1. Accountability

I love having a workout buddy because it holds me accountable. I don’t want to disappoint my friend by not showing up for our nightly runs or weekly Zumba class. It’s easy to bail on myself or the DVD player, but not on a friend. If you have trouble sticking to your plan, why not try inviting a friend along?

2. Time Goes Faster

When I’m out running or walking with my friends, I don’t realize how much time has passed. We are keeping good pace and having great conversation. It’s our time to catch up and enjoy visiting each other. That hour just doesn’t seem long enough.

3. Help Each Other out

For a while my workout buddy and I hit the gym to weight train. She is a little bit more versed in this area. It helped having her there to lead me through the different machines and techniques. I learned so much from her and really improved my workout.

4. Offer Encouragement

I love that when I’m ready to give up my workout buddy is ready to push me harder. She reminds me why I’m out there, busting my butt. She always knows what to say to make me give it my all. She doesn’t let me quit. It’s that kind of encouragement that makes having a workout buddy awesome.

5. Friendly Competition

Every now and then my friends and I will make a small wager. We like to see who can drop a few pounds the quickest, break a new speed, or beat some other goal we set for ourselves. These friendly competitions keep us motivated and on track.

6. Someone to Celebrate

Of course once we meet those goals or lose those pounds, there is no one better to celebrate with than the girl who was with me the whole way through. My workout buddy and I celebrate with a nice massage or pedicure. It’s a good way to relax and relish our accomplishments.

7. Try Different Things

I would have never gotten into running if it weren’t for my workout buddy. It just wasn’t my thing. But she wanted to do a 5K and needed someone to train with. I stepped up to the plate grudgingly and quickly learned that running isn’t as bad as I remember from high school gym.

8. Keep It Fun

Having a workout buddy keeps fitness fun. I mean, really, are you going to keep up with something if you hate it? I know I wouldn’t. But knowing I get a few hours a week with my girl keeps me motivated and looking forward to our workouts.

Tell me about your workout buddy! Who do you work out with, how do you help each other stay motivated, and what do you like to do together? If you haven’t tried working out with a buddy, I hope my list has helped you to reconsider and give it a try.

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