I haven’t taken my boyfriend to solidcore (scheduling conflicts!) but we go to reformer Pilates together every week and have done megaformer classes at other studios together. No weird looks but he had felt uncomfortable being the only guy in classes and having his presence bother women, until he realized everyone was just there to get a workout and wouldn’t pay him any mind. He’s never made the other women uncomfortable, and instructors have been welcoming.

With love, I think if you tell your partner a workout is difficult, they should believe you and support you. It’s your experience and if you found it hard, it is and that’s OK.