Having a workout buddy helps you prioritize

The secret to that success? I had a workout partner. I had a buddy who liked the same sports I did and liked to work out to get in great shape to perform them. The relationship was perfect. We made each other better athletes.

Those on an actual team often have more than one workout partner. In fact, having people to train with is a reason some athletes go out for a school team or a recreational league.

Fitness Magazine recently ran an article titled, "Five reasons to thank your workout buddy," but it could have just as easily been titled "Five benefits of having a workout buddy." One is "You'll actually show up if you know someone is waiting for you at the gym." Also: You'll work harder if you train with someone else. And, just as you have your own fitness knowledge, you'll get new workout knowledge from your companion. At the same time, because there's a subtle competition with a workout buddy, you will train harder, thus burning more calories.

How do you find a workout buddy? First, decide what you want from that person. Make a list. Do you want to be a better athlete in your favorite sport? Or do you just want to be physically fit, able to move with strength and flexibility? Think about the exercises you would like to do with a buddy. What would be your ideal percentages of resistance, aerobic and endurance conditioning?

You might think about posting what you're looking for on social media, but it probably won't result in a useful response from many "friends." By definition, a workout partner needs to live fairly close by, and if you plan on working out in a gym, that person must belong to the same gym. Most large-chain gyms will allow you to go to any of their branches if you pay a one-time fee.

Finding the right buddy is the hardest part. Mine posted her request on the bulletin board of a local dog park, which also told me she had a dog. Her notice included what kind of training she wanted to do, how many days a week and how many hours she wanted to spend on each session, and her age. It also listed her favorite sports and activities and provided her phone number, though not her name. Any posted notice for a training buddy should include the same details.

You can put up your "seeking training partner" notice anywhere there is a message board. Even if you don't attend a certain college or university, nearly all of them have message boards. So do many grocery stores.

Whether someone is responding to your notice or you are responding to theirs, your first meeting will usually be awkward. Things will be easier if you are willing to make some accommodations to the other person's interests and desires. For example, maybe they want to work out early every Saturday morning, but you prefer to sleep in on weekends. Negotiate. Maybe the Saturday session could be done on alternate weekends.

Another important point is that each of you may have different skills. You may be great at squats, but not so terrific aerobically. Your buddy may be tops at mountain bike riding, but not able to lift even near the same poundage that you can.

Work with each other. Accept your differences. Suppose the above described difference is a fact — the benefit to you both is that over time, your partner will be able to lift more weight and you will be more aerobically fit. The core of your relationship is that you will always be helping each other.