When you’ve been going to the gym for a while by yourself, it can get boring and lonely. It’s important to have a workout partner to push you past your comfort zone and ensure you show up ready to do your best.
But finding that person isn’t always easy. You have to be compatible on a lot of different levels. Read on to learn more about what to look for in the perfect swolemate.
1. Choose Someone Reliable
If your gym partner isn’t going to be reliable, then it can actually backfire to have one. You don’t want someone who is going to give you excuses on why they can’t make it to the gym, that will make you less likely to go yourself.
Make sure you choose someone who you can count on to show up on time and ready to work out every time. Check out more about why it pays to work out with your partner.
2. Choose Someone Who Shares Your Style
There are so many different ways to workout at the gym. Make sure that you take the time to get to know the methods that your potential partner prefers to use.
Whether that be sticking to the weight room, getting outdoors, doing a bunch of CrossFit, engaging in cardio, or designing your own exercises in the group fitness room. Find someone who wants to share new kinds of exercises with you and who is willing to try the things you discover.
3. Choose Someone Who Will Push You
The best way to find a workout partner that will push you is to find one that is stronger than you and can do more things. You will want to constantly improve in order to show yourself that you’re just as good as they are.
Alternatively, when you’re working out with people who aren’t as strong as you, make sure you set a good example so that they will challenge themselves.
4. Choose Someone Who Won’t Spread Your Business
When you’re working out, you are pushing yourself as close to your limits as possible. It puts you in the mindset to do and say things that you otherwise might not.
It’s important that your gym partner be someone who understands the culture of the gym and knows how to leave your secrets where they belong.
5. Choose Someone Who Makes a Good Wingman/Wingwoman
The gym can be a great place to meet someone you’re interested in dating, but if you have the wrong workout partner around, then it can really put a damper on things.
Make sure you choose a workout partner who will allow you to interact with other people when you want to and who understands the importance of being social.
Or if you want a workout partner who won’t allow distractions, make sure you pick someone who can help keep you focused on your exercise while you’re at the gym.
6. Choose Someone You Can Compete With
If you grew up with siblings at all, then you know the power of good competition. With the right people around to compare yourself to, you can do all sorts of things that you might not have done otherwise.
If you have a competitive personality, then it’s a great idea to bring that friendly competition into the gym space. Don’t be aggressive, but find someone who is around the same fitness level as you so that you both can push each other toward achieving more.
7. Make Your Workout a Lifestyle Change
If you’re just working out a couple of times a week and aren’t that into it, then it’s harder to have a regular workout buddy. People want someone who is going to be there and show up on time week after week.
If you’re serious about getting a workout buddy, then you are going to have to make it a priority and consider your exercise habit to be a lifestyle change. That means going to the gym often and making friends with the people who are there. Make yourself a face people expect to see.
8. Ask People at Work
If you spend a large portion of your day at work, then why not take some of that time and use it to exercise with your coworkers? Many people like to plan walks at the beginning of the day or on their lunch break as a way to break up their routine at the office.
Ask around to see if any of your work buddies would be interested in getting a little bit of exercise with you. You might be surprised who says yes.
9. Ask Your Neighbors
The people who live in your neighborhood can be an excellent option for workout partners. They’re unlikely to miss a workout since you can just go knock on their door.
Plus, you can do your workouts in your neighborhood and have the opportunity to meet other neighbors that way and get them involved too.
10. Reach Out in Workout Class
Taking a workout class at the gym is a great way to meet people who might be interested in becoming your workout partner.
If someone is already interested in one type of fitness, they will be more likely to try another. Just take your time packing up after class one day and start a conversation with the people around you to see if anyone is interested in getting together to workout sometime.
After You Find a Workout Partner
Choosing a workout partner is all about finding someone who can match your style, will push you to do your best and will keep your business to themselves. You want someone you can go to the gym with to keep you motivated and inspire you to try new workouts.
But don’t let your health quest end at the gym door. Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips.
