Exercising with a Friend
 

Hello, I recently joined a gym with my girlfriend. I've steadily put on weight and would like to lose 15-20 lbs and firm up by body. My friend is in bad physical condition due to her weight. Anyway, we joined together and the first few weeks were going great. We both went about 3X a week the first 3 weeks (I went a little more) and then the last couple of weeks she has totally slacked off. She has gone 1 time in the past week and a half. We had planned to take a gentle yoga class on Sunday morning which is very easy on her joints etc. and we've done it before. She completely blew it off. She says she loves the gym and everyone is so nice and helpful there.

Anyway, I'm looking for advice. I'm concerned about her health and am trying to find a way to help her without nagging her. Should I just let it go and let her work out when she wants regardless of how often, or should I continue to call her every week to set up a work out schedule for the week.

Her husband said he's afraid to say anything to her about going to the gym because she'll bite his head off and said I should try to push more because I'm her friend. I'm finding myself getting frustrated with her. She's got a laundry list of excuses.

She signed up for 2 years so maybe she'll come around.

Is there a good way to encourage her without pissing her off?????? Or...should I let it go and worry about myself?

Thanks for the advice.

I was like your friend...unless I was pushed or coaxed, Id pay for my membership every month and not go. So...what my bf (now dh) did was have my bag packed for me, and told me we were going at such and such a time...and no matter how tired I was from work or how cranky and irritable I was, he dragged my butt to the gym.

Maybe you can get her dh to pack her bag, then give her a call, and say Im going to the gym at ?? time, and I'll be there at ?? time to pick you up, then end the call. Or if she isnt someone you can do that to, ask her out for coffee, and ask if she wants to be pushed, you'll help. Sometimes we need to be dragged :lol:

I hope it works out for your friend

It's very difficult to exercise and depend on someone to be there for you, I've learned that over the years and now I exercise alone...If she has a millions excuses until SHE is ready to do it, IMHO I feel she's just not as committed as you are, and not much will change her mind. Granted call her and make a time and if she doesn't go, YOU go, but I would only do this for 2-3 weeks until I would put the ball in her court and say ''Call ME when YOUre ready'', maybe I just don't have enough patience :shrug:...

Hi, thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to keep trying but not put pressure on her. Just give her a call at the beginning of the week and let her know what my schedule is and see if she can make it the same time. It's just frustrating because I care about her and want to help but then again it's not my job to be "Suzy motivator". We joined together so we can work out together and she never asked me to push or motivate her so I guess I'll back off a little. Maybe when she sees my great results, she'll get moving.... :D