasn't sure where to post this but I am curious how many other people are like me. I could go to my gym for 10 years and only know about three people because I deliberately don't make eye contact and keep my headphones in. I have only one interest in being there and that is to have a good non interrupted work out. We live in a town where everyone wants to know everyone's business and I know many other gym goers perceive me as being unfriendly, My husband and I usually go there together and he talks to everybody so I just say a quick hi and walk away and get to work somewhere else. I am respectful to other peoples space and observe gym manners I'm just not a chatty Kathy.

The only time I'm OK with ppl talking to me is if I'm doing light cardio. If I'm doing anything else & I get super annoyed.

spyork

I agree, stick to the business of getting fit and if you have to chat do it after the workout, in the bar (drinking fresh orange).

bethdris

When I went to the gym(no longer do) I was like you...Im here for 1 reason..........WORKOUT! I put my head phones on, and thats was that!

ninerbuff

Well I work in a gym so I HAVE to socialize, but when in workout mode, I do it till I'm done.

shrekk218

The day after someone talks to me in the gym I have a shirt that I wear to discourage conversations again it might be rude but it is MY time and it is precious.

The shirt reads Shut Up And Train

FairyMiss

i will laugh and chat before and after zumba class , but just working out not at all.
i go into a "zone" and really there was a post yesturday about being 'checked out' and i said
nope never happened to me. but honesly i wouldnt know, i am pretty oblivious to that sort of thing
at best, but when working out in my 'zone' with my music going , or tv show on my phone (for elliptical) i would never know

jbug100

Me too. I'm on a mission, and don't get in my way. I'll socialize later...maybe:)

Kolohe71

The day after someone talks to me in the gym I have a shirt that I wear to discourage conversations again it might be rude but it is MY time and it is precious.

The shirt reads Shut Up And Train

I have a similar shirt I wear when training with my canoe racing team... It reads "Shut up and paddle" (See ticker below)

kapeluza

I am SUPER focused at the gym because I only have 30-40 mins to work out. It kind of bothers me when people start talking to me. I am not rude but not really talkative.

JediMaster_intraining

When I go to the gym I usually keep my focus on myself. People usually get the hint with headphones. It's like the only time I get to focus on myself!

hannahlbur

Me too I'm a solo exerciser! I like chatting before and after classes though

alcon79

I'm a solo gym goer as well, for most of the same reasons that others mentioned - limited time, want to push myself. I also go right after work and before I go home and have to cook dinner, etc. so I consider it "my" time to listen to music, peruse an Us Weekly and work up a sweat.

I've even had friends say "we should go to the gym together....i'd love to go to that class", and I'm honest and say it's not how I roll.

jessicae1aine

Gym time is "me time"... even if the fiance goes with me, I pretty much ignore him. I'm not there to socialize, I'm there to de-fat-icise.

Aid_B

Me too Headphones on, do what i'm there to do, shower and leave.

My gym has a restraunt and bar / social area. I leave the socialising to my wife who is very good at that sort of thing.

I don't want to speak to anyone when i'm struggling for breath and covered in sweat :noway: