Hi Lovelies!

Sara here from Miles & Manhattan. Since Ashley is spending time with her wonderful hub and family right now (they’re probably all saying ‘y’all’ a lot. I love that she says that, don’t you???) I’m sending lots of warm thoughts her way and I am popping in for a quick post.

I am sure many of you readers know that Ashley is quite the workout-ista, and has an aggressively awesome workout schedule she tends to follow. The good news (for me) is that Ash and I both belong to Equinox (the gym I proclaim my undying love for all month except when I get my credit card statement…) and have become what I like to call gym buddies, partners in insanity and crime when it comes to the gym. (And friends in non-gym life, of course!)

Before I worked out with Ashley, my snooze button got a lot of working out too. I frequently convinced myself I was too tired, or too sore or I’d go later. None of which were true, as I am sure you can imagine. I was kind of stuck in a rut, bored with many lonely morning of wandering around they gym by myself or making a fool out of myself in group exercise classes alone.

Now, I have someone to make a fool out of myself WITH! I still look pretty “special” sometimes when they try to throw some “step” moves into classes (Step? Isn’t that from the 80’s?? Don’t you have to be COORDINATED to do that?? I digress…) Working out with Ashley has been truly a savior in my routine for many reasons.

Here are some reasons why Gym Buddies are Awes-fied:

1. Some also interested in working out and staying fit while most of your friends think you’re an utter nut job for going to a 6:30 am spin class
2. Some you feel accountable towards and would feel bad if you slept in a missed a class or workout with them. MOVITATION meets humiliation 😉
3. You can share workout goals, challenges or ideas. And your aforementioned friends don’t have to listen to your class reviews or constant analysis of which classes you want to go to and why. Your GYM BUDDY is stuck listening instead 😉
4. Walking around the gym alone can be intimidating for some people. Having someone there with you can give you motivation to try new machines or even simply stay longer, doing a couple more abs while you gab.
5. Who doesn’t like a buddy? 🙂

But I know what you’re thinking. Not everyone can have a gym buddy. Sometimes you live far away from family and friends or your friends don’t work out, there are tons of legitimate reasons. In the case you aren’t as lucky to have an Ashley to workout with, here are some suggestions:

1. Make a FUN workout schedule. Pack your schedule with classes you enjoy or runs on new paths, make it interesting and mix it up!
2. Go to free classes! In NYC, you can basically get a free first class at any specialized (yoga, spin, pilates etc etc) studio. Capitalize on that! Call around and ask, then mix up your routine with exciting new classes.
3. If you you’re a gym rat, try to see if anyone seems to share your schedule. Keep an eye out for regulars. Then….
4. Smile at the gym. Smiling at random people might seem creepy, but the more you smile, the more likely you are to strike up a conversation with a fellow gym go-er which brings me to…
5. Strike up a convo! Compliment someone on their workout outfit, ask for advice/about their routine, ask abut a class or instructor. Then make sure when you see that person subsequently, always smile, wave and try to chat. You might just find yourself with your very own Ashley!

What are your tips for staying motivated? And how you feel about gym buddies??