A Merry Life

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Workout Buddies Rock + Workout Details

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I’ve found my new gym bff.

Seriously though, I really enjoy working out with someone else.  I knew I liked classes but for some reason I had it in my head that I liked working out alone.   Maybe that little thought got stuck in my head a few years ago when I first started exercising.  I could barely do 30 minutes sitting on a bike pedaling slowly.  I didn’t know if I would get into exercising and be able to do anything more.  So I didn’t want anyone I knew to see me trying in case I failed.  

Now I’m way past the point of being embarassed.  I know I can’t run yet but I can do a lot of other things.  And I’m working on the running.  And my new gym friend Candaces is going to help me.

I told you I would tell you about the torture, I mean workout, we did yesterday.

We started with a 5 minute warmup on the bikes because two were open and none of the other cardio equipment was.  (We went at the busiest time of day.)  Then we worked out legs on the machines, doing the standard stuff like leg press, extension, curl, and inner/outer thigh.  And AFTER working out our legs we ran. 

Well, we ran/walked.  We did one mile alternating one minute of walking with two minutes of running.  It took me 13:40 to do the mile.  A few times while running I was uncomfortable and wanted to quit, but didn’t because I know that my problem is always allowing myself to quit.  In the end it wasn’t that bad.  My body handled it well and I’m starting to think my failure to run is less of a physical problem and more of a mental one. I just give up way to easily.   That’s why I loved having Candace there.  I’m not about to give up with her watching and cheering me on to do it.  I’m not a runner or even a slogger yet but I’m pretty sure I eventually will be.

After the treadmill action we did some abs – three sets of 15 medicine ball sit ups on the bench.  Good times?  Really it wasn’t bad at all.  Despite not doing any ab work for the last two months my core is still pretty strong and I didn’t struggle through these like I thought I would.  Ab work usually ends up being my favorite part of working out and these were definitely my favorite.  (Maybe it’s just natural to love anything you don’t struggle through.)

Post ab work we did shoulders, and did about 5 exercises for those.   We did a squats with overhead shoulder press (omg I did squats too?), front raises, side raises, rows and shoulder shrugs.  3 sets of ten each, except the side raises of which we only did 8 each.  Because they are tough.

After everything I felt really good and was happy to have done a real workout for the first time in a couple months.  Not belonging to a gym for some reason I can’t motivate myself well enough to do all of that.  Everyone isn’t like me though and a lot of you like working out at home.  That’s great!  I’m just happy to be in the gym again.  And even though I’ve been a member less than a week I know it’s going to be great.  I recognized a lot of the people who used to belong to the Y.  It felt like a comfortable place. And I met the owner since Candace knows him and works out with him.  So I think this place is going to be very good for me and so is my new workout buddy (hi Candace!)

What about you?  Do you prefer to workout alone or with a buddy?

Comments

  1. I generally love workout buddies, but I read an article in a magazine last night about how working out alone can be better for you because you don’t have to accommodate someone else’s pace. I think it depends on how set in to a rhythm you are. For some its harder to get motivated without a buddy.
    .-= Lauren´s last blog ..Monday Weigh-In =-.

  2. What an awesome workout! I’ve been reading/hearing a lot about doing some strength training BEFORE cardio. Even though it was purposeful, it was bad-ass (OMG MARY IS CUTTING EDGE!). I have to agree with you about running being mostly mental. When I first started the C25K program, I wanted to quit at least 100 times. However, quitting was not an option because I KNEW it would make the next time much, much harder and well, I had committed to a work-related 5K and I didn’t want to fail in front of my co-workers. That was probably my biggest motivation at the time — not failing and not looking like a total jack-ass. I’m beyond that point now, but hey, motivation is motivation, right?

    Awesome job and remember, every time you want to give up… don’t. One minute spent outside your comfort zone means you’re IMPROVING your fitness levels instead of simply maintaining them. I know how big you are when it comes to improvement.

    Aaaaand to answer your question, I prefer working out alone because I am a huge control freak. So unless the person I am working out with is OK with that, I like flying solo. I am, however, going to be training for a half with a friend of mine that requires us to run three days per week together. Running is my HAPPY PLACE. I’m not sure how I feel about sharing it with someone — especially if that person has different goals than I do. I am all about going the distance regardless of speed, but most people are really into the ‘speed’ thing. Annoying.
    .-= BodyByPizza´s last blog ..Going the Extra Mile =-.

    • I love your comment, thanks! I am all about improvement so those words me realize another way to push myself when trying to run.

      I’m not hoping to be like you – knocking out ten miles for fun – but I do want to conquer this damn three miles thing!

  3. “I’m starting to think my failure to run is less of a physical problem and more of a mental one.”
    Yup! Absolutely. Losing weight and getting fit is more a mental game than anything else. The mind is so powerful…visualizing achieving your goals can help you in extraordinary ways. Great job! Congrats, and keep up the good work!

    • I completely agree with you about weight loss being a “mental game”. You have to change your mind to change your body. I think some people dismiss the idea as being too “new-age-y” but if people are struggling to lose weight, it’s probably because there is some sort of inner conflict going on. Step 1 should be to figure out what it is.

      Heather
      .-= Heather´s last blog ..Do You Know How It Happened? =-.

      • Weight loss is definitely a mental game. I’ve realized that and written about it before. But for some reason I never thought running would be the same way. I always assumed I wasn’t doing well because of a physical block. But instead I’m starting to realize the running thing is 90% mental. I just have to stop telling myself to stop running. I have to get past those “I want to quit” thoughts and just let my body run.

  5. Great Job! Keep up the good work. The more you workout – the more you’ll grow to like it…even on the rough days. I’m not sure I could do the workout buddy thing but I work out at home anyways.

    Stay Strong
    .-= seth´s last blog ..2/20 & a New Layout!! =-.

  7. Awesome job being a rockstar at the gym!! It feels so great to walk out those doors and know you just put yourself through the wringer (in a good way). I, too, always had it in my head that I didn’t like working out with people. For some reason when I’d go to the gym with friends in high school and college, I’d compare myself to them and talk myself out of doing certain machines, and I’d end up waiting around while they finished their exercises instead of jumping right next to them and doing it too. Lately though, I’ve been going to the gym with a friend for the first time in years, and it’s great for accountability’s sake, AND because we challenge each other. Where I might’ve wimped out before and said “meh, let’s go home, I’m done,” now I’ll say “let’s do one more thing” or “can you go 10 more minutes?” It’s been great!
    .-= Kat´s last blog ..Old habits die hard =-.

  8. Well done Mary! That definitely was a brutal workout, but I bet you feel great and are raring to go for more! :)

    I prefer to workout alone. When I first started I had a buddy, and we kept each other accountable. We are now in different locations and I never found another workout partner. I’m okay with that as my preference is to workout early in the AM and most people don’t care to exercise that early.

    I do check-in with my boyfriend about my workouts and he does the same with me. He works out in the evening. We’ll sometimes go to the gym together on the weekends, but we don’t actually workout together. We are just there at the same time doing our own thing.

    It is important to do what works for you, and it sounds like having a partner works for you! All the best!
    .-= ernise´s last blog ..Mardi Gras Mambo 10K =-.

  10. I’ve never worked out with a buddy – it’s always been solo or with my trainer. He will sometimes do the exercises right along side of me, but not often. I love the mix I get between my solo workouts and trainer workouts. I am not opposed to a workout buddy, just haven’t had one before!
    .-= Erin´s last blog ..Leavin’ on a Jet Plane =-.

  12. That’s awesome! I’m proud of you for sticking it out. It really is mostly mental. I workout with my honey and we haven’t missed a scheduled workout in 11 months! Woo hoo!

  14. You go Mary!!! I love it & yes, we all have to find what works for us.

    As you know, I am a gym person. I like all the variety there to do many things PLUS plenty of room & no distractions since I go at a VERY quiet time. I like working out alone as I have a crazy type of workout and I am self motivated in this arena. BUT, many people like the buddy system & it keeps them accountable & actually makes it more fun.

    I see fun for you Mary! Well, like you have not had fun already.. can you say New Zealand! :-)
    .-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Diet & Dieting – Dr. J Guest Posts! =-.

  15. It really depends. My workout buddy is usually my husband. He’s a great running partner but kind of a sucky 30 Day Shred partner. But my brother, on the other hand, is a great 30 Day Shred partner. I love having someone there to motivate me to keep going, but if they’re just going to complain about how hard it is or critique my moves, then let me exercise alone!
    .-= Alissa´s last blog ..WI at Work Day =-.

  16. For working out, I usually do it alone, or if I go to the gym with a friend, I still tend to do my own thing. But for running, I always go with a couple friends. We’ve met a few times a week for years and usually talk the whole time. We push each other generally since we’re all of similar ability levels and competitive (the sole exception being when one person constantly wanted to slow the pace for a few weeks, later to find out she was preggo and dropped out of our group for a year, but now she’s back). We run outside and it’s safer not to be alone, it’s an awesome way to maintain our friendships, and it would suck more than anything I think to run like 18 miles alone (we all do marathons in Oct usually, so we build up together and then taper down for speed in our non-distance season). I’m fine to run a few miles alone on a weekday, but I’m more likely to blow off a run if I don’t know that people are waiting for me. But it’s hard to find a group like mine, I know I’m lucky! Similar schedules + similar paces + people I love talking to! Even though one of our group could run anytime of day since she’s not working, she still gets up at 5 to meet us at 5:30, so one of the guys can be at work by 8. I seriously couldn’t imagine running or improving my running w/o them. Sounds like you might have the perfect running buddy now!

  17. I work out alone, but I have a workout buddy for cardio now too. And it’s so much more fun with her! And on days that I don’t have as much energy, she reminds me to step it up and vice versa.

    Congrats on your new workout BFF. :)
    .-= Kenz @ All The Weigh´s last blog ..Body Mass Index =-.

  18. Great job, you go girl! I really love having a workout partner but mine has been out of commission for a few months (pregnancy and all). I can’t wait until she’s back … it certainly helps having someone to push you and motivate you. At the same time it’s nice to see how far you can push yourself. I’ve been really trying that for a few months … I think a little of both is really ideal.

    Running for me has been all mental. I know I could never run … but then when I tried I surprised myself (and my wife) when I was able to run 2miles without stopping by the 4th time running … not to shabby. Keep it up!
    .-= Sean´s last blog ..Working out in my Vibram Five Fingers =-.

  20. Kudos to you! Running is the toughest at the beginning, and you made it through today. I’m actually not sure on this, but I think the more tired you get, the less focused your mind gets. It sure seems that way from my experience. So you really have to not let your brain talk you into quitting when you really don’t want to.

  21. Sounds like you had a great workout and found a great partner!

    I generally like to work out alone. It’s kind of my time to think and stuff. But then, I’m pretty much an introvert anyway, whether working out or not!
    .-= Janet´s last blog ..Late Update =-.

  22. Sounds like a great workout! I prefer to work out with a buddy because it gets me to the gym knowing someone is relying on me to be there. It’s only nice to have someone to gossip with while working out. Sometimes it slows me down, but I prefer working out wth a buddy.
    .-= @ameliawoods´s last blog ..Lemon-y Chicken & Vegetarian Chili =-.

  23. I love having a workout buddy! I always do better in classes/with someone else. I feel like I work so much harder and I rarely ever quit in the middle of whatever I am doing. It sounds like you had a great workout!
    .-= Emily´s last blog ..Busy! =-.

  26. Bravo Merry Mary!!! Great job on the work out.

    I feel your pain as far as not wanting to be embarrassed at the gym. I really used to feel that way.

    Now, I am TOTALLY different. I would go so far as to say that it is imperative that I have someone else to work out with. And you know what??? It’s not really for the reason that you might think… the whole accountability thing. I mean, that is important, but for me it is the “persevering through adversity thing.” Its kinda funny, but sometimes the highlight of the work out is to sit around and talk about how bad it sucked!!! Weird huh??

    Hey… thanks for the comment.

    http://www.weighdownsouth.com

  27. I prefer to workout by myself because I like to get in a zone where I’m concentrating on the movements of the moment. If I go with a friend I feel like I have to take my attention from my workout and give my attention to her. Of course, going with a workout buddy is a good way to take my mind off the workout and push through it.

    • That’s a great point. When I don’t have a lot of time I really want to workout alone and speed it up. The chatting and slow pace of working out with someone can be a bad thing in some circumstances!

  29. Mary you’re doing great! You’ll be running like mad in no time.

    As for a workout buddy, well, it depends on the buddy. I attempted to meet a friend at the gym a few times for cardio, but she was more interested in walking at a snail’s pace so she could talk the whole time than actually getting a workout, so I don’t meet her anymore. I got too frustrated and felt like it was a waste of time.

    The closest to a buddy I have now is my trainer, who I meet with twice a week. He does a lot of the exercises with me, I suppose that’s almost like having a workout buddy, but otherwise I tend to work out by myself.

  32. For me, it depends on the day. Sometimes working out alone can be really nice – you get to spend time thinking, reflecting, being in the “zone”, etc. But sometimes having a partner there to push you can really make a huge difference. Especially if your partner is at the same general fitness level as you, and you’re both a little competitive!

    I’ll always be a huge fan of fitness classes, too. And not just because I teach them! There’s just something fun about a room full of people sweating it out together, to music!

    All the best (and nice job with that workout, Mary!),

    Heather
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..Do You Know How It Happened? =-.

  34. I like training alone, but there have been times that I’ve exercised with a friend and I know it allowed me to push myself harder. I like to keep a note pad with me that records reps, weights etc, then I use those figures to motivate me to train harder next time.

  35. I work all-hours.
    I now have a tidy little home gym for working OUT all hours.
    A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought it.

  36. If I don’t have music blasting out my eardrums, then I just can’t get into the gym, so I’m a workout alone kinda girl (Ann your gonna be 40 this year, so not a girl anymore). I’ll probably end up deaf but at least I’ll be thinner! My mouth was wide open when I read about your workout, WOW Mary that was a totally awesome workout! I have to say I am afraid of running but want to do it, I think after another 50 pounds is gone my joints will be able to handle. When I get off the treadmill now I need one of those grannie walkers, my balance is way off and I have no feeling in my feet (fun times). If my budget permits I’m going to get a brace for my knee and one ankle (think that will help) and then who knows but I’m sure some of it is mental.

  37. I prefer to work out alone. However, sometimes, since my best friend and I belong to the same gym, we work out at the same time. Such as on vacation. I ended up working out longer than I might have alone, because I had to wait for him to finish his workout before we could do some more vacation stuff. And when your best friend is a muscley guy, he wants to work out a lot. Lol. So just the incentive to stay in the gym longer made me do a bigger workout (that, and there were lots of new cool machines there!) so sometimes its kinda good I guess to have a workout buddy, even if youre not working out on the same things at the same time. Yay for you and candace and your new great gym!
    .-= merri´s last blog ..San Diego Trip: Days 0 and 1: Getting our Bearings =-.

  38. There definitely is nothing like a great workout partner. Not only do you learn things from each other, but you stay motivated and often have much more effective workouts.

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