My exercise buddy is pulling me down. Help

ee2368
ee2368 Posts: 85 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I definitely love working out with a buddy, but my buddy and I are on different levels. It’s hard for me to focus on my goals because I’m having to help my buddy. I try to be helpful, because I know how much I’ve enjoyed the help from people who are more advanced than me. How do I stay focused on my own workout? Need some help here.

Replies

  • JessAndreia
    JessAndreia Posts: 540 Member
    edited January 2019
    What's the reason you're having to constantly help? With what?
  • Grnhouse
    Grnhouse Posts: 254 Member
    @ee2368 I know how you feel. I had to cut my loose. Too much negativity and I couldn’t take it. I stopped telling her when I would be going to workout or I would go to a different facility. It was hard but I decided I have to protect my peace of mind in 2019.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    How long has this been happening? Is this a new buddy?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    ee2368 wrote: »
    So I definitely love working out with a buddy, but my buddy and I are on different levels. It’s hard for me to focus on my goals because I’m having to help my buddy. I try to be helpful, because I know how much I’ve enjoyed the help from people who are more advanced than me. How do I stay focused on my own workout? Need some help here.

    Help with what? Do they ask for help, or do you just feel you need to offer help?
  • CaseyJoan22
    CaseyJoan22 Posts: 4 Member
    I am having the same issue but where I fall is I have a hard time staying motivated and my boyfriend and I seem to be on different schedules. When I’m ready and motivated to go to the gym he doesn’t want to and vis-versa. Being newer to the gym this makes it hard because I don’t want to go without him, he’s my comfort, but I want to go more!
  • ninyagwa
    ninyagwa Posts: 341 Member
    Have a kind conversation with your friend where you tell them what you're feeling, and ask them what they think would help you both benefit from your workout sessions. That you still want to work out together, but how can you get more out of it.

    I'm not sure how helping them is making your workout less good, but maybe a different workout for you to do together, or driving separately so that you can train longer before or after your friend gets there.

    I have a friend who I have occasionally worked out with, I let her know going in what I expect to do that day for my workout, and we do about half of it together. She prefers to do much less cardio than I do, and she typically lifts lighter than me as she isn't as strong, we just modify whatever we're doing depending on which of us is doing it.

    Don't let it become an excuse, I'm sure you can figure something out!
  • ee2368
    ee2368 Posts: 85 Member
    JessAndreia wrote: »
    What's the reason you're having to constantly help? With what?

    It’s a family member that wants to workout at the same time.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    ee2368 wrote: »
    JessAndreia wrote: »
    What's the reason you're having to constantly help? With what?

    It’s a family member that wants to workout at the same time.

    And what do they need help with?
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    ee2368 wrote: »
    JessAndreia wrote: »
    What's the reason you're having to constantly help? With what?

    It’s a family member that wants to workout at the same time.

    I go to the gym with my daughter sometimes to encourage and support her - I just regard it as her workout and a fun activity for me as our capabilities are very different. Can you go twice on those days like I do?

    Is this "help" going to be short term or long term? If it's just passing on knowledge or advising on a routine then the hindrance to your workout should taper down quickly.
  • imxnianne
    imxnianne Posts: 216 Member
    Just tell them you’re going to go to a certain area. If they want to come, let them. Just work out by yourself. They’ll eventually be fine and maybe they’ll try to step up!
  • BecomingMoreAwesome
    BecomingMoreAwesome Posts: 151 Member
    I have a workout buddy who is much more advanced than I am. We mainly do things together that we can do at our own pace, and encourage each other by text about our separate workouts. E.g., we’re training for the same triathlon, but her goal run pace is way (way, way) faster than mine, so we don’t even try to run outside together. We occasionally run together on treadmills at the gym and virtually high five each other when we’ve each done outdoor runs. Or in the pool she keeps going while I’m resting, etc. she does have other online workout buddies who are more her level, and I’m not jealous of her time. I think everyone benefits from having someone they can motivate and someone who motivates them.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    Think of it as paying it forward. You had help when you needed it, now you have the opportunity to help someone else. In the future, they will be in a position to help another person.

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