Finding a Workout Partner Through FaceBook

As a personal trainer and group fitness instructor working out is an essential part of my life. But I realize that isn’t true for everyone.
Which is why I have asked some of my friends to share their stories about how working out has impacted their lives.

This story is near and dear to my heart. Jason is a great friend of mine and to see the positive changes that have resulted from him exercising is undoubtedly inspirational and proof that finding a workout partner or group can be the motivation you need.

Here’s Jason’s story…

Let me start at the beginning…my Mom died. That’s what woke me up. December 21, 2013 she left this place for another. She was 70. My mom struggled with her weight my entire life. She had high blood pressure and suffered her first stroke when she was 45. The day she passed I was 44, and 281 pounds. I knew I didn’t want the same path my mom walked so I had to change.

I challenged myself to lose weight. Shortly after, my dear friend Jenn, challenged me to join her team in a mud run. Challenge accepted, now to get busy. I stopped eating all of the things that I enjoyed. I worked out like a crazy person and stopped drinking altogether. In five months I lost a little over 20 pounds and I finished the run. I didn’t feel a lot different and I wasn’t losing weight at what I thought was an acceptable rate. I was flabby and unhappy, period.

I found my group on a Facebook post. A friend of a friend mentioned something about a new workout group he was in at a local gym and blah,blah,blah. Next day, I’m passing the gym and decide to check it out. Game changer.

The owner invited me to a free session and I loved it. Ever been in the gym and you think maybe you want to do a little chest workout, or just some cardio….man why am I even here? Me too. That doesn’t happen when you have group work.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, will push you to new levels like thinking you need to stop and looking to your right and seeing someone just like you busting their butt to make it happen. Same exercise, same time. Groups equal motivation and accountability.

If I am going to miss a session I have to write my name on the board and the date I am scheduled to miss. Otherwise, everyone in my group is calling or texting me as soon as the session ends….to make sure I’m o.k., and talk a lot of smack. This works.

When I started in January I set my goal weight at 240. I thought I would be happy there. Today, I’m a very handsome 227. Thank you very much.

I know my weight because we take measurements every two weeks. I don’t check the scale anymore, I don’t care what it says. I feel great. My last physical my Doctor chest bumped me! That’s what matters.

My group is like family. We help each other, we cheer for each other. We make others welcome. Everyone is awkward at first, but we have all been there. I know, without any doubt, I would never have gotten here without them.

Jason’s story is proof that having a partner or a group helps you to keep going when it gets hard.

Do you have a workout story of your own? I’d love to hear it! OR are you in need of finding your workout ‘home’? I’d love to help you do that. Drop me an email and let’s talk about your story or how we can begin your changed life story.

The Benefits of a Workout Partner and How to Find One

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes people stick with their workout programs. Let’s face it, if working out is something new, it’s going to take more than willpower to keep you motivated.

Sore muscles, sweat, difficult exercises, comparing yourself to others in the gym or class, grabbing your gym bag and heading out in the cold, snow and ice OR in the summer grabbing your gym bag instead of your pool gear…as a trainer and group fitness instructor I’ve heard all of the excuses.

I know personally and professionally how much willpower it takes to work through the excuses and stick with a program.

Willpower: the ability to control yourself : strong determination that allows you to do something difficult.

But when you couple willpower with accountability you have a much greater chance at success. Which is why I encourage everyone to find a workout partner.

The Benefits of a Workout Partner

Willpower is Doubled

What better way to increase your own willpower than by teaming up with a friend or spouse? There might be days where your motivation or willpower is down. Being able to rely on someone close to you to fill up where you are lacking is a great way to push through the excuses and stay on track.

Become the Encourager

Now let’s flip that, think about how good it feels to build someone up when they are down? Not necessarily because of the personal gratification, but because it’s someone you care about and want the best for. Being able to provide encouragement is a great way to help them achieve their goals and strengthen your relationship.

Quality Time Together

We’re all busier than we want to be. Lack of time can be one of the biggest excuses for skipping a workout. So why not get the benefit of two things at once…time with a best friend or spouse plus a healthy activity? You get in a workout, spend time with a loved one, and again, have the opportunity to strengthen your relationship. Seems like a win no matter how you look at it.

Healthy Competition

We all have a competitive spirit, so one of the best ways to push your limits is to exercise with a partner. This isn’t to say during the workout either person is trying to ‘out-do’ each other, rather by each working as hard as they can, they encourage each other.

Don’t Let Me Down

It’s one thing to skip the gym when it’s just you, but it’s a whole other thing to skip out on a commitment with someone else. No one wants to let down someone they care about so a workout partner will keep you accountable for showing up regardless of the excuses you can think of.

Have Some Fun

Is exercise hard? Sure. But nothing makes something hard better than laughter. Who better to sweat with than someone you can laugh with?

Finding a Workout Partner

Ask your spouse, a friend, a neighbor, a classmate…anyone can be your a workout partner.

I’ve personally had my husband as a workout partner and while our strength and abilities are very different, we both benefited from the training sessions. Aside from all of the benefits listed above, we were both physically challenged and grew in our abilities.

I’ve also had friends and neighbors as workout partners and my relationships with each of them grew. There were times that we all lacked the motivation for class, but because we didn’t want to miss out on time with one another, we’d take turns picking each other up along the way. Whether it was driving or walking to the gym, we couldn’t ignore the knock on the door asking if we were ready to go.

If you can’t think of a workout partner, contact me. I’d love to help connect you with someone. While you won’t have a foundation going into the partnership, you will certainly have the opportunity to grow one as you workout together.

Don’t believe me that you can develop relationships through working out? Check back this week…I’ve asked some people to write about their experience and how their workout partners have changed their lives.

If you are in the Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst area, contact me about connecting you with a workout partner. I’d love to help you start achieving your fitness goals.