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Workout buddies - yay or nay?

By August 1, 2011 - 4:06pm

Yes, yes - I know that true motivation comes from within, that YOU and only YOU have to decide to take responsibility of your health and wellness, but sometimes having someone there to encourage you, push you, and get you over those inevitable plateaus is invaluable. Also - the accountability is not so bad either :)

To be honest, there are certain workouts I like to do alone. I find running is a solo activity for me. However - cross-training and calisthenics are two activities that I definitely prefer to have a buddy with me!

However, the benefits of having a workout partner are definitely appealing.
- increased motivation
- more support
- a little competitive and pushing yourself a little more than you might do solo
- some workouts can even be a little more social
- less intimidating to try new things is someone is there with you

I really like the "hybrid version" of workout partners. A co-worker of mine, used a google doc to track our training runs for an upcoming race. Even though we were at completely different paces - we could train "together" and use our training schedule online to track our progress, keep each other motivated, and hold each other accountable.

What are your thoughts around having a workout partner? Do you have one?

By Blogger August 13, 2014 - 11:21am

I love having a work out/running buddy. They keep me accountable and make me work harder and have our competitive side come out. My work out buddies happen to be some of my best friends, too. So, our "hang outs" are always active.

August 13, 2014 - 11:21am
By Blogger February 26, 2012 - 3:06pm

workout buddies are great as long as you both commit to working out and be accountable to each other

I encourage workout buddies especially if you need that extra push to get busy, sometimes if the wrong person is picked and you go out for a drink instead, then no not working for you

February 26, 2012 - 3:06pm
By February 15, 2012 - 2:01pm

I go back and forth. If you have someone who works as hard as you do and will push you then great! But I have worked out with people who do the exact opposite and hate it :/ I generally go it alone.

February 15, 2012 - 2:01pm
By January 7, 2012 - 12:40pm
I like the idea of a workout buddy and agree that some things are better solo. If I'm going to yoga it's more enjoyable if I go with a friend. If it's running than I like me, music, and the park. Basically it depends. I am one to enjoy being around others no matter what I do. And with a 2 year old bouncing off the walks, it's of course more fun to ride bikes with him than by myself. We are planning on trying out some of the hiking trails tomorrow, buddy style :)January 7, 2012 - 12:40pm
By December 29, 2011 - 6:22pm

I would say nay. It sounds good in theory but in practice, no two people are the same and fitness is very personal. You are damned if you get someone who is more motivated or fitter than you and you are damned if you don't. The less fit, less motivated person slows down the other one. If you need to get motivated to work out, get a personal trainer. Depending on someone else who is not getting paid to motivate you will make you more likely to make excuses when this person is not available.

December 29, 2011 - 6:22pm
By November 21, 2011 - 11:24am

Workout buddies are great at times. Why at times? Well you need someone that has the same level of motivation as you or that can push you fwd. You do not need someone who fails to show up to workout, changes their minds a million times etc.....I speak from experience. Pick wisely!

November 21, 2011 - 11:24am
By October 27, 2011 - 8:54am

I would so love a workout buddy, but for some reason, I still can't find one. How would I find a person that loves to work out and do it consistently??

October 27, 2011 - 8:54am

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