The Beatles said it best: We get by with a little help from our friends…and that is certainly true when it comes to how we approach exercise. Having a workout buddy can keep you accountable. After all, getting to the gym or staying motivated to work out is, at times, more strenuous than the actual exercises we do when we get there. 

So, as vaccinations increase, COVID-19 infection rates decrease and we’ve grown accustomed to and comfortable with the safety measures implemented, it’s time to find a workout buddy willing to hop on the treadmill beside yours. But where to look? Who to search for?

To mark June’s Healthy Homes and Communities Month at the Center for Health & Wellbeing (CHWB), our personal trainers at the Crosby Wellness Center, the state-of-the-art fitness facility inside CHWB, are sharing their recommendations on finding a workout partner you can count on, rain or shine:

Recruit from the gym.

This is a no-brainer. You’ve probably noticed others who typically workout around the same time of day as you do. If you see someone who is around the same fitness level as yourself, introduce yourself, offer to spot them, or ask if they would like to exercise together. 

Invite a coworker.

Instead of arranging to get a cup of coffee with a coworker, try inviting your colleague to join you for a workout. You already support each other’s work projects— why not support each other in healthy endeavors, too? The endorphins released during exercise are likely to make you and your coworker feel happy and more comfortable around each other – two feelings that are powerful to bring back to the office.

Involve your significant other.

Working out with that special someone is a safe way to practice vulnerability with each other. Tackling new physical challenges together can be hard, but the rewards of working together towards a better quality of life and health can extend beyond the gym. Also, if your significant other is on board with your health and fitness goals, you’ll be more likely to achieve them with your healthy habits better aligned.

Join your four-legged friend. 

Humans. Who needs ‘em? A dog is an excellent workout partner, especially for walks or runs that help you meet your weekly cardio goal. One study found that on average, dog walkers boosted their active time per week from 10 minutes to 80. Besides, who can say no to a sweet, fluffy face? 

Friends Who Train Together, Make Gains Together

Exercising with a friend or workout buddy can make you more willing to try new forms of exercise. It is always easier to try something new with the support of a friend. In trying something new, you might just discover something that you love.

Perhaps the best benefit of having a workout buddy is that it will make you more consistent. When your friend is counting on you, you are more likely to show up because we are inclined not to let our friends down. Your fit friend’s healthy habits are likely to rub off on you too. Research has shown that a partner’s influence can inspire us to reach higher levels of conditioning. And the effect is not small: researchers found that having a more-fit buddy could increase your workout time and intensity by as much as 200 percent.

Finding A Potential Workout Buddy at the Crosby Wellness Center

Ready to try something new? If you are interested in being matched up with another member at the Crosby Wellness Center and train with one of Crosby’s Certified Personal Trainers, this program is for you! For more information, visit the Member Services Desk at the Crosby Wellness Center inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing or contact us here.

Group exercise classes like those we offer at Crosby are also great avenues for meeting people. Take a step class or yoga class to find potential exercise friends.

The Crosby Wellness Center offers more than 50 group fitness classes designed to meet the needs of both fitness enthusiasts and those new to exercise classes. Each class is taught by a certified instructor trained to provide an excellent, motivating class that is sure to make you want to come back again. Participants can feel comfortable jumping right into any of our classes, including yoga, arthritis therapy, Pilates, aquatics exercise and more.

To view the new Group Exercise schedule, click here; to make a reservation, please use the CWC Member App or visit the Membership Services desk.

During our continued COVID-19 safety measures, class sizes are limited, and instructors may modify activities to always ensure at least six feet of social distancing.

Group Exercise class participants are required to provide their own mats and towels. If you do not have one, an exercise mat can be purchased at the Crosby Membership Services Desk.