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Partnering WAY above your level...
Does anyone workout with someone who is several levels above you in a given activity? I have been invited by two separate people to workout with them, but I am terrified because they are both so much more in shape and advanced than I am.
On one hand, I would love the opportunity to learn from them. One the other hand, I'm afraid of being embarrassed, left in the dust, and cramping their style.
I've always been a loner when it comes to exercise, so I don't know how this works or if it's even a good idea or not. I'm no slouch, but these people are way better conditioned and far better than I am at these activities. (Mountain biking and inline skating, if it makes a difference.)
What does H&F say? Should I give it a shot or take a pass?
Re: Partnering WAY above your level...
Yes. I have been both ways. I've worked with a guy buddy that is a massive lifter and crazy hardcore with everything. And I've worked with a couple of my girlfriends that are faaar beneath my fitness level.
As a person on the bottom, I loved it. He recognized that I was below him so he pushed me, but didn't get mean or impatient. It was GREAT and I learned a lot of new moves.
As a person on top, I love it. I love showing my girlfriend(s) new stuff, helping them, giving them tips and tricks, etc. I never felt like they were holding me back, or "cramping" my style
My point is, if they know your fitness level is not up to theirs, they will adjust accordingly and it will still be fun for them! They are inviting YOU, you aren't poking at them. That means they know to adjust, be patient, and enjoy a different kind of work out. By working with someone, they get stuff out of it as well.
I say don't be afraid! It's totally worth a shot!
I started running with a group that is faster than me - On our long runs i'd trail behind them, but over the last 6 months I started getting faster, and now I can hang with them.
Do it!
j+k+m+e | running with needles
Southeastern Cycling
My Nest Bio and Cycling Advice
I don't have a competitive streak either.. I guess I do, but only with myself. I constantly want to beat myself. Just make it a time to focus on YOU, learning new things for YOU, things that could better YOU in the future and you'll have a blast. They obviously want to work out with you, so let them!
I'm glad that you are going to take up the offer. If nothing else, you get personal growth out of it by pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Bravo!
I'm in a running group and have sort of teamed up with a few others of varying speeds, distances, etc. Some people are brand new, but pushing it, others are super fast, I can run pretty far, so we all push each other, some to run faster, some to run one more mile, sharing running tips, fueling options, etc. And we have all gotten faster and stronger because of it. I've had a friend new to running join me before, and enjoyed going at her pace with her.
We also are joining each other for some cross training- I do yoga, some do strength, some swim, bike, etc. We all have our strengths and have something to add, even though I could never lift as much weight, swim as fast or bike as far as they do.