I don't know if it is true or not. The book suggests Chinese culture requires women to sacrifice a lot for their family, such as raising kids, take care of husband, his family and her family. They are under immense stress and it is the norm for them just to bear with it.
According to Atomic Habit, we tend to form a habit when there is a reward.
First you you can't wear jeans to work out. If people have to argue, then they have never worked out before.
Then, reward. When you workout by yourself, then is almost no reward, no motivation. In the gym, you can see how for some people are and that motivate you.
With no goal and no motivation, hiding in the basement/garage lifting some weights and wearing jeans, I doubt that person will work out much.
Donny needs to shave