The advantages of training with a buddy

Have you ever thought about training with a buddy, or your partner, or joining some group training sessions? If not, you should, it can be REALLY beneficial. Below are a few things that might sway you…

Motivation is the key one. You are more likely to get out of bed and train, if you know someone is there waiting for you! You will be letting someone else down, not just yourself if you don’t turn up!
If you train with a friend, you can always try something different – eg 1 day you choose the exercise (ie a jog), the next session your training buddy can choose something (ie swim), go to a fitness class together – keep it interesting. Always doing something different is a great way to challenge your body as well.
Motivation & encouragement to push each other to achieve the results you want to achieve
Motivation to push each other at each session – they will make you train harder
Competition – there is nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competitive spirit between training partners! You always train harder when you train with someone else – you get that extra push!
It’s harder to make excuses when it’s not just you!

Make sure you choose your training partner carefully…

You need to find someone with the same goals as you. Someone who is available at the same time to train – eg Morning, lunchtime or evening training.
You need to find a training partner that will push you when exercising, but then you will also need to push them.
You also want to have a training partner that will encourage you to eat healthy and will make sure you turn up to your training sessions.
You want a training partner that will be committed for the long term, not just a couple of weeks. Eating healthy and exercising is a life style change, not just a fad!

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105 Comments

- - mom81879 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    5:08 pm
Having a workout buddy is the best! It nearly makes exercise fun, I know I enjoy it more, and you push each other to go that little bit further.

- - Kell said
  - 23 Jun 2015
    10:38 am
My walking Buddy has moved away

- - kazh said
  - 25 Aug 2014
    4:44 pm
I definitely need someone to motivate me at times

- - neddie said
  - 08 Aug 2014
    6:04 pm
Training with a buddy is great if they are committed just like you but I also think it’s great if you become buddies as you are in the same class at the same time and meet at the gym or vice versa because then you will both have your own goals and won’t be too reliant on each other saying I’ll go if you go – you know they will already be going. I have lost many training buddies over the years as they weren’t as dedicated as me and that’s ok. I’m still on my journey but if I was ‘waiting’ for them – I’d still be waiting….

- - ginoula5 said
  - 06 Aug 2014
    7:36 am
I agree, since teaming up with a friend to exercise more it’s more fun, we challenge each other, love it.

- - rachaelchara said
  - 21 Jun 2014
    7:13 pm
Great article. Thanks for an interesting read.

- - no1ladydj said
  - 05 Jun 2014
    11:29 pm
I have the best of intentions when it comes to exercising, but motivation disappears after a week or two. Doesn’t matter if it’s regular walking, going to the gym, whatever, I pike out after a couple of weeks. I’ll have to find someone to “buddy” with me, coz if I’m accountable to someone else, I’m more likely to keep doing it.

- - christial said
  - 30 May 2014
    11:42 pm
It’s always easier to stay motivated when someone else is doing it with you.

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 22 May 2014
    7:45 pm
I think everyone loves the extra encouragement and motivation when having a traiing buddy

- - mom57522 said
  - 12 May 2014
    6:51 pm
I agree. I always train better with a partner.

- - Happymum said
  - 08 May 2014
    2:15 pm
I always find it disadvantageous because if they don’t go then I don’t either

- - scottie said
  - 05 May 2014
    9:00 pm
really does keep you going

- - katelt said
  - 29 Apr 2014
    8:01 pm
Far too embarrassing..

- - mle00 said
  - 30 Mar 2014
    11:25 pm
The competitiveness of training with a friend or group of friends is what keeps me motivated!

- - yyon4699 said
  - 27 Mar 2014
    9:03 pm
Training with buddies would definitely helps my motivation!

- - broke said
  - 14 Feb 2014
    2:02 pm
totally agree it is just not always that easy to find someone to go with. I have just rejoined the gym after 10 years and three children lets hope I can do it I am excited at the thought of getting fit and healthy and THIN!!!!

- - kafer said
  - 11 Feb 2014
    10:16 am
I have to agree I have been toying with this idea myself.

- - ljsalomon said
  - 23 Jan 2014
    8:22 pm
Interesting read -thanks for sharing

- - vikram77 said
  - 22 Jan 2014
    3:12 am
Thanks for sharing. Great article. I enjoyed reading it. My dog is my buddy.

- - ilees68 said
  - 10 Jan 2014
    10:56 am
Taking your dog is a good idea