5 tips for finding a great workout buddy

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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.

[Tweet “5 things to look for in your next #workout buddy #fitness #fitfam”]

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.