Many people enjoy exercising with a workout buddy. For some, it helps to motivate them, hold them accountable, and provide someone to interact with during their fitness routines. A good workout partner can be a great asset to your workouts. A bad workout partner however can hinder your fitness progress. In this article I’ll outline a few tips to keep in mind if you are considering a workout buddy.
Similar Goals
Before you choose a workout partner, make sure you have similar goals. If one person’s goals are to improve aerobic conditioning or to compete in marathons while the other persons goal is to put on more muscle size and increase strength, then the two are clearly mismatched. Consider sitting down and going over your goals together to see if they match up. Factors to consider when talking to a potential workout partner are whether or not your goals are aerobic, resistance training, or both. Do either of you plan on competing in any sort of race, competition, or event? Ideally, you should both have similar goals and outcomes in mind when it comes to your workouts.
Similar Abilities
When choosing a workout buddy, it’s important to choose someone who has similar physical abilities. There are a few tips to keep in mind. First, if one person is much stronger than the other, than there is going to be a lot of changing of weight amounts. This is not so much a problem if you plan on using machines that utilize pins for changing weights, however if you plan on using free weights, you’re going to be physically moving a lot of weights in between sets. Additionally, consider the injuries and any kinds of medical limitations of a prospective workout partner. If one person has a bad rotator cuff or knee problem for example, it can greatly reduce what both partners will be able to do. If you are looking to increase aerobic endurance for example and want to engage in bicycle riding or running, consider whether the person your considering can keep up with you and even push you. The last thing you want to do is to be holding back because your workout partner cannot keep up with you.
Similar Attitudes
Before you choose a workout buddy, it’s important to consider the attitudes and workout mentaility that he or she has. When the person shows up to workout, do they have a great workout ethic? Are they intense about their workouts? Do they prefer to stand around and talk or do they engage in intense exercise sessions? Make sure that you and your potential workout partner are on the same level when it comes to workout philosophy and attitude. Not doing so can create friction and long term problems.
Similar Schedules
Before you agree to be a workout buddy with someone, make sure to talk with them about their schedules. The obvious here is to ensure that your work schedule’s match up, but there are other important factors to consider. Does the person own their own business or have a demanding job that could have issues rise up on short notice, demanding his or her attention? Does the person have children involved in sports that may require them to cancel workouts regularly? Do they have a long commute to get to the gym? Will they be affected by adverse weather, traffic, or construction issues? Consider such factors before you decide on a person to workout with.
Similar Workout History
When you begin working out with your new workout partner, you want to be able to hit the ground running. You probably won’t want to have to lag behind or explain and instruct him or her on what you intend to do and why you intend to do it. Good workout partners often have similar backgrounds and history when it comes to their fitness experience.
Similar Exercise Preference
When it comes to working out, there are hundreds and hundreds of options. Some people prefer to only use machines. Some people prefer to use free weights. Some people prefer primarily body-weight exercises. Some people prefer a combination of all different forms of exercise. Before you settle on a workout buddy, make sure to talk about what forms of resistance and aerobic training you have both done in the past. Talk about what you would like to do, and what types of training you tend to steer clear of.
Final Considerations Before You Choose Your Workout Buddy
Having a great workout buddy can be a huge asset. It can help offer motivation, accountability, and a more interesting workout. Many people benefit from working out with their spouse. In today’s hectic world, it can be difficult to find time to spend together. Working out with your spouse can help you accomplish the important task of staying in shape while spending time with your spouse. If you don’t feel that working out with your spouse is beneficial, consider at least going to the gym at the same time regularly with him or her. It will help to add a level of accountability, and you will at least get the time in the car going to and from the gym to talk to each other. Good luck with your workouts and in choosing your workout partner.
My name is Paul Owens and I started this site in 2008 to educate the public about fitness, nutrition, and general wellness. I'm a certified personal trainer in Cleveland, Ohio. 
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