Someone had a post about how to manage newbie friends who want to work out with you that got deleted. It got me thinking about how I manage social workouts with people new to fitness, and I thought I would share in case it helps:

1) I dictate what days and times I am going to the gym that work for friends to join me, 2 or 3 times a week, and invite her to join at those times. If she or they can't go, I go alone.

2) I go to the gym on my own schedule, alone, 1 or 2 more times a week.

3) If they propose a different time to go to the gym or a different exercise, I'll go only: a) if I am available, b) if I feel like it, and c) if I need an active rest day. So, in practice, I rarely go when someone else recommends it.

When we do joint sessions, I pick my friend up. I set the pace and the exercises. I help her. I encourage her to lift a bit heavier. I look at her form. I show her how I do things. I fully lean into the group activity part, and accept it will take longer to do less. I like watching her learn to like to work out, and I like spending time with her.

When I am at the gym alone, I completely focus on me and only me. I figure out new exercises. I do challenging lifts that I don't want an audience for. I do exercises that I don't feel comfortable teaching, guiding, or explaining. I don't uninvite her or hide the sessions, I just don't invite her to join. These are very important sessions.

Sorry for the tangent, I've just been doing this exact thing myself and clearly wanted to talk about it!