21 Indicators You’ve Discovered Your Perfect Fitness Companion
Discover the power of collective effort — literally. While a solo workout can provide a therapeutic and confidence-boosting experience, having a support system is invaluable. Whether you excel in spin class, CrossFit, group runs, or yoga sessions, the presence of a fitness buddy on your side adds a layer of motivation that’s hard to match. (The benefits of working out with a partner or like-minded group are no secret!) Even if your fitness routine revolves around home workouts, sharing the struggle of burpees with your online fitness pals can be the push you need to surpass your limits.
So, what distinguishes a decent workout partner from the ride-or-die fitness confidantes who’ve got your back unfailingly? Here are 21 signals that indicate you’ve encountered your fitness kindred spirit — or as some might say, your swolemate.
1. Time Whizzes By During Joint Workouts
Ever contemplated making a challenging HIIT session more enjoyable? A fitness partner holds the key. Runner Robyn Broker discloses that her running sessions evolve into extended conversations, proving that the presence of a companion can make time fly during workouts.
2. No Room for Excuses
Telling yourself “no” to an extra rep is a breeze when working out alone. However, the game changes with a friend. Blogger Lauren Wolman highlights the strength of mutual encouragement, pushing each other beyond comfort zones without fostering a competitive atmosphere.
3. Diverse Levels, Shared Dedication
Differing fitness levels don’t hinder genuine fitness partnerships. Abby Bales, a marathon runner with a slower pace, illustrates the strong bond with her faster companion, demonstrating that authentic fitness camaraderie transcends the boundaries of pace and intensity.
4. Sacrificing Sleep for Joint Sessions
Ignoring that tempting snooze button becomes less likely when your workout partner awaits. Blogger Tracy Davis relies on her accountabilibuddy, Nina, to ensure both rise early for a morning run or gym session.
5. Shared Commitment to Proper Recovery
Accountability extends to recovery rituals. Tracy’s fitness confidante ensures adherence to post-workout routines, emphasizing the significance of sustaining healthy fitness habits beyond the allure of #NeverMissaMonday.
6. Abundant High Fives and Fist Bumps
Celebrating achievements post-workout is more meaningful when shared. Whether through a shaky high-five or a swift fist bump, these timeless gestures offer validation surpassing the feedback from a fitness tracker.
7. Their Triumphs Evoke Your Triumphs
Celebrating personal victories is rewarding, but witnessing your fitness companion achieve theirs? Even more so. Runner Meggie Smith shares the joy of cheering on her friend Jocelyn’s marathon PR, creating a reciprocal support system.
8. Facing Fears Feels Manageable Together
Confronting uncertainties becomes less daunting with a fitness companion. Meghan Conroy’s courage in claiming the front-row spot in a spin class is fueled by the comfort of numbers, transforming a potentially intimidating situation into an empowering one.
9. Anticipating Sweat Dates Amidst Long Days
End-of-day fatigue stands no chance against the excitement of meeting your fitness partner. Conroy emphasizes how pre-planned gym sessions transform a sluggish evening into an opportunity for shared fitness success.
10. No Detail Is Too Intimate to Share
Genuine fitness partnerships embrace the unfiltered side of fitness. From bruised toes to chafing incidents, sharing intimate details becomes a distinctive aspect of the connection between fitness buddies.
11. In-Depth Knowledge Beyond Fitness
While regular friends grasp the basics, your fitness buddy delves into the intricacies. Sweaty Betty’s Lauren Lorow highlights the unique bond forged through joint workouts, where conversations transcend the ordinary, touching on topics like work and relationships.
12. Fitness Get-Togethers Resemble Adult Playdates
Though lifting weights as toddlers may not be on the agenda, scheduling fitness activities with a BFF evokes a sense of nostalgia. NYC runner Kyra Rosow recalls the carefree days of childhood when meeting a track teammate felt like a playdate, bringing a lighthearted, stress-free vibe to workouts.
13. Endless “Likes” for Fitness Updates and Photos
Being the first to react, comment, and support each other’s fitness journey becomes an unspoken bond. Jen Correa highlights the constant encouragement in the digital space, where fitness friends eagerly appreciate each other’s sweaty selfies and achievements.
14. Willingness to Go Above and Beyond
Swolemates don’t just wake up early for joint workouts—they go the extra mile. Marathoner Jen Correa shares a remarkable commitment as her friend, not training for a marathon, ran 16 miles with her on a steamy Sunday. This dedication defines the true spirit of a ride-or-die fitness partnership.
15. Overcoming Distance for Fitness Unity
Life may throw curveballs, but true fitness buddies adapt. Ultramarathoner Liysa Mendels reveals how she and her friend Paul stay connected despite residing in different states. From sharing training plans to exchanging videos, the bond remains unbreakable, proving that distance is merely a number in the realm of fitness friendships.
16. Seamless FaceTime Workouts
Technology bridges the gap for long-distance fitness friendships. November Project’s Paul Leak shares how FaceTiming with out-of-town friend Danny adds an extra layer of motivation. Sharing workout progress in real-time, the friendly competition brings the experience closer, despite physical distance.
17. Visits Incomplete Without Workouts
Brunch and museum visits can wait; the workout takes priority. When visiting a fitness buddy, exploring local workout spots becomes an integral part of the itinerary, showcasing shared enthusiasm for discovering new fitness environments.
18. Accidental Twinning at the Gym
Your fitness friendship reaches new heights when you unintentionally match at the gym. Susie Janik and workout BFF Maggie share an unparalleled connection, going beyond planning. Synchronized outfits signify a deep understanding, indicating true alignment both inside and outside the workout space.
19. Support in Good, Bad, and Unpleasant Moments
Blogger Abbe Baker’s marathon experience takes friendship to a new level. Running a marathon together is one thing, but when faced with an urgent need during the race, her friend’s immediate support surpasses expectations. This incident showcases the unwavering commitment of true fitness BFFs.
20. Memorized Post-Workout Snack Preferences
Knowing each other’s post-workout cravings is a sign of a profound connection. Maggie Beaton shares how she can predict Susie’s favorite post-workout treat, emphasizing the significance of face-to-face catch-ups over shared snacks. It’s the little details that make the post-workout ritual meaningful.
21. Strong Bond Despite Never Meeting
Physical distance doesn’t diminish the bond forged through shared fitness interests. Even without meeting in person, constant interaction on social media platforms creates a sense of togetherness. Whether sharing a love for running or following the same workout program online, daily messages make it feel like you’re navigating the fitness journey side by side.
