The reasons why people prefer to exercise by themselves – whether that’s running with nothing but headphones or finding their own space in the gym – range from focus to empowerment. Some of the responses from readers as to why they love it include:

“I can focus on me”
“I can go at my own time and it’s not competitive”
“I can do what I want at my own pace”
“I feel like others judge me [in group classes]”
“If I have a bad day it’s only me that sees it”
“I swear a lot!”
“No one sees how clumsy I am”
“I feel more powerful and embodied – it’s my solo mindful time”
“There’s less pressure to keep up and no comparison”
“[I like to] plug in music and focus”
“There’s less distraction”
“I’m self-conscious [in classes]”

Solo vs group workouts: do women prefer exercising alone or with other people?