A good workout partner, who can motivate you and bring out the best in you, is worth their weight in gold.
Imagine having a workout partner who is always late, makes too many excuses, and is stubborn, overly competitive, excessively egotistical, or maybe just too talkative.
With a partner like that, who needs enemies!
A workout partner like that will just drag you down. You owe it to yourself to choose more wisely. A workout buddy should have certain qualities if you want to remain consistent with your workout plan and achieve your fitness goals.
Now keep in mind that these are the same qualities that your workout buddy looks for in you – so make sure you make the effort to live up to those expectations.
Here are 7 qualities of an ideal workout buddy:
1. Choose Someone You Like
They may be the fittest, most knowledgeable, and most skilled people in the workout field who can probably push you to do your workouts well. But if you don’t like that person, the alliance isn’t going to last.
However incredible a person may be, if you don’t have that buddy chemistry, you will remain on different wavelengths.
You can work better with a person you like even if they lack certain attributes you look for in a partner [fitter than you] than with that seemingly ideal character you just can’t stand the sight of.
Read more: Workout Motivation: 11 Benefits of a Workout Buddy
2. More Fit Than You
It’s helpful to have a workout buddy who is at a similar fitness level as you, so you can challenge each other without feeling like you’re holding the other person back or being held back.
It may be better to find a workout partner who is fitter than you are. A partner of the opposite sex can also be a good morale booster plus you tend to push yourself more as you don’t want them to be disappointed with you.
A more knowledgeable partner is also a great help. They may be able to guide you better on your fitness journey.
3. A Positive Attitude
There’s nothing like a grumpy partner to crush your spirit. If your workout buddy is constantly bragging, it’ll create a negative atmosphere and demotivate you.
Friendly, positive, cheerful, and solution-focused instead of problem-focused is the kind of personality that you need in a workout buddy.
An ideal workout buddy should have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic about working out. They should be someone who can motivate you to get moving, even on days when you’re not feeling particularly inspired.
4. Reliable and Trustworthy
An ideal workout buddy should be dependable and committed to sticking to the agreed-upon workout schedule. You don’t want to be left waiting around for someone who doesn’t show up.
Picking somebody who never shows up is obviously not a good idea. They should be dependable and should value your time as well as their own.
You need to be able to trust them, that they’ve got your back, especially when you rely on them to spot you during weightlifting.
If you prefer to concentrate on strength training to build up some muscle and your partner thinks cardio is the only way to lose weight, your goals and plans don’t match. Your commitment levels also need to match.
While it’s not necessary to have the same fitness goals as your workout buddy, it can be helpful if they complement your own goals. For example, if you’re trying to build muscle, it can be useful to have a workout buddy who is also interested in weightlifting.
It’s even more ideal if your partner is more committed than you are – someone who doesn’t cave into your excuses on the days you don’t want to work out.
6. Accountability
An ideal workout buddy should hold you accountable and help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
They should be someone who will call you out if you start slacking off or missing workouts, and who will motivate you to keep pushing yourself.
This can help you stay consistent with your workouts and make progress toward your fitness goals.
7. Like-Minded Styles of Motivation
If you need a cheerleader to get motivated and they need a drill sergeant, then it’s probably not going to work out. Make sure you share the same motivational style.
If your workout partner is motivated by similar things, it’s much easier to pep each other up. If your motivational styles are too different, it becomes more difficult to understand and push each other when needed.
A good workout buddy should be supportive and encouraging, especially during those tough workouts. They should help you stay positive and motivated even when you’re struggling.
8. Compatible Schedules
I’m not sure this actually needs to be mentioned. But still, it’s a valid point to make.
You need to find a partner who can schedule the workouts at the same time on the same days. At least most of the days, if not all of them.
If your timings are not compatible, it’s definitely not going to work out.
9. Good Communicator
It’s important for your workout buddy to be a good communicator, so you can discuss your workout plans and make any necessary adjustments.
They should be able to provide feedback and be open to receiving it as well.
10. Fun to be Around
Last but not least, your workout buddy should be someone you enjoy spending time with. Having a workout partner can make exercising more enjoyable.
It’s important to choose someone who you like being around and can have fun with.
Break out of your Rut and Have Some Fun Together
A workout buddy is like a breath of fresh air [before the sweaty workout]. They bring with them new ideas and workout plans which help you get out of the rut of repeating the same boring routines. They may be able to teach you how to use those weird-looking new machines in the gym.
There’s strength in numbers. You’ll feel more confident, and bold enough to sign up for those Zumba or yoga classes you kept wanting to. The right workout partner can give you that nudge you need (or a shove if that’s what it takes).
You are more likely to continue with your workouts if it’s interesting, varied, and fun. Test out new gym equipment together, new jogging routes, or kickboxing classes. You don’t have to be serious to get a serious workout. You can have fun doing it.
A social date, something to look forward to, not dreaded. Laugh, encourage, and motivate each other, and enjoy your fitness journey together.
