How Exercising Alone Is The Only Way To Go

Lately it seems every article about going to the gym suggests taking someone with you.

This isn’t that article.

The idea of a workout buddy has become a cliché. Gyms suggest working out with a friend in a bid to gain extra members, whilst maybe helping you along the way. But from my first-hand experience, exercising alone is the best – nay, only – way to go.

The greatest benefit: you rely only on yourself. This means you will never have to wait for your friend to get out of bed for an early morning run, or get annoyed at last minute cancellations. When I signed up for my first gym membership last year, I joined with someone who was really excited about the prospect of getting fit.

They came with me once.

This was not only frustrating but it also made me question my commitment to exercising.

When you make the decision to exercise alone, you have to be prepared to keep yourself motivated. Although the idea of goal setting has been done to death, it does actually work. Begin by making a schedule that is achievable. For example, if you think you are going to exercise four or five times a week, begin with a schedule of three days and work your way up. Trust me when I say you will need a day off, especially for those not used to exercising.

Another benefit: when you go to the gym alone, you actually make new friends, as well as gain some funny anecdotes to keep in your pocket for later.

In the last month I’ve made a few friends by asking people to help me move benches (they’re heavier than they look). Just recently, at the end of a late night gym session I was stretching, and I glanced up, only to find a guy who had been bench pressing double my weight earlier. It turns out he thought I did yoga and wanted to find the nearest centre.

Remember, just because you don’t have someone physically coming with you to work out, doesn’t mean that you can’t have a bunch of people supporting you. Your new found gym mates and many online communities will be sure to help you with any questions you have, whilst your friends and family can support you from the sidelines.

But if you do still want to have the occasional workout buddy, make it someone who is really motivated and reliable. That way you will be pushed to work harder, and they might even drag you along for extra training. But be prepared… you might just get stuck there for a few hours if you aren’t careful.

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.