If you need staying accountable with your workouts, perhaps you need to find a fitness friend.
I’m a strong believer in workout accountability partners. While I realize there are people who can keep themselves accountable everyone isn’t able.
We know the cycle.
People start a new year with all types of resolutions, commitments and such and by the end of the next month they may have even forgotten what they committed to.
It’s not a judgment but an observation. Also, if you know yourself to know if you don’t have someone waiting for you on the other end (i.e. in the gym, on the trail, in spin class) you would just do something else – then KUDOS for you.
The first part of this is recognizing where you need support.
Benefits Of A Fitness Friend
Before I tell you HOW to find a fitness friend, let’s talk about the benefits of a fitness friend.
- They help keep you accountable 🙂
- The thought of someone waiting for you can be a big motivator to nudge you to get up and out when you don’t feel like it
- They offer encouragement when you may be feeling a bit frustrated with your progress
- They can push you to go harder with your workouts when you see how hard they push with theirs
- Hopefully your workouts are challenging enough you can’t really talk but they provide companionship during your workouts
- If no one else wants to hear about your PR they always want to hear about your PR and congratulate you about it because they can relate
Recruiting A Fitness Friend
So now that you know the benefits of having a fitness friend and recognize you need one, how do you go about recruiting one?
Look under your own roof. Ask your significant other, relative or friend to start a program with you.
Co-workers: Co-workers can become your noon-time fitness friend by taking a walk with you during lunch or heading to the company gym or taking an organized class on company grounds.
Group classes at the gym: I tell you I have met some of the nicest and helpful people in group gym classes. Whether it be Body Pump, spin, step aerobics I end up talking to people I find myself looking forward to seeing when I show up for class.
Neighbors: You would be surprised how many folks in your own neighborhood are living active fitness lifestyles. If you see a neighbor outside running, ask them if they would like company, etc.
Online fitness groups: Plug plug **Femme Fitale Fit Club**. If you don’t know of anyone locally to start off, go online and connect with other like-minded fitness friends whether it be a cross-fit, running, weight lifting or Zumba group.
Put a note out there and ask if there is anyone in your area who is also looking for a local accountability partner.
Fitness Friend Considerations
Now, before you do all of that, make sure you take some things into consideration as you look to find new fitness friends:
Make sure you find someone who is at your fitness level or slightly ahead – that way you will be pushed to move outside of your comfort zone. My friend is faster and stronger than me so she pushes me to get stronger and faster just to keep up with her.
Find someone who is positive in thinking, deed and words. If they are constantly negative about their progress or working out in general they will not be helpful and actually drain you because you are constantly trying to keep them motivated. Remember, they need to be a help not a hindrance.
Be sure your schedules align. If they are only available in the morning and you in the evening, then that may not be quite a match.
Find someone who is motivated and not lazy. Yes I said it.
If you find a fitness friend who is happy simply walking at a snail’s pace around the park and never interested in incorporating heavier weights, hills or jogging faster than leisurely walking then you will not improve or you may end up leaving them behind and that defeats the purpose.
If you realize you need a fitness friend or accountability partner to stay on top of your workouts then look around you for individuals who share your interest and invite them to exercise with you. You won’t know if you don’t ask.
What additional tips would you add to this list for finding a fitness friend?
28 Replies to "How To Find A Fitness Friend"
Lex
Twitter: flecksoflex
March 31, 2014 (4:11 pm)
I’ve been looking for a new fitness friend. I’m getting pretty close to asking strangers, “will you be my friend?” I’ve had issues in the past of trying to work out with friends who just aren’t that into working out without complaining the entire time. It’s a drag!
o
DSTPRL March 31, 2014 (7:52 pm)
I know what you mean Lex. I had the same issue/problem. My husband schooled me – he said try to connect with the people who are already out there working out when I do because more than likely we will be compatible fitness friends. He was right. I found “friends” in my group fitness classes like boot camp and my personal trainer and voila….I have a bunch of friends I can work out with. We have fun too. It was hard in the beginning but I believe it doesn’t have to be. I also tried to hook up with friends who really weren’t that into it and would flake more than show up. Frustrating but once I listened to my husband’s advice it has made all the different. Thanks for stopping by Lex.
becca112971
Twitter: _Everyday_Life_
April 2, 2014 (6:24 am)
I know that most people like working out with other people but I like working out by myself it’s my quiet time so to speak. When i workout I don’t want to have to talk to anyone or worry whether I am not keeping up. I just want that hour to myself.
o
Jennifer April 2, 2014 (8:43 pm)
I have a few fitness friends (they are either friend/family member) and I also joined a local running club. Since I’m not really an outgoing person (at first) I don’t usually meet anyone at a group fitness class/gym do workout with…have to get over that!!
o
DSTPRL April 3, 2014 (6:02 pm)
You know Jennifer – sometimes it may be the other person just approaching you and starting a discussion and next thing you know – you guys talk every class and then BAM you found yourself a fitness friend. 🙂
Eat Pray Run, DC
Twitter: eatprayrundc
April 2, 2014 (9:14 pm)
excellent tips!!
o
DSTPRL April 3, 2014 (6:01 pm)
Thank you. #wowlinkup.
The Frugal Exerciser
Twitter: Laurend1985
April 3, 2014 (2:52 pm)
Lately, one of my clients has been my workout buddy and I need it because I have gotten real lazy about working out. Because, it is my livelihood, I sometimes just want to come home and forget about fitness and workouts. Stopping by from the #wowlinkup.
o
DSTPRL April 3, 2014 (6:00 pm)
I think working out with a buddy really helps with motivation.
Cassi
Twitter: lawrtw
April 3, 2014 (7:23 pm)
I’m always looking for fitness friends.
o
DSTPRL April 4, 2014 (1:00 pm)
Aren’t they very hard to find?
Amanda H April 4, 2014 (12:14 am)
Good tips! I really need to find a fitness buddy here!
o
DSTPRL April 4, 2014 (1:00 pm)
If you can find reliable folks they really make a difference Amanda.
Sami April 4, 2014 (10:03 pm)
Great tips for recruiting fitness friends. I have started a group (Go Go Mountain Girls on the Run) of friends that workout together. I’ve scheduled bootcamps, runs, races, etc. for us to do together. I’m one that can workout on my own but sure love the company of others.
Thanks for a great post!
o
jillconyers
Twitter: jillconyers
April 5, 2014 (5:41 am)
I would love to find more fitness friends and fewer friends that kindly think I’m crazy kind of weird or too extreme LOL
o
Jenn April 5, 2014 (7:12 pm)
#wowlinkup – I agree that having a workout friend is so important. I recently joined a gal for some personal training sessions. I go to many classes that I love, but it is often challenging to find a friend willing to attend the same classes that I enjoy. Luckily, I have a good neighborhood walking buddy too.
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (7:13 pm)
My husband gave me good advice when he told me to find a friend in my class (clearly they are committed because they are right there with you) and that sticks with me to this day. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by our #wowlinkup.
Serena
Twitter: TheSHGBlog
December 24, 2014 (8:20 am)
Love this list and the advice on how to find someone to work out with! Churches are also a good place. We have small groups at our church including a health and wellness group that get together and share all things health and wellness. #wowlinkup
o
lea
Twitter: gealenders
December 24, 2014 (9:19 am)
Great tips! there is a girl who is always running through my neighborhood, I want to stop her and beg her to be my friend. 🙂
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
December 24, 2014 (10:26 am)
Lea seiously I did that with one of my neighbors and now we are friends on FB and support each other in pur races, etc. Stop her may find you a best friend.
Amber
Twitter: eandebyamber
December 24, 2014 (10:17 am)
SIGH, I NEED a fitness friend, but at my male dominant gym, the ladies are far and few, and when they are there, they are either unfriendly or cardio queens, so it’s tough to talk to someone on a treadmill!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
December 24, 2014 (10:24 am)
Amber do they have classes? I found that to be very successful.
Stephanie
Twitter: teamfitmommy
December 24, 2014 (11:59 am)
I tend to like to workout alone but having someone to workout with can be very motivating. I usually workout with my husband and he will push me more than I can push myself.
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
December 30, 2014 (6:54 pm)
I think it is so important to have fitness friends to help support you in your goals. I would not be running and getting in shape if it were not for my hubby and my bestie 🙂 #wowlinkup
o
Cassi
Twitter: lawrtw
January 5, 2016 (6:36 am)
I’m always looking for people to join me on my walks during Farmer’s market season but haven’t had any takers.
o
Kristen
Twitter: runawaywithkk
January 7, 2016 (1:18 am)
Love this! I’ve found some awesome fitness friends in my coworkers, but I’m always looking for more! I’m thinking about joining a local running club to meet other runners.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
January 7, 2016 (5:17 am)
That’s where I found mine and on bootcamp.
Femme Fitale Fit Club ® BlogTop Reasons Why You Should Workout With a Group - Femme Fitale Fit Club ® Blog March 7, 2016 (2:10 pm)
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