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I’m generally a solitary person and can spend hours at a time on my own with no problem, including when I workout. But sometimes – okay most of the time – I need more help getting out my bed and into the gym than my fav fitness apps can provide. Which is where a workout buddy comes in.
When I’m the only one who suffers from not going to the gym, it’s a lot easier to skip than when I have to let someone else down by bailing on them. Since I haven’t been doing such a great job of motivating myself recently, I’m on the lookout for a new gym buddy. So, if you’re in the Kitchener/Waterloo area and want to go to GoodLife Fitness with me, hit me up on Twitter and let’s get this (gym) party started.
One thing to note though, is that not everyone is workout buddy material. Someone can be a great friend/relative/fitness inspiration but still totally lack the qualities that make a great workout buddy. Not sure what those are? Well, you’re in luck, cuz I’m sharing them with ya today.
1. Compatibility
You and your workout buddy need to be compatible. Not only do you have to be able to stand their presence, but you also need to have similar(ish) goals and workout styles. You don’t have to do absolutely everything the same, because it’s always great to learn something new. But, you at least need some sort of common goal to work towards, whether is increasing strength, or running faster/further. Basically, if you’re a lifter who is allergic to cardio, you want a workout buddy who would do partner workouts with you, not a runner.
2. Reliability
You need to be sure that your workout buddy actually shows up once you set plans. If the person you’re considering is flaky or often late, they may not be the best option. And, your workout buddy also needs to be a reliable spotter. You definitely don’t want a workout buddy who is more interested in checking out her/himself in the mirror, or picking put potential mates at the gym, than ensuring the million pound weight you’re bench pressing doesn’t fall on your face.
3. Drive
The whole point of having a workout buddy, at least for me, is to have someone to motivate me to keep going. Whether it’s nagging me until I go to the gym, or encouraging me to make that last, seemingly impossible rep. If you’re the same, you need to ensure that the person you choose is willing to help push you past your comfort zone when you need it.
4. Knowledgable/Willing to learn
When I do to the gym with someone, I want them to know what they’re doing, or at least be interested in learning. I don’t minding sharing my knowledge, but it’s a lot more rewarding when my gym buddy and I can trade tips and share new workouts we’ve discovered. And what we don’t know, we learn together.
5. Understanding
While you definitely don’t want to be the flaky one in the gym buddy pairing, you want your workout pal to understand that somedays heading to the gym just isn’t in the cards. You may be ridiculously sore, or insanely swamped at work. Whatever it is, life can get in the way. So yes, you want a gym buddy who will motivate you get to the gym and push your limits, but you don’t want someone who will freak out on you if you need a lower impact day or just a break for a day or two.
What about you?
- Do you have a gym buddy? Or do you prefer to workout alone?
- Any tips for finding the perfect workout buddy?
- What traits would your ultimate gym buddy possess?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
Image source: “Personal Training Overlooking Melbourne” by www.localfitness.com.au – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
My husband is my gym buddy and that works out pretty well. And I wouldn’t have got out the door to run this morning without my running buddy, who lives across the street.
Debbie recently posted…How to Overcome the Top 5 Exercise Excuses
Awesome that you have TWO people giving you that sort of support Debbie 😀
I’ve always worked out alone. I enjoy the time to “recharge” between client sessions. But I am starting to think working out with someone every so often might not be a bad idea.
I totally understand. I still haven’t found a workout buddy, but I have found my working out alone groove – I’m seriously in the zone right now. But I know having someone else to workout with is a great way to stay motivated when my self-motivation starts to wane.
All super important things to have in a workout partner! I usually work out alone, but occasionally I do enjoy working out with a buddy!
Liz recently posted…Beach Bag Essentials
It’s always great to switch it up!
Finding a workout partner is hard! People always want to workout with me, but I’m never sure I want to commit to working out with someone else. I’m so focused and consistent that I always fear they will let me down. I think consistency is key to finding someone to partner with and they have to be a good fit for your personality too.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Tomato Balsamic Watermelon Salad
I totally understand what you mean. Sometimes, especially in the colder months, I need someone there to keep me accountable. But sometimes workout buddies can be more distracting that helpful. Personalities that mesh are definitely a must!
I do a lot of my runs alone, but I’m definitely looking for a training partner! It would be so much nicer to have someone to chat with on the long runs and to motivate me when I really don’t want to do it.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…How to Buy Running Shoes
Chatting on runs seems like an oxymoron to me (I’m out of breath within 5 seconds when I run haha) but good luck with finding a training partner!
Most of the time I workout alone because it’s 5 in the morning but my husband and I love to go on run dates. Best workout buddy ever.
Thanks for sharing with the #fitfam Giselle! Have a wonderful weekend!
jill conyers recently posted…Lorna Jane INSPIRED Book Review
Woah! 5 am. I’m still deep in rem sleep then haha
Thanks for hosting, Jill and I hope you had an awesome weekend as well 😀
My best friend was my perfect workout buddy! I loved working out with her. I could be in the gym with her for like 2 hours and it went by so fast. Now she has a boyfriend, and switched to his gym *tears* 🙁 So I’m back to working out alone and it gets to 50 minutes and I find myself looking’ at the clock.
Oh man. That sucks! I’ve had 4 workout buddies in the last year. The first 2 moved away and the other 2 were a couple I used to workout with. Then, they broke up and both stopped going to the gym. I think I’m cursed haha
Hope you find a new workout buddy soon though!
I am catching up on The Fit Dish! Love this post. I usually work out solo, but lately have been finding my motivation has decreased. Finding a buddy might give me the motivation I need!
I’ve been wanting to start doing some strength training programs, and I think that being able to look for a workout buddy would be good. I’m glad you talked about looking for someone who’s reliable, as you need to be consistent when it comes to strength training. I think that being able to get someone to work out with would help me quite a bit, and hopefully help me get on the right track with strength training! Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing these 5 tips for finding a great workout buddy. Having a good partner helps to reach out goals.