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5 tips for finding a great workout buddy

31 July, 2015 by Giselle Rochford 20 Comments

Don’t forget that you can still enter my giveaway for a free one day pass to canfitpro world fitness expo!

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.

5 tips for choosing a workout buddy via @ExSloth | ExSloth.com

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.

5 things to look for in your next #workout buddy #fitness #fitfam

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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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Linking up with: #dishthefit, #FFavorites, Friday Favourites, Friday Five, Fitness Friday,

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Follow GiselleR | Healthy Living Blogger’s board Fitness Tips on Pinterest.

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.

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Filed Under: Fitness, Fitness Tips

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Comments

  1. Debbie says

    31 July, 2015 at 12:29 am

    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

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      Awesome that you have TWO people giving you that sort of support Debbie 😀

      Reply
  2. Pamela Hernandez says

    31 July, 2015 at 7:46 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  3. Liz says

    31 July, 2015 at 9:44 am

    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

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      It’s always great to switch it up!

      Reply
  4. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    31 July, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      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!

      Reply
  5. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    31 July, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      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!

      Reply
  6. jill conyers says

    1 August, 2015 at 6:17 am

    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

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      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 😀

      Reply
  7. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    4 August, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      5 August, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      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!

      Reply
  8. Bri @ Simple Delights says

    10 August, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
  9. Jordan Miner says

    3 November, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
  10. lisa says

    22 November, 2019 at 8:40 am

    Hello, I think you said right “Good sportswear is very important for your sports session” According to my point of view, a good sportswear should cover all the body and we cannot fell any hesitation to wear it. Good sportswear definitely add you confidence.

    Reply
  11. Fitness Freak says

    27 January, 2022 at 6:35 am

    Thanks for sharing these 5 tips for finding a great workout buddy. Having a good partner helps to reach out goals.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Bean Bytes 152 says:
    3 August, 2015 at 12:01 am

    […] Whole-Body Stability Ball Workout via Fit Knit Chick 5 Truths for Lifetime Fitness via Fitaspire 5 Tips For Finding a Great Workout Buddy via Diaries of an Ex-Sloth DIY Parallettes and Parallette Workout via Stay Fit Mom 5 Things to Ask […]

    Reply
  2. 5 things to try before quitting the gym - Diary of an ExSloth says:
    31 January, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    […] a personal trainer, a gym buddy is the next best thing. I’ve spoken about the importance of finding a good gym buddy before, so I won’t get into a lot of detail now. But if you want the Spark’s Notes […]

    Reply

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