Fitness Builds Health

Get fit  -  Lose weight  -  Have fun  -  Feel great

Motivation:   Find Training Partners or Exercise Buddies

There are many benefits of having a training partner. You make a commitment to each other to meet for your activity, so you feel obligated to show up even if you could come up with an excuse for yourself. But even better is that you are there to motivate each other to continue and to improve towards whatever goals you set. And your partner doesn't have to share the same exact goals. Companionship and support will go a long way in keeping your focus.

You can even continue to look for others to join you. Building a group boosts everyone's enjoyment, safety, motivation and performance! If you can't find someone for the activity of your choice, consider alternatives that will help you work towards your goals. If noone is interested in jogging, maybe you could join a softball league or find someone who enjoys tennis or basketball.

Set your own rules and make it enjoyable!
If you know a few people, but none can commit to something long-term, get started small, with any activity. You may have a friend that enjoys ocassional hikes and another who lifts weights in his garage every now and then. Schedule just a couple times and it could lead to regular workouts or even to a different idea you both come up with. Introduce your hiking buddy to your weight lifting partner and maybe a group will start to form. Spread the word about any times you put on the calendar, and others may show up if no pressure is placed on them.

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How to find a workout buddy

Start by checking with friends, co-workers, neighbors or anyone you see regularly to see if they have any times in common with you that you could plan on meeting. Then select the most convenient location which has the facilities you need. Keep it as easy as possible, with an eye on eventually recruiting others to join you.

Besides talking with people directly, you could consider:

• Locate anyone already active in a sport to see if they'd be interested in cross-training
• Post announcements on work or church bulletin boards
• Join a gym or make it a point to talk to people at your fitness center
• Search online for existing fitness groups such as running or biking clubs
• Utilize online resources such as activity partner websites or bulletin boards.
• Buy a book about finding training partners