Benefits of having a Workout Partner
If you’re interested in increasing your physical activity and working out more, you can look into finding a gym buddy. Having a workout partner can make working out more fun and keep you coming back to the gym. A gym buddy is someone who pushes you to reach your fitness goals and expects the same encouragement from you. A workout partner is there for you in the gym or on a run, and they’re also there to add a positive effect to your workout.
Why having a Workout Partner is better for you
Accountability. You and your workout partner can hold each other accountable. If one of you gets unmotivated, the other can help re-motivate you. Guilt can be a big motivator – specifically in the context of not wanting to let your friend down when you decide to sleep in and your friend shows up to go running. That extra level of accountability increases your odds of success.
Fun. Yes, exercise can in fact be fun. If you have someone to laugh with as you work out, you’ll have more positive emotions related to working out and you’ll stop dreading it. Plus, if you’ve ever tried to play a game of tennis by yourself, you’ll know that having a partner makes things easier, too.
Friendly competition. If you’re a little competitive, working out with a friend can make you push yourself more than if you were going solo. You’d hate to be seen as the one who could only lift 40 pounds when your friend could do 50.
One caution: Don’t make it so competitive that your friend becomes your “enemy.”
Safer. Depending on when and where you like to work out, having a friend with you can keep you safe. Running through the streets in the early morning hours can be a little dangerous. Trying to lift weights solo at the gym can lead to injuries. It’s a little safer having a trusted friend with you.
Variety. Even though you and your workout buddy are friends, you may have slightly different interests. Maybe your friend likes Crossfit and it’s something you’ve never tried. Well, take up your friend’s interest and give Crossfit a try. Then find an activity you enjoy and invite your friend to try something new as well. Changing things up can also support the goal of making exercise fun.
A break from life. Sometimes we just want to have some interactions with people outside of work, or even away from the kiddos. Having a workout buddy can give you the opportunity to talk about personal interests, thoughts on politics, exciting news about you or your family, or even vent about something at work that’s weighing you down. Working out with a friend allows you to step away from the responsibilities of life and enjoy some time to work on your social well-being.
Someone to celebrate with. Maybe you and your workout buddy have set your sights on a 5k, or you’re both looking to lose a few pounds. Working together toward a common goal can help you both have something to look forward to celebrating. If we can enjoy our successes with others, it goes back to the idea of making things fun, and achieving a goal you and a friend have set your minds to can be a big motivator to keep going – and it’ll strengthen your friendship, too.
You’ll end up crushing your goals. Remember how workout partner make you stay more consistent, and you’ll find exercise more enjoyable? Well, if you keep at it week after week, you’ll find yourself improving — whether it’s getting stronger or increasing your endurance. Hitting those goals is way easier when you’re consistently working out with your workout partner.
How to find a Workout Partner
Finding a gym partner doesn’t have to be complicated. When looking for one, look for someone with similar goals, schedules, and commitment. This person should make you feel better about yourself and your experience. A great gym buddy will inspire you to work out regularly.
You can look for gym partners in your friends, co-workers, neighbors, or people at your gym. If you want to expand your search, you can join a social media and connect with people online. Sharing your goals with them virtually can also help motivate you.
If you’re used to working out alone, adding a gym buddy can help you change up your workouts. They might inspire you to work out harder or learn new things.
Before finding a gym partner, you should do the following:
Figure out your own fitness goals
Decide how much time you’re willing to commit
Have to know which level you are in
Need an easy way to track your routines and workouts?
If you want to save yourself time and energy while logging your workout, check out BurnFit. It’s the most intuitive and straightforward workout tracker & planner you’ll find. It’s designed to help you get bigger, stronger, and more athletic. Whether creating your own workout plan pre-workout or following tailor-made strength programs, BurnFit provides everything you need to get better results from every workout.
