Hope you all can come up with some good ideas. Here is the situation: I NEED a workout buddy. In high school and college I always worked out best when on a team or with a buddy. I recently moved to a rural county in a SMALL town. I work at a public school where every one is upper middle age and set in their ways and social circles. This is not too bad other than I really really need a work out buddy. I have check the ONE local gym and had no luck. Is there a website or someother connection to find a workout buddy in my area?? I am almost desperate enough to take out a personal ad in the local paper but I am afraid people with think I am a FREAK. HELP

Dang--you're too far away for me. I, too, am thinking a workout buddy is what I need to get myself moving. I actually just searched for one on Craig's list, but that totally freaks me out--it's too weird. Kind of like looking for a blind date!

I don't know. I suggest going to the gym at your regular time and try striking up a conversation with people you see there. They are there at the same time as you, so they probably have schedules that are more or less like yours. Maybe you could become gym friends and work up to being workout buddies.

Thanks That is a good idea. Yeah I hate trying to think of taking out an ad. I think I have guilted my husband in to walking with me 3 days a week. So that will really help.

Yea, I agree with Alinnell--

Got to the gym and smile and say hi to someone. If they are receptive then carry a casual convo with them and see if they are interested in meeting up with you the next time.

I actually tried this last night. I met (sounds like a date..haha) a woman last night at the gym. Of course we have similar schedules since we were both there. Our goals are pretty close and I think I will see her again (haha).

Seriously though, what do you have to lose?

And you know what's funny about all this? I guess it's human nature, but if you find a workout buddy who you really don't know, you're more likely to show up when scheduled rather than blow the person off. You know what I mean? Like if you're working out with a real friend, it is a lot easier to call her and say you don't feel like going to the gym and she'll understand. Not as easy to call a complete stranger. Am I right?

Exactly! I have tried being a workout buddy with my close friends and it never worked. We made up excuses to not go to the gym.