Walking the Walk - Making It Work for You

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts)
Apr 17th 2009 11:00AM

If you think committing to one or several workouts a week with a workout buddy would improve your exercise routine, here are some tips to get you started:

Seek out a compatible partner -- someone with similar goals, a similar fitness level, someone who'll be encouraging and supportive.
Look outside your home. Sure, it might be fun exercising with your hubby, but if it means you feel like every bite you take is being policed, it might not be good for your relationship.
Pick someone who isn't judgmental. The best workout partners are strong, supportive and honest, but never make you feel bad about yourself.
Look for a friend who's as motivated as you are. While you can expect to have to push your friend now and then, if you're carrying all the weight of the relationship, your own motivation might start to wane.
Check out local walking, running and cycling groups for like-minded friends, or post a note on your gym's bulletin board.
Find alternative friends. If you absolutely can not find a real, in-person buddy to workout with, turn to a furry friend (check out these safety tips first), your iPhone, or a virtual community.

Have you ever had a workout buddy? What kinds of tips and tricks can you share with our readers to make this healthy habit stick?

Got a Walking the Walk idea you'd like to see Bethany try for seven days? Share it with us in comments!