Picture this: it’s like kindergarten all over again, but instead of sexy overalls, you’ve got your workout gear on, ready to hit the gym. Remember the buddy system? It’s just as timeless now as it was back then! Having a buddy holds you accountable, keeps you on track, and honestly, everything’s more fun with a friend, right? Especially when it comes to fitness and maybe even learning some sexy dance moves – though we’re focusing on the buddy aspect here!
Let me tell you about my workout buddy, Ruthie. This girl is hilarious – seriously, laugh-out-loud funny. We’re obsessed with the same things, especially exercise and healthy eating. She’s been a game-changer for my workout routine. Before Ruthie, I was totally lost in the fitness world. I’d try a new thing for a month, get bored, stop, feel out of shape, and repeat the cycle for years.
Two women in workout clothes smiling and posing after a workout, showcasing their fitness buddy system
Then I met Ruthie, this amazing blue-eyed beauty, and everything changed. Our husbands work together, and we both ended up at a convention in Atlanta. We were just there to be “supportive wives,” not expecting to find a new best friend. We drove together, chatted a bit, but that was it.
When we got to the house we were staying in, I did what I always do – needed a snack! I’d gone totally overboard and packed tons of groceries because I was convinced we’d be stuck eating fast food. Always be prepared!
Ruthie saw me making a snack of organic jelly and PB2 on a rice cake, and our eyes met. It was like we just knew. I offered her one, and boom, BFFs! It was like a friendship rice cake offering (we’re definitely weird). That trip, we talked about everything and really encouraged each other’s healthy habits, even down to organic tampons and moon cups (seriously, do your research!). We got close super fast.
Two women in workout clothes laughing and talking while taking a break during a workout, emphasizing the fun aspect of having a fitness buddy
We started talking about working out and realized we were both into the same kinds of fitness. We were both solo exercisers. We looked at our schedules, found times that worked, and decided to meet five times a week and get started. We got gym memberships and matching polar watches – we were basically workout pros! That was two years ago this July…
Since then, we’ve been pretty consistent. Sometimes life gets crazy, and we miss a week, 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 on my phone – just kidding… mostly!).
We’ve tried tons of different workouts together and switch things up because we get bored easily. Each week is different. We’ve done Yoga, Pilates, TRX, 30 Day Shred, bootcamps, running, walking, stretching, and Bikini Body Guide. Okay, we’re also guilty of going to the gym and just chatting for two hours, so don’t think we’re always super productive. But honestly, those chats have been huge for me. They’ve 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! So many times I haven’t felt 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 totally two peas in a fit and fabulous pod.
Two women in workout clothes high-fiving after a successful workout, highlighting the positive reinforcement and teamwork in a fitness buddy system
So, find yourself a workout buddy! Even if you can’t meet up every day, keep each other accountable and send those sweaty selfies. I promise you’ll work out way more than you would alone and bored… I mean, bored!
