So, you’ve started coming to the gym more often, and are looking to make your sessions more enjoyable with a gym workout buddy. This is great news! Not only are there a plethora of benefits to working out with someone, but at Village Gym, you can get a whole host of membership benefits that both you and your buddy can enjoy!
Today we’re going to explore how you should choose a gym buddy and the benefits of having one.
Why have a gym buddy?
Having a gym buddy is a great way to remain social while you workout and help develop your interpersonal relationships while working on your fitness goals. You don’t need us to tell you the psychological benefits of having fulfilling, satisfying interpersonal relationships! But did you know that having a good workout buddy helps you exercise more?
A study from the University of Aberdeen found that having a workout buddy increases the amount of exercise you do and if your workout partner is emotionally supportive, you’ll see more benefits psychologically. In short, choosing a gym buddy will help you stay motivated and keep you accountable (in a positive way) for your fitness journey.
What should I look for in gym friends?
When choosing who to workout with at your local gym, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider in order to choose a buddy that’s right for you. You’ll need to consider:
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Your schedules; do you go to the same classes? Are you free on the same days? Are you both early birds or do you prefer working out at the end of the day?
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Your relative fitness levels. There’s no point choosing gym friends who are very far along on their own fitness journeys that you won’t be able to keep up with. Conversely, choosing a buddy who is just starting their journey and may not be as fit as you won’t be good either. Choose someone with a similar ability as you have.
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Decide how much time you’re willing to commit. This is essential to figuring out schedules and, more importantly, the length of the joint workout sessions you intend to have with your gym friends.
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Your fitness goals. Choosing someone with similar fitness goals to you will be hugely beneficial. If you are more into cardio than muscular endurance, choosing a gym partner with similar cardio goals to you is advantageous. It will help you encourage one another and, if so inclined, have some healthy competition between one another.
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Reliability. Is the person reliable? There’s no point organising a one-month workout plan with a gym friend if they’re only going to show up for a few sessions. Choose somebody with a track record of reliability.
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Personality. How well do you get along with your workout friend? Are they the kind of person that will motivate you to go to the gym? Will they cheer you along for attaining your fitness goals? It is important to have a gym partner that is as positive as they are encouraging. Choosing someone you're acquainted with but don’t get on really well with won’t serve you very well as a partner for the gym.
How do I find a workout buddy?
Finding a workout buddy can happen in a few ways. To begin, reach out to your social circle to find out if anyone works out. Your family and friends should be your first stop when considering a gym partner. If you don’t have any family or friends you think would be a good fit as your workout partner, then it's time to expand your search.
If you already attend a gym, you can strike up a conversation with people who go to your classes or people that you see regularly. While this may seem like an unreliable way to find a workout buddy, you’d be surprised how many people find their gym friends this way.
If you want a more professional approach, you can always consider hiring a professional trainer - who can act as a great workout buddy!
Be Social With Village Gym
Ready to find a workout partner and crush your workout plan? At Village Gym we have state-of-the-art equipment at local gyms up and down the nation. With a range of facilities from swimming pools to a fully equipped health club - we have everything you need for your fitness journey.
Find your ideal gym buddies and continue your fitness journey with Village Gym Advance today!
