Remember the buddy system from kindergarten? Picture this: you’re rocking your coolest outfit, maybe some light-up shoes, ready for your first day. Then, your teacher announces, “Buddy system, everyone!” to make sure no one gets lost on the way to the cafeteria. It’s a classic for a reason!
The buddy system isn’t just for kids; it’s timeless! It’s about accountability, support, and making everything better by having someone by your side. And that totally applies to fitness too.
Let me tell you about my workout buddy, Ruthie. She’s hilarious – seriously, laugh-cry level funny. We’re obsessed with the same things, especially exercise and healthy eating, and she’s been a game-changer for my workouts. Before her, I was totally lost in the fitness world. I’d try one thing for a few weeks, get bored, stop, feel out of shape, and repeat the same cycle for years.
DSC02945
Then I met Ruthie, this amazing person with bright blue eyes, and everything shifted. Our husbands worked together, and we both ended up at the same convention in Atlanta, playing the supportive spouse role. Neither of us expected to find a best friend there. We had our own friend groups and didn’t anticipate hitting it off.
At the house we were all staying in, I did what I always do – needed a snack! Being the prepared (or maybe slightly over-the-top) person I am, I had brought a ton of groceries, expecting limited healthy options on the go. Always be prepared, right?
Ruthie saw me making a snack of organic jelly and PB2 on a rice cake, and our eyes met. It was like we instantly connected. I offered her one, and that was it – instant best friends. It was practically a friendship rice cake ceremony (we’re a bit quirky, clearly). That trip, we talked non-stop about everything and totally bonded over our healthy lifestyles, even discussing things like organic feminine products. We got close, fast.
DSC02969
We started talking workouts and realized we were both into similar types of fitness. We were both solo exercisers. Comparing schedules, we set up times to meet five times a week and just go for it. We got gym memberships and even matching polar watches. That was two years ago this July…
Since then, we’ve been pretty consistent. Life gets busy sometimes, and we might miss a week of workouts together, but we text to keep each other motivated. We even send funny, sweaty selfies after workouts as proof we did it (I have a whole collection saved… just kidding! 😉). These little check-ins, maybe even a quick “Dancing Emoji” 💃 after a tough session, keep the energy up and remind us we’re in it together.
We’ve tried so many different workout routines together, constantly changing things up to avoid boredom. Our weeks are always varied. We’ve done Yoga, Pilates, TRX, 30 Day Shred, bootcamps, running, walking, stretching, and Bikini Body Guide. We’ve definitely had gym days where we mostly just chatted on the floor for two hours, so don’t think we’re always super productive! But honestly, those chats were incredibly important. They shaped so much of what The Balance Culture is now and what it will become.
Working out with a buddy is just way more fun! There have been countless times when I really didn’t feel like working out, but because I committed to meeting Ruthie, we went, and we had a blast. It feels more like hanging out than a chore. Time flies by, and if it doesn’t, at least we’re suffering together 😉. We’re truly two peas in a fit and fabulous pod!
DSC02984
So, find yourself a workout buddy! Even if you can’t meet up every single day, keep each other accountable and send those sweaty selfies. I promise you’ll work out way more consistently and enjoy it so much more than if you were going it alone and feeling… well, bored 😉. Plus, you’ll have someone to share those victorious “dancing emoji” moments with after crushing a workout!
[
