Does anyone go to the gym alone?

bbell1985 · January 2017

Why go with a friend? Do your thing.

feisty_bucket · January 2017

95% of the time, I'm at the gym alone. It's fine. My girlfriend and I go at the same time maybe once a month or so which is a cool novelty, but it's really not practical for the day-to-day grind of it.

As for motivation, that's your own trip. Mostly, you've got to care and value fitness over sloth.

Becb1980 · January 2017

I always go alone whether it be to the gym or for an outdoor run. I prefer it that way as I like to put my headphones in and get on with it. I find when I go with people they like to talk haha..

dutchandkiwi · January 2017

I joined alone and always go alone. The gym is something I feel is needed for me. It also meant that I have met some very nice new friends at the gym. Also ran into some friends I did not know were also at that gym
Often I see the ones coming together sticking together and not blending in and getting to know people.

pebble4321 · January 2017

I've always exercised alone (apart from the odd bike ride or walk with my husband, but that is more for fun that exercise) and it suits me just fine.
I like to listen to audiobooks or podcasts and enjoy my running or walking or riding time. I would get annoyed going with someone else, it's not about them, it's about me.

Madwife2009 · January 2017

I go alone and much prefer it that way; I can do my own thing and not get annoyed by other people. Even if my darling husband went with me, I'd get irritated by him.

I take my ipod and listen to music of my choice (the stuff blasted out at the gym is a bit much for me) or plug it into the machines that have a screen and watch a program whilst doing cardio - its a great way of catching up on the news which is difficult to do at home.

Plus it's time for ME. Away from everything, I can concentrate on ME and not worry about the children, housework etc. Probably selfish but it's really nice to be me again, if only for a hour or so a day. Plus I can take as long as I like in the shower without worrying that someone is waiting for me!

There are a few people at the gym who I'm on speaking terms with now as well, not much more than "hello" or "that was a crazy class" but it's quite nice. No protracted conversations, just a word or two here and there.

FlufferCat · January 2017

If you don't enjoy working out alone,and your gym doesn't have classes,you could try to find some workout buddies.Put a note on a bulletin board if they have one.For ladies,and beginners etc...Say what times you like to come to the gym,and you might find some people to train with.Some gym members might like to have a buddy system.You do the cardio machines,or go through a circuit of leg exercises one time,upper body the next.It might help some people get motivated to show up.

AFGP11 · January 2017

I always go alone. I wouldn't get a real workout in if I went with someone else. If I can chat, I'm not really working hard enough. I see the gym as "me time". It's a time for me to put on music I like, close out the world and focus on doing something good for myself.

I think the idea of getting a trainer or finding a new gym buddy is good though, but you might come to enjoy the time to yourself like I have. I used to hate the idea of the gym, but now I look forward to it and get sad on my rest days.

sarahrbraun · January 2017

VKetoV wrote: »

I go solo; once you start going consistently (at the same time) you will realize the same gym rats more or less will be there time & time again. Your motivation/group accountability

This!! The staff know me by name. Lots of other members know my face and/or name. We cheer each other on, give each other crap, etc.

TylerJ8476 · January 2017

Yep. @4am...I'm truly the ONLY one there...

lindalee0315 · January 2017

On Sundays, I work out with two friends, but the rest of the week is generally alone. A long, long time ago I started the same way you did--only I hadn't purchased a gym membership for my friend! I joined a gym that was close to her because we both felt it would be easier if we had someone to work out with. The gym was quite a distance away for me while she basically had to roll out of bed to get there--and after about a week, she stopped going. First, she said she just overslept and asked me to call her in the morning. Each day while I made the 30 minute drive to the gym, I would call her. After a week, she stopped answering the phone! I went alone, then switched to the gym right down the street from me. Now, about 20 years later---I'm in about the best shape of my life, and she... well, she isn't. It pays off to go-- I'm 47 years old and so is she-- if you put us in the same room together most people would think she's about 10 years older than I am. The choices we make now have huge ramifications for us down the road.

Think, too, about the new friends you might meet. Going alone sometimes leads you to meet people with similar goals who are also looking for an accountability partner.

cnbbnc · January 2017

Well, you bought those memberships because you wanted to go to the gym, soooo.....go! I can see wanting a buddy, but if I had one I think it would just distract me/slow me down. It's true that you'll start seeing the same people and it'll get more comfortable.

I actually like my alone time there. I listen to music, or if I'm having a cardio day I'll park myself in front of a tv with something worth watching and just zone out.

I also think that once your friend sees you start going and enjoying it, she very well may want to go check it out too. But if not....you go and do you.

callsitlikeiseeit · January 2017

I prefer to go by myself no one slowing me down, no one wanting to chat. no one to worry about when THEY want to leave.....

Squidgeypaws007 · January 2017

dniania wrote: »

Thanks nicely put! I just wanted someone to have so I wouldn't be bored lol. I'm not going to let it stop me though

Don't be bored! Find something you LOVE to do - I used to slog away trying to do cardio, never managed to make it stick, got too bored etc but then I discovered weights (and then pole fitness) and now going to the gym/working out is a treat!

Does the gym offer classes? Maybe there would be something to catch your interest there (plus you might make some new friends!)

Working out definitely doesn't have to be boring, and more so, it shouldn't be!

And yep, I go to the gym alone - I can't stand having someone with me, I've had too many flaky friends wanting to come etc, plus it massively slows down the workout (for me anyway).

Good luck, I hope you find something that you LOVE at the gym

durstybritt · January 2017

I used to feel this way when I first started, but now I actually prefer to be alone.. No distractions and I can power through without having to talk to someone between breaths. Better to find a way to like it so that you're not depending on someone else to get you to your goals. Do it for you!

pj4437 · January 2017

I go by myself so I can concentrate. Kind of hard to talk when I can't breathe anyway....lol

TallTravelGirl · January 2017

I refuse to workout with anyone. I have found relying on people when you are on a personal journey is more frustrating than anything. It's all about me and I'm the only one who understands my needs. I have been so much more successful this way!

__TMac__ · January 2017

GuitarJerry wrote: »

To me, gym time is me time.

This. Wireless earbuds and music, or Netflix if I'm on the stationary bike. I've gotten to know a few of the other regulars, but I prefer to just enjoy my alone-in-a-crowd time. When I go with someone else, they might cancel, or I'd feel obligated to do the same exercises as them. Much more pleasant alone.

michellemybelll · January 2017

I've never had a "gym buddy". I've always gone alone. I like it that way; plug into my jams and do my thing.

Does anyone go to the gym alone?

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