Finding a Walking Partner

Recently we gave away a 4-mile walk DVD, and the comment of our winner was that she was glad to have won because she didn’t like walking alone.

I can relate to this. I don’t mind exercising alone if I’m at home, but for some reason whenever I go to the gym or walk outside I wish I had someone with me. Of course, there are ways to find someone to go with, or at least to make it “feel” like you have someone.

For example:

Workout DVDs
I have quite a few of Leslie Sansone’s walking DVDs. I love her energy level and really feel like it’s a great workout to do at home. I pop them in and regardless of the weather (or if I don’t have a workout buddy), I can get a walk in.

Find a Buddy Online
Even if you can’t workout with a buddy in person, it does sometimes help to find one online. You could share stories and motivate each other via the Web, and it may make it seem like you are really with someone in person. Many different sites offer this. Do a search for “workout partner” or “workout buddy” to find one in your area.

Find a Buddy Through Meetup
Meetup is really an amazing resource. You can hook up with all kinds of people who want to do everything from play games to read to yes, walk. Pop in your zip code and see who’s strolling by your neck of the woods.

Mall Walking
This is another great way to walk with other people. Oftentimes mall walkers simply agree to meet at a certain time and place of the mall, and away they go. You don’t need to register or do anything fancy. Call up your local mall to see if you have a group like that in your area.

Everyone needs a little motivation now and then in order to get moving. These ideas should help get you walking – which is really the best exercise and also a lot of fun.

Do you have some ideas on finding a partner? Comment below!