The Power of a Gym Workout Buddy

One to two days a week — on the days I’m not with my trainer — you’ll find me at the gym strength training with my workout buddy.

For the sake of this blog, we’ll call her “Dee” (not her real name).

Our trainer introduced us about two years ago. What bonded us instantly — the “glue” — was that we were both in the middle of a very significant transformation. When you’re rebuilding your body, changing your habits, pushing past old limits… there are things only someone walking that same road truly understands.

It’s like that saying: it takes one to know one.

Built on Shared Transformation

When Dee and I met, we were both serious. This wasn’t casual. This wasn’t “let’s try a few classes and see.” We were committed to change.

That shared commitment created trust.

We understood sore muscles.

We understood the discipline of tracking.

We understood pushing through mental resistance.

We understood that transformation is not glamorous — it’s gritty.

And that matters.

We’re Different — And That Makes Us Better

Here’s what I love about our partnership: we are not identical.

Dee has a stronger upper body than I do. She can pull, push, and lift heavier overhead. Watching her strength inspires me to reach.

On the other hand, I have better mobility. Cardio comes easier to me. My lower body strength — especially squats — is stronger.

Instead of competing in a negative way, we complement each other.

She raises my standard.

I raise hers.

That balance creates growth.

The Moral Support Is Everything

Yes, we lift weights.

But what truly binds us is the moral support.

She pushes me. I push her.

If I need a shoulder to lean on, she is there. No judgment. Just understanding.

We are in communication every single day. Not just about workouts — about life. Because when you are pursuing strength at 70 (yes, I said 70), you realize this journey is about more than muscles.

It’s about resilience.

Dee is a master researcher. If I’m struggling to squat deeper in the morning, by afternoon she will have found and sent me a video on improving ankle mobility or hip depth. She is always learning, always sharing.

That kind of partnership makes you better.

Accountability Is the Secret Sauce

Let me be honest.

If I have a workout date set with Dee, you can be certain my gym shoes are on and I’m out the door.

If I’m solo?

Well… suddenly the laundry looks urgent. The dishwasher needs unloading. There’s always a chore that feels “important.”

But when someone is waiting for you?

You show up.

We hold each other accountable — not in a harsh way — but in a loving, committed way.

We don’t want to let each other down.

Coffee, Planning, and Friendship

After our workouts, you’ll often find us at our favorite coffee shop.

I order coffee. She orders hot chocolate.

We sit there flushed and energized, planning our next workout like two women on a mission.

Because we are.

Strength training at this stage of life is not about vanity.

It’s about independence.

It’s about vitality.

It’s about staying strong enough to live fully.

And doing it with a friend makes it joyful.

Why Every Woman Should Consider a Workout Buddy

A trainer is invaluable. I’ve worked with mine from the very beginning and still do twice a week.

But having a workout buddy on the other days?

That’s powerful.

You get:

• Accountability
• Shared learning
• Encouragement
• Perspective
• Friendship
• Laughter

And sometimes — you get someone who simply understands.

Transformation can feel lonely.

But it doesn’t have to be.

If you are serious about getting stronger, leaner, and healthier — find someone walking the same path.

It might just be the “glue” that holds you steady when motivation fades.

And trust me… at 70 years old, still chasing strength, I can tell you this:

The right workout buddy doesn’t just change your workouts.

She changes your life.

This picture is “Dee” and me with our trainer Isaac. Isaac is a veteran who received a Purple Heart for injuries he incurred in Iraq 20 years ago. We trained with him on the 20-years anniversary of his injury date. “Dee” purchased these Purple Heart shirts for us to wear during our training, to honor Isaac and his sacrifice.