The Pros and Cons of Exercising With a Workout Buddy
This article was originally published on September 15th, 2021, but was updated on October 23rd, 2025, with new information.
Exercising with a workout buddy can be one of the best ways to stay motivated, accountable, and consistent in your fitness routine. Having someone by your side keeps workouts fun and helps you push harder, but it’s not always a perfect match for everyone.
At Peak Physique, we’ve seen both sides: partners who thrive together and others who struggle to stay on track. Whether you’re thinking about teaming up with a friend or joining our shared personal training sessions, understanding the pros and cons of working out with a buddy can help you make the right call for your goals.
Key Takeaways
- A workout buddy can boost accountability, motivation, and workout enjoyment.
- Exercising with a friend helps you push harder and stay consistent with your fitness routine.
- Mismatched schedules or fitness levels can make workouts less effective or frustrating.
- The right partnership offers structure, support, and fun.
- Peak Physique’s shared training combines social energy with expert guidance for the best of both worlds.
What Are The Workout Buddy Pros?
The benefits of having a workout buddy can’t be ignored. From more accountability to pushing yourself further, here are a few pros that working out with a friend provides.
1. Less Skipped Workouts
When working out with a friend, there comes an accountability factor. Since you told them you’re going to do it, it makes you more likely to show up. It’s too easy to skip a workout due to a lame excuse when you’re alone.
With a friend, you can’t do that! The peer pressure working out with a friend provides can be the kick in the butt you need to make it to the gym.
2. Push Yourself Harder
If you have a competitive workout buddy, it can help push you both further in your workouts. When they reach a goal, it will make you work harder to get that goal.
Even if you’re the stronger or the “more fit” friend, having someone on your heels pushes you to keep ahead. This friendly competition is just what you need to continue progressing in your exercises.
3. Try New Exercises or Classes
If you’re alone in a gym, you may fall into the habit of using the same machines and doing the same workout. This can be great for a while, but soon you’re going to reach a workout plateau. When this happens, you can become discouraged from working out when all you really need is something new.
Working out with a friend provides you with the confidence to try something new and ask questions if you need help. Chances are, you and your friend have different workouts, allowing you to teach each other how to use the machines without asking strangers.
The same goes for workout classes. If you have a friend in the class, they give you the confidence to try something new.
4. Longer Workouts
It’s easy to stop exercising after only a little bit or a few sets. It’s also easier to cheat on your workouts when you’re alone, just to get out of there. When you’re with a friend, it makes you commit to being there longer.
You don’t want to be the first to say “let’s go home” or sit there and wait. Plus, it’s fun to have someone else there! You’ll see how quickly time can fly when you’re working out with someone fun.
5. Recover Together
Recovering alone can be challenging. Having a friend to help make healthy choices after a workout makes it easier to stick to those choices.
After your workout, you can eat healthy food together or talk about nutrition and ways to stay healthier.
What Are The Workout Buddy Cons?
While there are more pros than cons when working out with a friend, we can’t leave them out. Make sure you’re considering these cons before choosing your workout buddy.
1. Vastly Different Fitness Levels
If you’re well-trained and exercise a lot, you may not want to train with someone just starting. They could take time away from your workout because they need a ton of help. They could also push you to leave early since they’re going to be more winded, faster.
This is why, if you are going to work out with someone who’s just getting started, hire a personal trainer together. They’ll be able to give them the attention they need while also pushing you past your own limits.
2. Varying Schedules
If you have a friend who wants to work out with you, but your times don’t align, it’s rough. To get in shape and stay in shape, you need someone to fit into your schedule and keep it consistent. Be sure to talk about training times and dates before starting your regimen together.
If you can’t figure out a good time to meet, it’s best not to get started. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a workout buddy; it just means that person isn’t it.
Try reaching out to a gym that offers shared personal training so they can set you up with a workout buddy who’s available when you are and won’t slow down your workouts.
3. They Could Just Not Show Up
You may find someone who’s in a similar shape to you, they’re available at the same times, and you think it’s the best partnership you’re going to have, then they don’t show up. This happens more often than you’d think.
Sometimes it’s an accident, and your next workout goes great, but if it happens over and over, it’s time to move on. That’s why working out with a trainer is the best thing possible if you’re serious about exercising.
Your trainer will never flake or no-show. They’ll always be there, ready and excited to train with you and teach you new exercises.
Why Shared Personal Training Is the Perfect Middle Ground
If you love the idea of having a workout buddy but want expert guidance and structure, shared personal training is the best of both worlds. You get the social motivation of training with someone else, without sacrificing the personalized attention that makes your workouts effective.
At Peak Physique, our shared training sessions pair you with another client whose goals and schedule align with yours. Every workout is designed and led by a certified trainer, so you still get customized coaching, form corrections, and accountability, just in a more fun, community-driven setting.
Shared training keeps you motivated and consistent, even on the days you don’t feel like showing up. You’ll push each other, celebrate progress together, and stay committed long after most people quit.
If you want the support of a workout partner and the results of one-on-one coaching, shared personal training at Peak Physique is your perfect match.
Start Training With The Right Workout Buddy Today
Now that you know the pros and cons of exercising with a workout buddy, it’s time for you to get started today! Remember, they can do wonders for motivating you to work out, but only if they actually show up.
If you like working out with someone but don’t have someone to go with, sign up for our shared personal training! We pair you with other motivated Peak Physique clients while still giving you an individual workout.
Don’t wait any longer; contact us to get started today! Plus, you’ll get your first workout free!
Frequently Asked Questions About Workout Partners
Is It Better To Work Out Alone Or With A Partner?
It depends on your personality and goals. Some people thrive on solo workouts for focus and flexibility, while others perform better with accountability and encouragement. If you struggle with consistency or motivation, a workout buddy can help you stick to your plan.
What Are The Biggest Benefits Of Exercising With A Friend?
The main benefits include accountability, motivation, variety, and fun. You’re less likely to skip a session, more likely to challenge yourself, and more open to trying new exercises or classes.
What Are The Downsides Of Working Out With A Buddy?
Scheduling conflicts, different fitness levels, or mismatched goals can make things tricky. If your partner skips workouts often or doesn’t share your level of commitment, it can derail your consistency.
How Do I Find The Right Workout Buddy?
Choose someone with similar goals, availability, and commitment. It helps if you both enjoy the same type of workouts and can encourage each other without adding pressure.
What If My Workout Partner Keeps Canceling?
If your buddy flakes regularly, it might be time for a change. Try joining a shared personal training program like the one at Peak Physique, where you get the same community feel, but with professional accountability and structure.
Can Shared Personal Training Really Replace A Workout Buddy?
Absolutely. Shared training gives you a built-in workout partner, someone equally motivated, while still getting personalized attention from a trainer. It’s the best way to stay social, focused, and supported.
