Picking good workout partners

pesky_princess
pesky_princess Posts: 4 Member
edited October 4 in Introduce Yourself
I strongly believe there is strength in numbers and having a good support team around you helps to keep you focused, maybe make you a little competitive and perhaps make you feel that your not the only one in this stuggle with weight. That being said ...I have had the worst luck finding fitness partners. I started playing tennis this year and I have a friend who plays with me once a week. I spend the entire time chasing and picking up balls. Very few get returned and the ones that are, forget about it. She is good for about 15 minutes then has to take a break or quit. I feel like I'm wasting time and I'll get a better workout on my own. I suggested a walk when tennis was making me want to scream and it was a crawl of a pace on a downward slope listening to why she can't do this or won't do that. I am at a point that I can, (and prefer to) run instead of walk and I think I would be rude to just leave her in the dust so we did a lap and I made an excuse to go when all I wanted to do was put on my Ipod and run, run, run. I tell myself that any movement is exercise but I get so frustrated dragging someone along. Is it selfish of me to put my wants and needs in front of hers? Maybe our short workouts are the only exercise she actually gets. She hasn't dropped a pound nor has she expressed any interest in dieting or furthering her exercise. I honestly don't know if I should continue or find someone who wants to be fit as much as me..who will challenge me and I them. I'm at a loss...

Replies

  • vassilysmommy
    vassilysmommy Posts: 3
    I've found it difficult to find work out partners with as much drive and determination as myself. Instead, I help train my friends and encourage each other. But my workouts are running alone with my 2 German Shepherds. They're always ready to go, never complain, are more fit than me, and provide protection. I'd still be there for my friend, but find another partner who has the same determination. My dogs helped me lose 85 pounds because they become destructive and disobedient if I do not exercise them...so I'm not able to make excuses for myself. Lol
  • byHISstrength
    byHISstrength Posts: 984 Member
    Maybe things would be much different if you exercised with someone who actually expressed interest in getting fit and healthy and not just someone to hang out with.

    I personally, do not need anyone with me to workout because I don't like talking while I'm working out. I only have a limited amount of time and I want to be as productive as I can during that time. The only time I enjoy exercising with someone is when we take a class together...again we're not talking just exercising together.
  • Pisc2749
    Pisc2749 Posts: 61 Member
    Maybe give up the search altogether. Personally, I can't stand working out with a partner, it's distracting and annoying. I look forward to the "me" time.

    If you need someone else to "challenge" or motivate you, you're not really that into it in the first place. If you really want this, you are all you need to get it done. That's the truth. Sure, time may pass more quickly if you're talking to someone, but then you aren't really working out hard if you're holding a conversation.

    You could set mini goals for yourself and focus on achieving those. I find that when someone works out with me (not by my choice) they are too into being competitive and trying to keep up or exceed what I'm doing, I don't need that distraction. I could care less where someone else is on their journey, I gotta be 100% focused on me.
  • LoriIAM
    LoriIAM Posts: 73 Member
    I'm in agreement with Pisc and byHis. Personally, I'd prefer to exercise alone. I can pray or focus on a topic of my choosing.

    On the other hand, I'm not a tennis player, but I imagine it's hard to play tennis alone.

    My 2 cents.
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