How do you dump an activity partner?

I would tackle this problem head on. You really dont have to be rude about it – just pull him aside sometime and say “Hey, can I talk to you about something quick?” – then discuss with him his habits that annoy you. Mention just going alone or taking a “break” from going together.

If I were your friend, I’d definitely want you to confront me about something like this. He may not even realize how he’s acting or that he’s doing anything to upset or discomfort you.

GA @Disc2021 I agree. You don’t have to be really confrontational with him. I would tell him to back off when he pushes you too hard when you’re working out and just be perpetually busy after if you don’t want to see him outside of gym.

Just start going to the gym alone. This is not a life changing problem here.

I agree with @perspicacious This is not life changing.

On the other hand, if you would feel awkward about it (whether you “should” or not), I would not go into what bothers you about him. That would create ill feelings and defensiveness and awkwardness when you did see him at the gym. I’d just tell him on the way out one day, “Hey, ya know, I enjoy being at the gym with you, but I’m not sure I like “having” to do this in lockstep. Sometimes I just like to know I can take off and go, or not, whenever I want to. If you happen to show up too, that’s great.” Then I would not show for a couple of days and not say anything to him beforehand. Just do it to set the pace.

Change your routine. Maybe don’t go for a few days…then, go at a slightly different time.

You could tell him to go without you for a bit because you have some stuff at to catch up on at home and you don’t know just when you will be going. Then after a few days, like @perspicacious said, you could tell him you’ve discovered that you like the idea of not scheduling your routine.