A workout buddy can help you stay on track and keep you on a tight workout schedule. Your buddy should have similar goals, and should be around your same age and fitness level. Choosing someone to be your gym buddy isn’t something to take lightly. Remember that you want to be inspired and enjoy working out with this person often, so there are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking for a workout buddy.
Motivation – Your workout buddy needs to be someone who will keep you on track, especially if you are one who can oftentimes skip a workout when you aren’t in the mood. Be sure your buddy is someone who takes their workouts seriously and will keep you motivated. You must also remember that it is your job to keep them motivated, too. Keep each other on track by confirming a schedule, plan activities to do together to keep your workouts interesting, and keep a positive attitude.
Dedication – Your workout buddy needs to be someone who is very reliable and will stick to the schedule. Someone who is great at managing their time is a good choice. You know who is always at the gym or at the trail consistently, so this would be an ideal workout buddy who will participate and be a dedicated workout buddy.
Flexibility – A good workout buddy will realize that your fitness goals will change over time, and then you will need to make adjustments. Your buddy will be flexible in changing things up as you both grow in your fitness routines. You and your buddy will both need to be reasonable in this aspect and make compromises.
Healthy – You don’t want someone who will bring you down, so be sure that you choose a buddy who is in good health and lives a healthy lifestyle. If you have been working out for a long time, having a workout buddy who is not in good shape will just hold you back. Remember that having a workout buddy is to inspire you and help you to reach your fitness goals.
Enjoyable – Your workout buddy also needs to be someone who is fun. If you aren’t enjoying your workouts together, neither of you will stick with it. You want someone who knows that you take your workouts seriously, but you also want someone around who knows how to have a good time while working out for it to be a positive experience for both of you.