Workout buddies mother and daughter Linda and Bobbi Jo Fritz work out at Curves several times a week. The pair draw motivation from working out with each other.

Rick Sells, owner of Lawrence Athletic Club, sums up the reason to find an exercise buddy this way: “You don’t want your friend to know you’re a slacker.”

If you always head to the gym or go for a walk with the same person, it builds a level of accountability – and pride – in exercise.

It’s peer pressure, pure and simple.

Kansas University seniors Molly Mancuso and Jane Wilson agree. They work out together at the campus Recreation Fitness Center up to four times a week. At times, they rely on each other when one doesn’t have energy for a workout.

“If one’s lying in bed, the other one gets them up,” Mancuso says.

Linda Fritz, who works out with her daughter Bobbi Jo at Curves in Lawrence, 2104 W. 25th St., points out another benefit of having a consistent workout partner.

“(I have) someone to talk to,” says Fritz, adding that the women at Curves provide each other with encouragement and motivation.

But Sells, who runs clubs at 3201 Mesa Way and 1202 E. 23rd St., cautions that a workout buddy isn’t for everyone.

“Some people just don’t like it,” says Sells, citing athletes who can’t find anyone else to challenge them.

But for those days when working out is low on your list, finding a good fitness partner might be key to keeping exercise fun and challenging.

The ideal workout partner

Factors to consider when looking for a workout partner:

¢ Find someone who is at the same or at a slightly higher fitness level than you to keep you challenged.

¢ Choose a workout partner who has similar fitness goals as you.

¢ You’ll be spending hours with this person, so look for someone you can relate to socially and who has similar interests.