Keeping up with a workout schedule all on your own can be a difficult thing. You may find it hard to push yourself to go workout when you don't have anyone else there to help get you off your butt every day. Most people who workout by themselves without a partner may start strong but they usually fade away over time.

Finding a fitness partner in crime can be one of your keys to keeping your fitness goals. Not only will this person motivate you to be more active, but they will push you further, challenge your weaknesses, boost your confidence and best of all they can make fitness fun. You can do the same for them.

When you are working towards fitness goals with someone else, you become accountable to each other. There will be days when you don't want to work out, but when you think about how much it will help the other person to see how committed and consistent you are they will do that same. In turn, because you don't want to let your buddy down, you won't let yourself down.

Finding a fitness buddy can be tricky; you need to find someone who you are not totally comfortable around and someone who doesn't quit easily. Often times we will seek out our best of best friends, but if we are used to "being bad" or treating ourselves with this person then it can be hard to stick with. Think about it like this, if you have a friend that you used to skip school with or someone who you do spontaneous activities with chances are you should find someone else to hold you accountable.

Your fitness friend should also have similar fitness goals to yours. Simply getting along will not cut it, you need someone who has a schedule that works with yours and someone who is encouraging. You and your fitness body should be able to provide "tough love" without hurt feelings, someone who is kind, but will be honest with you. You and your fitness body should be equally excited and passionate about getting healthier, try to avoid recruiting someone just because you think they should get in shape too.

Your fitness buddy should be positive with you even on your tough days and can hold you accountable without judging everything; you want an energy increaser, not an energy sapper. A whining complainer may not only not be able to keep up, they may also hold back your progress as well.

Where can you find your fitness buddy? Your fitness partner can be anyone. It can be your husband or your wife or a total stranger you just met at the gym. Joining fitness clubs for hiking, biking or walking can be a great place to meet like-minded people. Your fitness buddy can be in an unlikely place, just ask around and you may be surprised who you will be right there with you as you reach your goals.

You and your "fitness buddy" should have a meeting to set up your goals and to make a schedule you can both stick to. Find out where your goals are the same and where they are different. It's a good idea to have a copy of each others goals. Its also a good idea to find out where this person struggles and to know what has kept them from achieving their goals in the past. Knowing this information can make it easier to know how to help the other person.

Making time for each other and not bailing out is very important. Celebrate each other's successes with gifts, and tokens of gratitude. Consider making healthy meals or snacks for each other as a reward. Finding ways to make your fitness routine fun with a partner can be the journey that more enjoyable.