4 Ways To Find Your Fitness Friends

Throughout the years, I’ve cultivated various groups of girlfriends. There’s my longtime college besties cheering on the Wolverines, NYC coworkers turned close friends and happy hour mates, and of course, my weekend warriors, Team Brunch, because -- you guessed it -- we love brunch. You’d think I’d have it covered, but there’s yet another group of women who play a significant role in my life: my fitness friends.

I love my groups of friends for different reasons, and my fitness friends have been particularly impactful in my life. I’ve always been into fitness, from elementary school soccer, to high school field hockey, to eventually finding my solo groove at the gym. That alone time at the gym, while nice to get away from it all, made me crave the connection and camaraderie I once had in team sports. When I moved to New York after college I had a built-in network of friends, but not so much on the fitness side of things.

Missing the support and competitive nature of team sports, I wanted to find a network of friends that would not only understand and support my athletic goals, they would be next to me as I worked toward them.

While I have very supportive friends, many of them don’t quite “get” why I’d want to swim a mile in the Hudson River or go running for 26.2 miles. In my early 20s, it was frowned upon when I wanted to spend a Friday night in getting proper sleep for a training run. Now that I’m a bit older, nobody gives me a hard time. I think everyone is looking for an excuse to head home early, or they’re used to my schedule by now. While I welcome their newfound appreciation for sleep, it's still challenging to go it alone the next morning. I understand this type of extreme fitness isn’t for everyone, but when you’re struggling through a three hour training run, you want someone there with you. You can complain together, you can push each other, and you can high five each other when you hit the finish line.

In search of like-minded ladies, I joined a triathlon training team and quickly became close with a group of smart, motivated, and supportive women. Waking up before dawn each weekend to swim, bike and run ourselves ragged, we forged an unusual bond, supporting each other as we trained for months, side by side.

My crew of fitness-loving friends continued to grow from this one training experience. After our triathlon, we trained for half marathons and marathons together, encouraged others to join us, and journeyed together to other states for races.

While I know I can count on my husband, family, and close friends to cheer me on at the finish line, it cannot compare to standing next to a friend at the starting line, nerves and all.

Beyond physically being with friends through the triumphs and failures of training and racing, there’s something unique about marathoners and triathletes. Long runs make people want to open up. I’ve had some pretty deep conversations while struggling through a sixteen mile training run -- hey, anything to make the time pass. I’ve even found myself hugging women I’ve never met when we cross a finish line together.

Despite my competitive nature, I want to see fellow hard-working women succeed and will support them to reach their goals. For most people, running a marathon is not about winning, it’s about pushing yourself to be your best, to test your limits and to show yourself what you’re capable of. If you have a close girlfriend next to you throughout this process, the hard-earned success feels that much sweeter. Plus, the celebratory brunch is way more fun.

So How Do We Find Our Fit Friends?

I recently moved to California, but the majority of my training buddies are still back on the East Coast.

What’s a girl to do? Look to the internet, of course.

Most of my research told me to “put it out into the universe” and “manifest my tribe,” but that’s simply not my style. I’m one for action. Fortunately, finding your fitness friends is easier than you think. In my experience, the fitness community happens to be extremely welcoming and encouraging.

Here’s how to get down to business:

Join a Team

Whether you’re working your way up to your first 5k or you’re training for an Ironman, there are other people at your level who would love a training partner. To find the right fit, do trial workouts with different triathlon or running clubs. Many groups will allow you to a try a workout before paying dues to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Check Out Fitness Studios

See that girl hanging around after spin class to ride a few more miles? Ask her if she’s training for something; she probably is. Maybe it’s the same race you’re training for. Make a plan to meet for the same class next week, or exchange numbers and set up an outside ride date.

Visit Your Local Running Store

Lots of running shops and fitness apparel stores offer weekly group runs (Lululemon, Nike, and New Balance for starters). Join a run and chat with the person next to you. You’re already running the same pace, maybe you’ll get along.

Sweat Via Social Media

Find other fitness fanatics nearby via Instagram or Facebook using specific hashtags. People who love to run marathons almost always love to talk about marathons, so you can probably nail down a few people through social media who would welcome you to a training run.

Here’s the deal: while tons of people love fitness, finding fitness friends who are right for you takes work. Whether you love to sweat it out in a dance cardio class (not me, no rhythm here), enjoy running for hours on end, get your high from an intense HIIT workout, or prefer a casual jog, you’ll eventually find others on your workout wavelength.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for workout buddies or a brunch squad, find people that support you, who allow you to be yourself, while encouraging you to be the best possible version of yourself.

While I still miss my fit fam back in New York, it’s time for me to take my own advice, lace up my running shoes, and find my West Coast crew. I’ve got some big races to train for.

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Amanda Shapin Michelson, is the blogger behind Shapin Up. A fitness-focused blog dedicated to shaping up all parts of your life, from what you eat, to how you move, to your life experiences. She posts about her personal health journey, favorite workouts, delicious recipes, travel recaps, fitness style and gear recommendations, plus everyday tips to make your life well and balanced.

To read more from Amanda visit www.shapinup.com or follow her on Instagram @shapinup.