The Buddy System: Working Out Doesn't Have to Be a Solo Endeavor

If you're finding it difficult to stick to that exercise plan you made at the start of the year, your interest has waned or the winter weather has got you down, consider the difference a workout buddy can have on your training.

1. The Partnership
It's important to choose the right friend with whom you will be training. Pick a friend who has a mindset like yours, who will find it fun to have some companionship and who will appreciate an extra pair of eyes to keep their form perfect. Someone who will know when they will need help with that last rep. A friend who will laugh and talk between sets but stay focused when lifting.

2. The Routine
Confer with your new partner to schedule your sessions. Find a time that works for both of you and is not likely to leave one of you continually canceling. It's easier to stick to something regimented, so try to work out at the same time every day.�After a little time passes, you will notice that you don't have to think about it -- the routine becomes second nature, and you just get up and go.

3. The Training
When you first begin working out with your gym buddy, find the areas in which you both would like to grow and those in which you both have strengths to share with the other. This will ensure that you are both challenged and learn new things. It also gives each of you a sense of empowerment because you know that you have something to teach and to share. Do some research online to find exercises that require two people.

4. The Progress
When we train, we have specific goals in mind, and when we get there, it's great to have someone with whom to celebrate. When you two begin your training, share everything. Weigh in together and take each other's measurements. Do this regularly, and it will help you both be accountable to yourself and to each other. It will also give you incentive. You want to look good in front of your buddy? You want to grow at a rate similar to your pal? Nothing adds incentive quite like a little healthy competition -- except a little healthy encouragement.

5. The Push
Different people need different motivation. Discover what pushes each of you to do your best work at the gym. You will notice that some workout duos or groups at the gym cheer each other on, while others yell at each other. Everyone is different -- and on different days too. Be prepared to change your motivational influence when your friend shows up in a bad mood. When working out with a close friend, he or she can be whomever they feel like being and know that you aren't judging them. Frankly, so can you. Find the healthiest ways to communicate and motivate and you'll both win in the end.

The real reward that comes from training with a buddy is, more than having a successful gym life and gaining a great body (both super important), the time spent together with someone you care about -- someone whose presence makes your life better. It's a win-win training system.