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Connect with a Mom Workout Partner Near You

By Cindy Posey | December 20, 2007

Multiple studies show that partners motivate and increase fitness success. Are you struggling with consistency and lack of motivation? Do you miss the opportunity to chat with a friend? Do you someone to motivate you when you’re not, to be accountable to and not let down, and a confidant to share your successes and challenges in achieving fitness results? How do you find a mom workout partner that is compatible with you in regards to workout levels, time commitments and shared goals? A relationship that will benefit you and your partner is possible with a few key elements. Nap Warden of The Chronicles of a SAHM posed an excellent question. Let’s take a look at what you can do to connect with a mom workout partner near you.

Define You.

1. What is your current fitness/activity level? Are you sedentary or moderately active? Use general numbers to describe what you do in a week. For example, I am currently walking 2 days a week for about 30 minutes. I run a mile in about 10 minutes. I’m lifting some barbells at home, etc. Paint a clear picture of where you’d like to begin training.

2. What are your expectations? Clear and honest expectations will strengthen a new relationship with a mom workout partner. Shared goals enhance anticipated meetings and motivate you through rough times. Accepting less will cause resentment and derail you from the goal of a fit and healthy lifestyle. The more specific and upfront you are with your expectations, the more likely you will find a partner of similar desires and needs.

3. What do you want to do? Be prepared to discuss a general plan. You may be flexible, but remember to be true to yourself. For instance, I almost made a commitment to a walking partner, but she didn’t want to progress to running or other activities. I knew we were not going to make a good match, because I eventually wanted to move beyond walking. It wouldn’t have been fair to her or myself. Here is a list of important considerations:

• Available times to workout
• Driving distance–How far is too far?
• Frequency–How often do you want to meet in a week?
• Duration–How long do you want to workout?
• Intensity–Are you interested in certain speeds/times?
• Types of Activities–Are you interested in walking, running, biking, hiking, doing at-home DVDs/Videos, or any combination of activities?

Other Considerations (these factors contribute to a sustained partnership but are flexible and dependent upon the moms)

1. Children’s ages: Due to nap times, school schedules and age specific commitments, relatively close age ranges will help facilitate meeting times.
2. Mom’s ages: More flexible, but may also contribute to intensity modes and shared interests. This could easily vary within a 10-30 year age range. I have a friend that works out with her mom. They have so much fun and they do water aerobics together and strength training routines. The mom goes with her daughter to drop off the grandchildren and they head to the Y afterwards. They spend a couple of hours together and receive the benefits of working out.
3. Personality types: You know the type of people that you are comfortable with hanging out for long periods of time. Be prepared to consider the impact a personality type will have on you. You are striving for a long term commitment. You might get along well with a talker. You may prefer a listener. The mom that matches your interests is out there. Take your time and search for a compatible fit. Both of you will benefit from the stronger bond.

Start the Search

1. Create your own flyer, ad, or letter. By writing down your current fitness levels, expectations and desires, you accomplish two things. You create an honest assessment for yourself, and you layout a clear picture of what you are looking for in a Mom Workout Partner. Even if you are not prepared to take the initial steps to create a partnership, you will be more aware of the opportunities that may come your way.

Example: Hello, My name is Cindy. I am looking for a mom workout partner. I work out three to four days a week. I walk, run and lift weights (barbell, resistance ropes and machines). I have a YMCA membership and am currently training for a Half Marathon (walk/run) in April 2008. I hope to incorporate more running into my routines, but enjoy hiking, at-home DVDs and aerobics classes. I would like to meet at least twice a week. I am available in the mornings around 8 AM and early afternoons. I would like to meet for at least an hour and not have to drive more than 15 minutes to a workout destination. I have two toddlers (3 and 2). If you’re interested in gaining a mom workout partner, please give me a call ###-#### or send an email to….

2. Start Close to Home. I once read where a mom walked around the neighborhood and left a flyer on the door of any yards that had children’s toys visible. She was looking to create a playgroup for her child, and she invited the neighbors to a get together to discuss the possibilities. This same approach can be applied toward finding a mom workout partner near you!

• Husband, family members, and children
• Neighborhood, community boards, library, church, work, or your children’s preschool moms
• Playground, Moms Day Out programs, or activities you may volunteer for with other moms

3. Seek local groups or clubs

• MOMS Club
• MOPS
• Stroller Strides
• Local Newspaper/Magazine tailored for Parents. We have an awesome magazine, Nashville Parent, that has a list of clubs and organizations in the back.
• Groups specific to your interests.
• Local hospital groups (many hospitals now have support groups for new moms)/OBY or Pediatrician’s Offices (ask if you could leave a flyer on their boards)

4. Other Online Sources

• FavoriteRun.com: In the forums section, there is a list of clubs by state and local areas for runners.
• Women Run The World: A brand new site that holds lots of promise for women on the go. Taking a vacation or on travel for business, see if there are women near you ready to go for a run!
• Craigslist: Send in a Classified Ad with your request for a partner.
• Meetup: Conduct a search for your specific interests. For example, running mom, Nashville, TN for a list of options. You can also define your distance search from your area to tighten the results.
• CafeMom: Is a great online social network for moms. It’s easy to join groups or create new ones for your needs. See if there are any Moms in your area that want to run, hike, walk, or participate in the fitness plan of your choice!
• MomJunction: Another online social network for moms with local area and shared interests groups.
• MothersClick: Another online social network that makes creating or finding already formed groups easy.

The key to finding a successful mom workout partner is knowing yourself. Once you know what you want, then you can find a mom who shares your interests. If you’re a follower by nature, then start looking for moms that are already seeking a partner in your area. For the take charge type person, print up the flyers and post your request. You help to alleviate break down the doors for moms that are uncertain of where to start. There are plenty of moms in your area that are thinking the same way you are. They want to get fit and feel alone. They need the accountability of a friend. You don’t need to settle for a match that will make you unhappy. It will cause more stress in an already hectic and crazy lifestyle. Give each other a trial period and be honest with the partnership. I was very lost when I came to Nashville with no friends living nearby. To this day, I am grateful and remember exactly how I felt when a mom approached me at the library and told me about MOMS Club. I’ve shared wonderful experiences with these moms. We have our walking group, and I’ve joined 5Ks with a couple of them. We’ve inspired each other.Good luck in your quest! Way to Go Workout Mom!!!

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