u/RaycoonorRaythor

I’m curious whether Americans generally prefer running outdoors—such as in parks or around their neighborhoods—or using treadmills at the gym.

Where I live in Asia, incline treadmill walking is extremely popular. Many people go to the gym just to set the treadmill to a steep incline and walk for a long time. Is that common in the US too, or is it more of an Asian fitness trend?

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with running. While I’m doing it, I feel like I’m fighting for my life and questioning every decision that brought me there. But once I finish, I suddenly feel like the most disciplined person alive, as if I’ve completely taken control of my life.

Where do you prefer to run, and do you ever do incline walking?

In movies and TV shows, I often see Americans jogging in Central Park or lifting weights in huge gyms. I’ll be coming to the US as an exchange student for a year, so I’m curious how accurate that image actually is.

Among the people you know, how common is it to exercise regularly? What kind of exercise do you personally do, and why did you choose it? Is exercise also a way Americans make friends and socialize, or is it usually something people do alone?

When I think of American boxing, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson immediately come to mind, but I rarely hear about major American boxers today. Has boxing become less popular in the US?

The US seems to have a strong fitness culture and plenty of gyms, so I’m also curious: is it common for ordinary people to try boxing classes for fitness, even if they have no interest in competing?

I’ve been wanting to try boxing for a while, but none of my friends are interested in it. Going to a boxing gym alone feels a little intimidating, and I think it would be much easier—and more fun—to start with someone I know.

I’m curious whether most people here already had friends who boxed, convinced someone to join them, or simply met training partners after joining a gym.

I’d also love to hear what originally got you into boxing and what has kept you doing it. I’m trying to find a good way to show my friends why it’s worth trying without making it sound like I’m pressuring them!

I’ve been wanting to try boxing for a while, but none of my friends are interested in it. Going to a boxing gym alone feels a little intimidating, and I think it would be much easier—and more fun—to start with someone I know.

I’m curious whether most people here already had friends who boxed, convinced someone to join them, or simply met training partners after joining a gym.

I’d also love to hear what originally got you into boxing and what has kept you doing it. I’m trying to find a good way to show my friends why it’s worth trying without making it sound like I’m pressuring them!