Does anyone go to the gym alone?
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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.6 -
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.
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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.....5
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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
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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!3
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I go by myself so I can concentrate. Kind of hard to talk when I can't breathe anyway....lol3
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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!5
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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.
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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.0
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Occasionally I will text a friend or two when I am heading out, just letting them know that I will be there and if they are interested they are welcome to join me. Mostly I am thinking about having someone join me for breakfast afterward though
I would say 90% of the time I go on my own. The rest of the time I go with my daughter.
Eventually if you stick with it, you will value the quality alone time at the gym, get lost in the world and find the strength inside to carry on. Friends can help, but obviously there will be times when they distract you or are not as dedicated as you.3 -
I always go alone and with a scowl on my face.4
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When I go alone I get done ALOT faster! I like the gym but don't want to hang out all day.1
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Though I GO alone now, I've spent countless hours in the weight room over the past couple years and definitely have "gym friends" now. It's really like a second home.2
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I enjoy my alone time at gym - I listen to my music - I interact w people all day at work lol this is the last place I want to talk to people
quote="dniania;10502310"]I bought my friend a gym membership because we both wanted to lose weight now...she's backing out of going to the gym...and doesn't really want to go anymore so I have to go alone from now on...how can I motivate myself to go alone I rather have my friend with me but oh well[/quote]
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Get your gym gear on and head to the gym!!, I sometimes go to the gym with my husband and we do our own thing but the last few weeks iv been going on my own, at first i felt nervous but now its habit, you will feel so proud of yourself once you step foot in the door!!1
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I bought my friend a gym membership because we both wanted to lose weight now...she's backing out of going to the gym...and doesn't really want to go anymore so I have to go alone from now on...how can I motivate myself to go alone I rather have my friend with me but oh well
I go alone...I love going to the gym...it's my "me" time. I dislike training with others unless it's a group ride...I primarily lift in the gym and would rather just do that on my own. I have made a lot of friends in the gym over the last four years as well which has been a net positive as I have more fitness friends now than non fitness friends.1 -
I go alone. I prefer it that way. I can go whenever I want, stay as long as I want and workout on what I want. I just take some earbuds with me and off I go!0
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I go to the gym three to four times a weeks. Two of those days, I go alone. I used to be really reserved but I then realised that no matter what size we are, we are all there for fitness, whether it be to loose/maintain weight, train for a race like the marathon, race for life or 5k run, or simply because it's an enjoyed activity that helps keep you healthy, so why should I be reserved? I started by simply commenting on someone's performance one day...I was in awe of how easy they made it look and how fantastic they looked for doing it...and you know what, not only did I make a friend, I now have another gym buddy and I left with some insight on how other people train. I also felt great for making someone smile.
My big goal this year is to loose weight before I go on holiday, so I can look at myself in the mirror and actually like what I see. My holiday this year is a big deal to me because it'll be my first holiday abroad in 14 years. I don't have a number I want to reach on the scales, I simply want to look trimmer and feel healthier before my holiday. My weight loss journey won't stop there as I have a long way to go but it will be a start. That one thing keeps me going...I want to be healthier...not want as in give it a half hearted attempt, but want as in with a real passion. I'm nearly a year into my journey so far, 2 stone lighter and a lot fitter than I once was. I still have at least another 9 stone to go...BUT I will do it.
Find your passion and make it drive you forwards...and remember, you can talk to anyone at the gym because they aren't judging you. You'll see those people again and they'll become your new gym buddies.
You've got this! You don't need anyone to hold your hand. You are strong and beautiful!2 -
I go alone almost all the time unless a friend ask me to wait for them. My biggest thing is I'm there to work hard not chit chat. I think you're just intimidated because you're new to it but that will change the more you go. Remember, don't depend on others for your success, prove how bad you want it.1
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i prefer going alone0
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I only go alone. I don't like to chat, I really don't have the time. But I go same time every day and see the same people all the time and have made friends.1
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I have only gone to the gym alone. Even when my boyfriend and I both had memberships to the same gym, our work hours were different so we went at different time (we joined together to get the discount - we went to small independent gyms). It is nice to go alone because you don't have to wait for anyone and you don't have to hurry if anyone wants to leave2
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I used to want to train alone- and I could never get anyone to train with me- so I started going alone (back in college)- now I actually don't really like lifting with other people. I prefer going alone.1
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Yes I do but I have a personal trainer to encourage me to go and help me work on losing weight
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I prefer to go alone. I'm a single mom with two jobs. It's my sanity break from life. Also, most of my female friends don't lift. They want to do a whole different kind of workout than me and talk the whole time. Make a good music playlist,put on some headphones and go.2
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Yea, I think a lot of people do. Plan what you want to do that day, although you may deviate from it if you prefer, just so you have a base. Bring some music you like with earbuds. Bring your water bottle. Do some stretching or walk a lap in between sets.0
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Something I've noticed from a lot of posts on here is that a lot of people are very much against the idea of training with someone, as if by training with someone means you talk more than you workout. Don't take this as gospel...many people, like myself, can workout successfully whilst communicating with other people intermittently. I spend an hour in the gym, move between machines and burn somewhere between 500 and 600 calories per visit. Talking to other people doesn't have to mean distraction or routine disturbance and it certainly doesn't make for a lazy workout!1
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Rushbrook60 wrote: »Something I've noticed from a lot of posts on here is that a lot of people are very much against the idea of training with someone, as if by training with someone means you talk more than you workout. Don't take this as gospel...many people, like myself, can workout successfully whilst communicating with other people intermittently. I spend an hour in the gym, move between machines and burn somewhere between 500 and 600 calories per visit. Talking to other people doesn't have to mean distraction or routine disturbance and it certainly doesn't make for a lazy workout!
I've been in and out of gyms most of my life and having had gym partners in the past, it's a legit concern...many gym partners are gabby. They're also unreliable. I'd say most people who are commenting this way have experienced this in the past. I also see it all the time...people just gabbing away like they're out for coffee.
Also, lifting with someone else is a PITA as they are not often working the same kind of program and weights are different so you spend a lot of time changing out plates and whatnot.6
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