Maybe you find working out alone to be peaceful and rewarding. But after awhile I bet you’re like me. You realize that you’re having a hard time staying motivated and may even be working out less frequently. Finding a workout buddy can be the cure for this motivational slump and get you back on track to meet your fitness goals.
Look for a workout buddy that has at least one similar interest as you such as walking, running or yoga. Take advantage of elliptical trainers or treadmills if you are not quite at the same skill or fitness level as your friend. Someone with similar fitness goals can help inspire you to stay on track and feel like you are not alone in your journey.
According to Life Time Fitness Nutrition Program Manager, Tom Nikkola, in his recent post Fitness Goals and Social Networks “it's easy to have a healthy mindset in the club, but at work or out with friends on the weekend, it can be a different story. Your sphere of influence outside of Life Time can be much more powerful than the sphere of influence within Life Time.”
Accountablility: You will quickly find you are holding each other accountable to reach your fitness goals. There will definitely be days when you don't want to work out, but knowing your workout buddy is going to be there waiting for you may be all the motivation you need to get up off the couch.
Achieve More: Having a workout buddy can also push you to achieve more. Going an extra ten minutes to reach that next mile marker won’t seem so hard … when you are pushing forward together. Many workout buddies use the time to catch up with what is going on in their lives which makes the time pass quickly.
Create a Group: Already have a friend or support group that you workout with to reach your fitness goals? Consider creating an online group to help you stay connected and motivated when you are not working out. Log in and select Groups under the New menu and get started today (see below for example)
Finding a Buddy: Not sure where to start looking for a workout buddy? Explore the new site and find someone with a similar interest. You can put keywords like walking, weight loss or yoga in the people search on this site to find someone with similar interests. Or check out the T.E.A.M. programs at Life Time. These small-group personal training programs pair you up with others trying to reach a similar goal. Here’s what current member Allen W. thought about it:
“TEAM Weight Loss has been a great inspiration and motivation in helping me reach my weight loss goals. Having a team to work with not only gives me a support group but also creates accountability. I want to be there not only for myself but because I don’t want to let the others down. My team and I have cheered each other’s progress and encouraged anyone who has needed that little extra push.” — Allen W.
