I prefer to go to the gym alone. Anyone else?

cubbies77
cubbies77 Posts: 607 Member
in Chit-Chat
My friend joined my gym and is now asking me to go with her all the time. I prefer to go alone because then I can just focus on what I'm doing and get out instead of chatting about random things, doing this instead of that, reporting in to let her know which area I'll be in every 15 minutes, etc.

She asked if I want to go Wed after work, and I was non-committal. I don't know how to say, "I don't want to go with you," without it sounding like it's about her. I could explain I prefer to go alone, but even that sounds hurtful, especially since she really likes to go with someone else. She's very much an extrovert, and I am the very definition of an introvert. Another friend has been going with her, and now she wants it to be like a Girls' Night or something. That's fine for them, and I'm glad she found someone else to go with, but that's just not my thing.
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Replies

  • estrobabe
    estrobabe Posts: 337 Member
    I workout alone ALL the time (because I have no choice lol) I don't mind going with someone on occasions.

    Maybe either

    1. Tell her exactly the truth: You prefer to workout alone.

    Or

    2. Maybe workout with her once a week. You never know if you can help her with her health goals and be an inspiration to her.

    :)
  • ACepero79
    ACepero79 Posts: 711 Member
    I've been going by myself forever, so I wouldn't mind the change in pace. Maybe even the spotter to try out heavier loads. But, it almost always adds to the time spent at the gym. And I like to be in and out of there.
  • Tonya0605
    Tonya0605 Posts: 111 Member
    YES!! I have always preferred to work out solo. I'm not one for chit-chat or playful banter. I'm focused and it gives me some alone time and time to focus on me, my work out and what I want to accomplish. Swimming is the BEST workout ever. No interruptions from anyone - just me and the water.
  • slkehl
    slkehl Posts: 3,801 Member
    I like going to the gym with my roommate. She helps me with weights and is really knowledgeable about training in general. Most of the time we do our own thing when we get there and just text each other when we're done. Our gym is on campus and has a study room, so if one of us gets done early, we'll just get some work done in there.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    Another lone wolf here.
  • plcowner
    plcowner Posts: 106 Member
    I prefer to run and workout on my own.

    I totally zone out and do my best thinking while I'm running and I don't want to change that.
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    I prefer to go to the gym alone as well.

    Unless it is a recovery day I prefer to run alone (impossible to find someone who runs at exactly the pace I am running that day)

    I like to bike / hike with others though
  • trojanbb
    trojanbb Posts: 1,297 Member
    yes, I workout with two coworkers/friends right now and I hate it.
  • Eric38877
    Eric38877 Posts: 41
    absolutely. alone is a must
  • SatchGallamax
    SatchGallamax Posts: 549 Member
    Not so much with the gym, but I have people saying "we should totally go running together!" all the time. I immediately crush their cardio duet dreams.
  • Tennolina
    Tennolina Posts: 2,413
    I don't go to the gym to socialize. Yes, I MUST go alone!
  • dnhardy
    dnhardy Posts: 59
    Defninitely prefer going alone. Its my "me-time" that I don't have to worry about what anyone else is doing or saying. There's no way I'd give that up. I'd make up something. Anything.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I used to go to the gym alone but that was only because the fitness center was located where I worked. Now, however, when I go to the gym I go with my husband and I love it. He's my spotter and he pushes me to lift heavier and harder when normally I wouldn't. He knows what I am capable of and he knows how hard he can push me. I have seen tremendous gains going to the gym with him in my strength as well as physique.
  • LetsMakeupXtina
    LetsMakeupXtina Posts: 627 Member
    yes! i hate going to the gym with someone else. I also go running a lot around my neighborhood and for awhile my neighbor friend was coming with me and i hated it... i love running while blasting skrillex radio and when i run with her i cant blast my music and i feel like i cant zone out... i LOVE zoning out with music while running.. so lately i havent been inviting her with me.. and she lives right across the street.. i am sure she sees me leave and come back on my runs... but she hasnt said anything =\
  • thelizmcd
    thelizmcd Posts: 10
    Truth. I hate going with people. I feel like it becomes a competition. I hate it.
  • cubbies77
    cubbies77 Posts: 607 Member
    yes! i hate going to the gym with someone else. I also go running a lot around my neighborhood and for awhile my neighbor friend was coming with me and i hated it... i love running while blasting skrillex radio and when i run with her i cant blast my music and i feel like i cant zone out... i LOVE zoning out with music while running.. so lately i havent been inviting her with me.. and she lives right across the street.. i am sure she sees me leave and come back on my runs... but she hasnt said anything =\

    That's exactly what I mean. I like to put on my headphones and zone out. I can't de-stress when I'm with someone. It actually makes me MORE stressed.
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    You are singing my song! I really prefer to workout alone. I feel like once friends or relatives beging "joining" me, the slow me down, and it really takes away from my ME time. I have always used my work outs for my mental break as well as my physical stress release.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I prefer going alone as I can focus on me and my workout and I can get in and out faster. I've had a couple of good weight training partners in my life, but they've been few and far between. If you don't have the same goals, it just doesn't work and becomes a social activity...I'd just prefer to go have a beer if that's the case. Having a spotter is nice though.
  • fleur_de_lis19
    fleur_de_lis19 Posts: 926 Member
    I dont mind going with someone to a class, but besides that.. leave me alone, mmkay, thanks :)
  • Goodbye_Thunder_Thighs
    Goodbye_Thunder_Thighs Posts: 91
    I prefer to do weights with a friend. Saves me looking at my phone or people between sets and I can lift heavier with a spotter, prefer cardio alone as I do HIIT and friends think during high intensity is the perfect time to talk
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    When I had my gym membership, I preferred to go alone. I like to go at my own pace and zone out to my music. I feel too distracted with a friend. Even when I walk or bike ride, I'd rather go alone.
  • starbright_skittles
    starbright_skittles Posts: 6
    Truth. I hate going with people. I feel like it becomes a competition. I hate it.
    This is why I am glad I'm stronger than all my friends.
  • snoopytwins
    snoopytwins Posts: 1,759 Member
    Alone!!!!
  • JenBrown0210
    JenBrown0210 Posts: 985 Member
    I like to go alone. It bugs my hubby. He likes to go with someone. I get there, put my headphones in, and do my thing. I don't want to talk or be talked to.
  • bdamaster60
    bdamaster60 Posts: 595 Member
    I find that if someone wants to workout with me, they like to talk, they're not as motivated and aggressive towards training as I am. Hence I like to stick my headphones in and stare in the mirror.
  • justgowithit17
    justgowithit17 Posts: 1,392 Member
    i'd prefer to go with someone but i don't have anyone to go with :cry:
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    Yes, it's my time to get out of my brain and focus on my body. I just like to zone in on the work out and tune everything else out.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    I prefer a partner. It makes me try harder.
  • jsidel126
    jsidel126 Posts: 694 Member
    I perfer to go alone and focus on my workout while I am exercising. I also enjoy talking to others/getting to know people between classes/activities...
  • ambervaldez79
    ambervaldez79 Posts: 210 Member
    I like taking bike rides and jogs with other people but the gym time is MY time. I use that time to clear my head.

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