Photo: Courtesy of Jala Clothing.
Was one of your New Year’s Revolutions to “get in shape,” “tone up,” or to try that new workout class everyone is raving about? As the hustle and bustle of LIFE sets in, do you find yourself making excuses for not hitting the gym or going for a run after work? Has your “go get ’em, nothing can stop me attitude” taken a back seat to laundry, kids, cooking, cleaning, work, and all the other things that seem to be in your face? If you’re like me, you may be in need of a work out buddy, a Fitness Friend who will help you stay accountable and motivated.
Why is working out with someone so important?
We all know the saying, “misery loves company”. Once you get to class or start that run, you feel better and might find inner peace or calmness, but sometimes getting to class or heading out for a run can seem like the last thing you want to do. Finding a Fitness Friend can be the extra push you need to succeed at your fitness goals. Unless you are a highly self-motivated fitness buff, your chances of sticking to your long-term fitness goals will be much higher with a Fitness Friend.
As humans we aim to please and hate to be the one to let someone down. Having a Fitness Friend means someone is counting on you to show up, just as you’re counting on them to be there. Our lives are not just busy, they are filled to capacity with things that always seem to be due yesterday. Our attention and energy is stretched thin and yet we find a way to cram just one more thing into our schedule. Why not make it fitness? By taking that hour to work on yourself, you’ll be in a better position to tackle all those tasks on the to-do list. By scheduling in your workouts with your Fitness Friend, both of you are putting a priority on your health and fitness goals. You can even share a sitter, take turns preparing a meal, or share in the chores so you both have the time to get a workout in.
With a Fitness Friend, everything seems to be a little easier, a little more fun and the time seems to fly by. Sometimes when I’m working out alone, I find myself more interested in the minutes ticking by than the act of working out. By working out together, you have someone to chat with before you start and congratulate each other once you’ve finished. There is always a sweaty, but smiling face, at the end of a hard day’s workout! While you may not notice your body toning up, the increase in your endurance, or how slender your face has gotten, rest assured your Fitness Friend will. Both of you will help to validate that working out and staying healthy is the way to a successful lifestyle.
But remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Don’t forget to reward your hard work and commitment. Have fun with it! Go shopping, go to a movie, or plan a mini day away from the normal routine to celebrate. Set attainable goals, be proud of what you accomplish and appreciate each other’s support and motivation. Be it once a month, after a certain race or event, or at some meaningful marker in your fitness journey, enjoy the impact you’ve made in each other’s lives.
Photo: Courtesy of Jala Clothing.
Where do I find this Fitness Friend?
Start with your friends, maybe those you don’t get to spend as much time as you’d like to with! Chances are you’re both looking for similar things. What better way to spend some much needed bestie time and support each other’s healthy lifestyle goals! My lovely friend Kaui lives thousands of miles from me but we share daily workouts with each other. My good friend Angi and I text each other daily photos of each meal to help keep on track. Both of these options take only minutes to do everyday.
Ask your co-workers if they’d like to take a walk during lunchtime or organize a group of people to take a fast paced stroll to get some cardio in. You might have to be the leader and motivate people to join you, but sometimes having people rely on us is exactly the push we need to step up our game.
Talk to a professional at your gym to see if they know of anyone who is interested in finding a workout partner. They may know both of your skills and interests — and it never hurts to go through a mutual acquaintance. If your gym or studio has a community board you can post something or check to see if someone is already looking. Social media and the internet can also be a great help in finding your Fitness Friends. There are lots of options on websites in your area that help you find a buddy to workout with. Here are just a few:
One of the largest networking website where people can find others who share similar interests. A group message board allows the members to collaboratively plan events, and automatic email notifications provide the details to the entire group.
With a focus on young professionals, this organization is a great way to sign up for intramural teams, classes, clinics, and social events. Part of the proceeds go to charity, making this a worthwhile way to meet an exercise buddy.
Living Social and Groupon
These two internet offerings can help you find discounted prices for new fitness classes and special interest lessons such as rock climbing or ice skating. Not only will you get to try something new (like trapeze, perhaps) but it can help create a bond between new people. So strike up a conversation with someone else in your class, they could be the Fitness Friend you are searching for.
For me having a Fitness Friend really does help keep me on track, strengthen my motivation and make me accountable in a dozen ways. You can also have more than one Fitness Friend, maybe you have a few for different activities or classes. Find a buddy to hit that fitness class with, some friends at work to power walk with and maybe even a friend across the country who helps you track of what you’re eating daily. It all works – it holds you accountable, it helps you help others stay on track, and maybe it will show someone new just how much fun it is to workout together. Staying in the consciousness and surrounding myself with like-minded people helps to show me the right path and will continue to help me “live in grace”.
– by Michelle Gierst
Fitness Editor
Downtown Magazine NYC
