How to Find a Workout Buddy

Sometimes, working out is easier with a buddy. They can help you find motivation on the days that you really aren’t feeling it. They can help you figure out new and interesting ways to stay fit. At the very basic level, they can spot you when you lift.

It’s all important, but finding a good workout partner isn’t always easy. Las Cruces isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. It can be tough to connect with someone who will stick with your workout plan in the long run.

What’s the solution? Well, making friends isn’t exactly something that you can reduce to a formula, but there are a few tricks you can try to find a good workout partner.

Step 1

Figure out what you want from the relationship.

Here are just a few questions to start thinking through to determine the type of buddy you need and want:

• Do you just like exercising with someone else vs. alone? 
• Do you need some help keeping yourself accountable and actually going to the gym? 
• Do you need someone to help keep you motivated to push yourself during a workout? 
• Do you have goals for a bigger event like a race and you want others to join in?

You’re asking yourself these questions so that you can focus and really hone in on a good workout partner. The way you approach people and talk about workout partnerships will change according to your goals, and you can skip a lot of wasted time by being straightforward about your goals and needs from the start.

For example, if you want a buddy to help support you in going to the gym on a regular schedule, you want to find someone who is reliable. You also want to find a buddy who does not talk you out of working out; the relationship should be positive with both of you supporting each other to show up. 

Step 2

Reach out.

That’s simple enough, right?

Even though you might not feel like you have friends who like to exercise, it does not hurt to ask. You might have a friend/family member in the area who’s been wanting to get to the gym themselves, but just has not been comfortable asking first. 

Asking people you know feels easier, but it’s actually not always the best approach. Sometimes, when your relationship with a workout buddy starts with and revolves around the gym, you get better results. So, below is another set of ideas for reaching out to non-friends:

• Posting on a social media site for your work or asking around the office. Work colleagues can make great workout buddies because you are often on the same weekday schedule and it’s easy to find a time that works to exercise that’s consistent. 
• If you’re part of a neighborhood association see if they have a place to post and connect with people you can potentially carpool with. Finding someone in the same neighborhood also makes it easier to meet outside of the gym to exercise. 
• Asking your gym if they have a board or Facebook site to post on for members. It’s kind of obvious that the gym is a good place to look for a workout buddy, right?

Part of reaching out also includes explaining why you want a buddy and how you will support each other. Some talking points include workout goals, preference in workout styles, if they are part of a gym yet or not, etc. Basically, just have a conversation. The stuff you care about will come up, and you’ll be able to figure out if there’s a potential partnership there or not.

Step 3

Figure out a schedule. 

This is actually the most important part. A lot of people will agree to work out because they know they’re supposed to, but when it comes to showing up consistently, things get harder. If you start with a schedule, it helps. From there, you’re just weeding through partners until one sticks, which might happen sooner than you think.

Regardless you and your buddy need a good place to work out, and that place can be Bionic Barbell. We’re a top gym in Las Cruces, and our friendly staff is always ready to help you explore workouts and meet fellow fitness enthusiasts. Drop by and see for yourself.