A gym buddy is someone who will work out alongside you and keep you motivated. This can be a lot of help if you’re just starting because it’s hard to go from sitting around on your couch to jumping in and going for a run.
The best part about having someone there with you is that they’ll encourage you to push yourself even when the going gets tough. You won’t want to disappoint them, or worse yet, drop dead right there on the treadmill if they’re cheering for you like crazy! The other great thing is that they’ll be able to spot any potential problems before they become severe and address them quickly.
Many big sites like Everyone active, Planet Fitness, Healthline etc. have written on the benefits of having a workout buddy.
In this blog, I will dig deep into the benefits of having a gym buddy.
If you are looking for a fitness buddy then check out our FindYourFit App that helps you in finding a fitness, golf, cycling or running buddy in your area.
Let’s Jump in!
What are the advantages of a gym buddy?
A gym buddy can push you to do better than you would on your own.
Have you ever gone to the gym and dropped off just because you were bored?
I know I have! Having a buddy means that will help keep that from happening.
If you’re new to the whole working out thing, having a buddy can be helpful. You’ll want to choose someone who has experience in exercise, or at least someone who knows what they’re doing and is willing to teach you.
Then again, perhaps it’s best if they know just enough to not distract and annoy you while you’re trying to get your workout done.
Choosing a workout buddy with similar goals like bodybuilding, fat loss can help keep both of you focused on reaching them.
No missing out on your sessions
One problem that many people have is that they’ll miss one workout or just not feel like working out altogether. Having a workout buddy will make sure that you’re ready to go, and that you’re working out at least once a week.
It’s so easy to get distracted or bored when working out alone, having a friend at the gym with you can keep your mind and body on track so that you don’t miss any sessions.
This means that even if your workout buddy decides they’d rather do something else, you’ll be able to stick with it and not miss more than one session like so many people tend to do.
Double your outcome result
If you are new to the whole working out thing, having a buddy can help you get the most out of it. It’s much easier to reach your goals when you have someone else there pushing you along the way.
Having a workout buddy
who is also trying to lose weight can allow you to keep each other on track and help each other reach your goals.
A gym buddy is just like any other friend
You may be thinking that having a friend at the gym might not be such a good thing, but they can help. Just like any other friend, your workout buddy should understand that you need time to yourself.
They shouldn’t feel that they have to go to the gym more than once a week (unless they want to), and you should feel the same way too. If you’re looking for a partner who will go every day of the week and every hour of the day, then perhaps going to the gym alone is better for you.
Entering new workouts
The hardest thing about working out is that you often don’t know what to do. This can be a problem if you aren’t in an environment where there’s lots of advice, or someone to help you figure things out.
Going it alone can be tough when you don’t know what to do and have no one who can help you out. Having a gym buddy will keep this from being an issue, especially when they’re new too.
They’ll know what to do, and can help you get off on the right foot. Having someone there to try it with you can make a difference in how you feel about doing the new workout.
An influencer in disguise
You might think that you’re the only one who can influence your gym buddy, but this isn’t always the case. The way that they act and how they behave can influence you too.
If you choose a gym buddy who is positive and outgoing, then this will rub off on you as well. If they are friendly and sincere with everyone around them, then this will rub off on you too.
Having someone to keep you engaged while working out is a big help when trying to achieve your goals. If you have someone there pushing or encouraging you along the way, then it can make a difference in how much effort you give it during your session.
A good buddy will make all the difference in the world when you are out there pounding the pavement.
By this time you’ll probably be getting a little sore from all of the exercise and may even be thinking about quitting altogether. But your gym buddy can help prime your body for all of that pounding.
What qualities to look for in your gym buddy?
Reliable
You’ll want to choose someone who will always show up when they say they will. This is a key part of motivation, and if your buddy stands you up too many times then you’ll end up quitting altogether.
Encouraging
They should be able to find the good in every situation and keep you from getting frustrated or discouraged. You’ll want to choose someone who is always positive, even on the days that you’re not feeling it.
Patient
They should be able to stand or sit there and not do much while you’re working out, especially when you’re just starting. You’ll probably get tired quickly when you start, so they shouldn’t be put off by your lack of energy.
Fun
A lot of this will depend on the person, but a good gym buddy should make exercise more enjoyable for both of you. They shouldn’t make fun at their own expense (unless it’s funny), and even though they should push themselves as hard as they can, they should also be able to laugh at themselves and joke around with you too.
Similar goals
You should choose a gym buddy who is similar to you or matches your goals in some way. For example, if you want to lose weight then it helps to have someone who has the same goal, or perhaps one who is just on their way to reaching it.
What to avoid while looking for a fitness partner?
Poor work ethic
You should choose someone who is dedicated to their workout and their health because this will rub off on you. If they’re not very motivated or just don’t show up, then neither will you.
Socializer
It’s fine to hang out and talk while you’re working out, but you don’t want to be distracted by someone who just wants to catch up or talk about other people. If that’s all they want, then maybe they should find some new gym buddies.
Hostile
You don’t want someone who will discourage you in any way or bully you into doing things you don’t want to do. You should find someone who treats everyone in a friendly way and is willing to help when needed and step back when not.
Big on ego
You should always put your health and fitness needs ahead of anything else. If you’re starting together then there should be no competition, and you’re both at the same level. If you choose a gym buddy who likes to talk about themselves and put others down, then you’ll get frustrated very quickly.
Goals that are all talk
Yes, you want someone who pushes themselves and wants to get better, but they should be realistic as well. You don’t want to choose someone who will try very hard only to end up quitting later because they were setting themselves up for failure.
The Bottom Line
A gym buddy can be a lot of help, but you have to choose carefully to make sure that they are good for you. As long as they stick along with you through the hard times and cheer you on, then they’re good to go.
