Now that I'm moving to London in less than a month , have signed up to the same gym that Jay goes to, and am wishing to go with him to the gym, I have a question:

Do any of you work out together (whether it be married, dating or good friends)? If you do, how do you deal with difficulties such as difference comfort paces, different interests on what to work out during the day and is it difficult to motivate the other when one doesn't wish to go yet the other does..?

Also, any suggestions or other comments would be really appreciated.

~Kathy~

we would always go together to the gym, after that it's up to us individually to do whatever workout we wanted. as long as you get there you'll do something...and not be setting on your ass in front of the TV.

I agree with ajay. When we lived in San Antonio we joined a Gold's Gym just down the street from our apartment and we would often go together.

Beyond arriving and leaving together, we rarely did anything workout-wise together as we each have different fitness goals. We each worked at different paces, worked different body parts, and did different machines. Once in a while, when one of us was done with a particular machine or completed a certain task for the day, we would see how the other was doing, but that's pretty much it.

I'm pretty solitary when I work out, I'd rather it be just me and my mp3 player, or a personal trainer if I have one at the time.

But, going together did get both of us off of our lazy asses and working out. If one of us didn't really want to go, the other would check to make sure the reason was valid (i.e. vomiting or injured as opposed to lazy ) and we'd remind each other that this was just an hour out of our day and we could go do something we love doing together, like go to the movies, later on.

I haven't gone to the base gym where we are now, but I'm definitely thinking about going again. But, if we go together, it'll probably be the same.

p.s. When you are both there but not doing the same thing, it allows you to check out your "workout partner" and see how hot they're getting

Oh, and one more thing. Sometimes it's cute when couples go to the gym and work out together, and sometimes it's irritating to watch or just gross.

For example, when we were at Gold's, there was this adorable elderly couple who would help each other with the machines, do their workout, and go. Even though they had a little trouble moving around, they still went and did what they could and helped each other.

There were also other couples that would go and you were wondering if they were going to strip each other naked and start screwing on a weight bench. They would engage in so much PDA and dress so inappropriately (one word: SPANDEX and lots of it) it was just icky to watch.

Of course there were couples who would just work out together and be just fine, so there were all types.

since my wife and i have opposite energy schedules. ill be going in the later morning, she will be going in the eves.

i just want to concentrate on my workout and getting on with my day since i finish all my daily parts runs and errands before noon. this just another mission to take care of leaving my work time. uninterrupted. .

sounds like im dreading getting started. but not at all. the more matter of fact i am about it, the more i know it will get handled is all =)

cheers
Nigel.

I guess it just depends on the couples' personalities and what their wishes are at the gym as individuals.

The main reason why I asked these questions is because this territory of life is new to me, and opposite for Jay (majority of his lifestyle revolved/revolves around the gym). I simply wish to be prepared for the best and the worst... but quite frankly I think relaxing and enjoying exercising for the sake of feeling good is all that matters in the long run... Am I right or am I right??

Thx everyone, keep the comments coming pls.
~Kathy~

we would always work out before eating and invariably i'd ask her what she wanted to eat afterward...she'd tell me she wasn't hungry, but she had MY dinner warm!!...LOL

My Wife, Kids, and I all go to the gym together. I work out with my son and my wife with my daughter. It is actually a personal trainer in a small office so we are not too far from each other and will typically drive together.

The first thing I plan to overcome is the stigma I feel when entering the gym- I don't belong.. due to never belonging to one in past history.

Anyone have this issue and overcome it?

~Kathy~

kind of. the need to feel better overrides the resentment of working out in front of others.
bad gym class insanity witheld, i just dont like being in areas of lots of people, concerts for some reason usually trump that tho.. so gyms usually packed at the hours i would go, would be full of yuck..people. i finally realized if i wanted to skate harder and faster, the only way i would get there is to buckle down and bury the issue with real ones. time better spent anyways.

gyms are funny, the individuals ill bet all worry but the reality is, everyones there for the same reason, so at least take pleasure that your surrounded with those who have the same thoughts and worries.

its a lot easier when you change the perspective.

cheers
Nigel.

I know a pretty common thing at gyms is there seems to be times when the people there are serious about working out and getting into shape and then there are times when it's just the muscleheads looking to show off for each other. Typically the mornings are the people who are serious and late afternoons/evenings are the guys wanting to show off.

quote:

Originally posted by Kathy & Jay:
The first thing I plan to overcome is the stigma I feel when entering the gym- I don't belong.. due to never belonging to one in past history.

Anyone have this issue and overcome it?

~Kathy~

I'm also about to start going to a gym, particularly the one on the military base where B is stationed (hey, it's free!). I'm also a little apprehensive about going. We both had good experiences at Gold's Gym in the past when we lived in another city, but I still imagine huge, beefy guys pushing me out of the way, and me being awkward, and people laughing at how little I can lift, etc. I could go on and on. So don't worry, Kathy, you're not the only one who feels this way.

The way I got over this feeling when we first started going to Gold's, is just to go! When I started going, and explored a bit, and started to feel comfortable there and knew my way around, I felt more like I belonged there. And that's what I think it's going to take for me to be able to go to the base gym and feel comfortable.

quote:

So don't worry, Kathy, you're not the only one who feels this way.

Thanks Phoenix for your words of wisdom. I guess its just part of the lifestyle that I will have to work through. I've done pretty darn good, so far, with the moving aspect. I have always wanted to go to a gym but never had the agreeance of the parental units nor the cash for membership fees.

~Kathy~

I'm a bit fortunate in that the post I am currently on has a great gym provided for fre. Now, I have never ben particularly athletic, but the army has very specific rules telling me exactly how athletic I am supposed to be, and at what time of the day. In addition to this, I am in a leadership position, and I am responsible for their fitness as well.

What I've found, not just in the gym, but also in the guitar studio and the pistol range, is that people who aren't supportive aren't very popular. Usually people you wouldn't like for many reasons. Where we are now, we workout next to career marines all the time, everyone is courteos and helpful, and generally mind their own business.

As for the couples thing, jill and I don't work out together, but when I come home at night, she does go and run. It's hard for her, she's never been in any kind of training program before. But she has built up gradually, and she runs over a mile four nights a week. I watch the kids while she takes the ipod, gives her a break. Makes her horny too.

Go and have fun, that's the main thing. I agree with what a lot of people here have said. But I'll just add that be respectful of your partner's schedule. Assuming you share a ride over to the gym or arrive at the same time, one of the worst things you can do is get done before your partner and pressure them to "hurry up." Be respectful of their schedule and if you get done before them, you can always walk a bit on the track or tredmill (and you can never stretch enough).

My...wife (still weird to say) went with me for the first time before we were married. She wanted me to help her get started. I had no problem with that. In fact, I enjoyed helping her (settling in behind her to give her a "spot" every now and again), and it's good to have someone there to help you set up a regimen and show you proper technique to get you started. But chances are your goals are going to be different, and be mindful that you're both there for a purpose. Then, once you have a routine set up, you're good to go.