Finding a workout buddy or group is a great way to keep yourself active — not only does setting a schedule help you reach your goals, but a friend can make the time you spend exercising more fun. Your friend will also help you stay motivated to keep at your new fitness regimen.
Make Goals and Reach them Together
A great reason to exercise with a buddy is to help set and meet goals. Find someone who’s at about the same skill level as you and set up a regular schedule. That way you can get in the habit of staying active and set goals for your own performance. If it helps, compete against each other for your own “personal bests” — just remember that fitness is about staying in good shape, not about winning.
Make sure the goals you set are realistic, and don’t feel bad if you can’t do as well as you’d like at first. Clear goals are best: set a goal based on how fast you want to be able to run a certain route, or how many times a week you’re going to do an activity like going to the gym. If your goals are clear, they’ll be easier to achieve, and it will be easier for your buddy to help you.
Buddy Activities
Many activities are more fun with a buddy. If you like to go running, find someone who runs at a similar pace to work out with. You can try different routes together or explore nearby cross-country trails. If you like to ride bikes, 
riding with friends is often safer and more fun than riding alone. Consider taking a long bike ride to a national park or favorite picnic spot — everyone can bring healthy snacks to share. Many local bike shops organize regular group rides, so ask around to see if there’s something near you.
There are many other ways to exercise in pairs. You could simply meet your buddy for a gym session a few times a week, or you could make your workouts part of your daily life, like spending time doing yard work, planting flowers or performing other physical tasks.
Get Involved in Group Sports
Team sports are also a great way to stay active, and it’s easier to get involved than you might think. One option is to join a local baseball, basketball or soccer league, but if you don’t have time there are plenty of other choices. Many areas have regular pickup games in different sports, so all you have to do is show up ready to play. You might be surprised to find how many people share your interests. Talk to neighbors or members of your church to see if you could start a pickup game or even a small league.
Whether you’re with one friend or a whole crowd, exercise can be more fun and rewarding when you’re with other people. It’s easier than it seems to join or start group activities. Talk to the people you know about what activities they do — you could find your new favorite pastime and gain a friend at the same time.
