I really turned the corner on my health and fitness after I met the best workout partner in the world: Preston. Finding someone that enjoys being active as much as you do can be a huge asset in your active lifestyle. Support is a crucial key to success that can help you through roadblocks, provide motivation, and keep you honest with your goals.

Finding the perfect workout buddy requires more than swapping schedules. You need someone who can push you without being overly competitive. Someone who isn’t afraid to tell you the hard truth but doesn’t tear you down. Someone that wants to be healthy and active just as much as you do. With those qualities in mind, you can find the workout buddy that is perfect for you.

Reasons why Preston is my perfect workout buddy

Motivated

Preston has the motivation and discipline to go to the gym six days a week. As much as I love an active lifestyle, some days I only make it over to Miramont because Preston is getting in the car. He will go whether I want to or not, and this quality makes him a huge motivator. Just knowing how disciplined he is, helps me evaluate my own commitments. Try to find someone in your life who can look up to and already is active (or at least really sincerely wants to be active long-term).

Knowledgeable

Because Preston had been living an active lifestyle for awhile, he was my Jedi master when I was just starting out. I learned so much by talking to him about health, fitness, and nutrition. On top of being knowledgeable, he was incredibly eager to share his know-how. Try to find a buddy who knows what they are doing or is willing to learn with you.

Open to new experiences

Preston knows what works for his goals, yet he is always willing to try a new activity that I want to do. We go for hikes and walks. He has tried yoga. He will do cardio with me when I really want to stay an extra 10 minutes. If you have a workout buddy who is willing to branch out with you, you may have found the one.

Dedicated

Preston and I are the perfect fit couple match up because we are both dedicated to the lifestyle. We both WANT to make time in our days to exercise. We both WANT to eat vegetables and lean meat for dinner. We both WANT to keep junk food out of the house. Finding the perfect workout buddy means finding someone who will help you through the journey. Find someone who wants to be dedicated, so that when you start slipping— they are there to pull you back on the wagon. You will be more successful when you have someone else there to keep you on track.

Changing your lifestyle can be hard, but you don’t have to go it alone. This week I challenge you to ask your friends if they want to go to the gym with you over the weekend. Tweet me a picture of you and your workout buddy.

Collegian writer Hayley Blackburn can be reached at blogs@collegian.com or on Twitter @hayley_blckbrn. If you have a specific question or topic, let her know. Leave a comment!