5 Things to Look for when Choosing an Exercise Partner

James taught me what it means to be a great exercise buddy. He pushed me beyond my comfort zone, he maintained a platonic friendship, and he was great company! Here's what I learned.

1. If you're a woman and you can find a male exercise companion who is willing to work out with you, seize the opportunity!

Why do I prefer male exercise buddies? Because they work out and don't have to deal with fluctuating hormones and emotions every month that may hinder their fitness goals. They are steady, stable and make the decision to work out without involving their feelings. (at least compared to women) They also are usually fitter and push me beyond my comfort zone. The best work out buddies are at your same fitness level or a little above. You don't want to get a fitness buddy who walks if you want to run because what happens is you having to adjust to fit their level of fitness because they cannot adjust to yours. You have no choice but to slow down.

2. Find an exercise buddy who wants to work out the same number of times a week as you do.

Find out what your schedules are like and make a standing appointment with them based on the number of times a week you both agree to work out together. There's nothing like a standing appointment to force you to make exercise a habit. That way, exercise becomes a way of life, not something that you feel like doing. Also, the proximity of where they live and you live are important factors. You want as few barriers to you making excuses to meet up.

3. Find someone who is positive, encouraging and who doesn't berate themselves or their body.

There's nothing like a dark cloud to ruin your would-be endorphin rush. You want positive vibes around you, especially when you're working out and need a boost every now and then when you don't feel up to it. You need someone who says positive words not just to you, but to themselves. My best friend always says, "You never regret going for a run. You only regret when you don't go and you planned on it!" That always motivates me to go! You want someone who finds it a joy moving their body, not a chore.

4. Find an exercise buddy who enjoys the same activities you do.

Personally, I find exercise buddies who like to dance, roller blade, run, bike or hike. Those are the things I do on a regular basis to keep fit. I have a couple of friends who also enjoy one or more of these activities. I wouldn't on the other hand want to find a fitness buddy who was into spinning or yoga because I don't really enjoy those activities as much. Find out what you love to do as far as moving your body is concerned, find others who enjoy those things too (or are open to trying them) and make a commitment to engage in those activities at least 3 times a week! I'm convinced the only way to stick to a fitness program for life is to actually enjoy the activity you engage in.

5. Find an exercise buddy who you can talk to and be yourself around.

Between sprints around the track, laps around the pool, or dance tracks, you're going to talk to your exercise buddy about your life. There's nothing like feeling like you can't really be yourself or you have nothing to talk about with a fitness buddy to make you unmotivated to continue the relationship. My fitness buddies are also my closest friends. They know about my love life, my career, my frustrations with life, and I know their lives as well. It makes every exercise a mini rant/rave fest that is not only good for the body, but good for the soul.