Exercise with a friend

Exercise With a Friend in Grand Rapids, MI

We know regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind, but staying motivated—especially through long West Michigan winters—can be tough. Exercising with a friend can make a big difference.

Whether you’re walking the trails along the Grand River, taking a fitness class near Medical Mile, or joining a boot camp at a local park, a workout buddy can help you stay consistent and have more fun. Here are key reasons to exercise with a friend in Grand Rapids, Michigan, plus local ideas and resources to get started.

Why Exercise With a Friend?

1. It’s More Fun and Less Boring

You’re less likely to get bored when you have a workout buddy—especially a friend you enjoy spending time with. While you’re:

Catching up on life
Sharing a laugh
Encouraging each other

…you’re also improving your heart health, boosting your mood, and managing stress—common health concerns in Michigan’s long, dark winter months.

Chatting during walks, runs, or breaks between sets can help time pass quickly, so workouts feel easier and more enjoyable.

2. You Can Build and Strengthen Friendships

Working out with a friend or acquaintance is a great way to deepen relationships. You might:

Play tennis at a local park
Join a pickleball league
Try a group fitness class together

If you exercise with someone you don’t know well—like a coworker or neighbor—you’re starting from a shared goal: improving your health. That common ground can make it easier to talk and build a new friendship.

Group classes at local gyms and community centers in Grand Rapids—such as those near Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health facilities—are also great places to meet new people while getting active.

3. You’re More Likely to Stick With Your Commitment

If you’ve arranged to meet a friend for a walk on the White Pine Trail or signed up together for a yoga class downtown, you’re more likely to show up. Not wanting to let your friend down can be a powerful motivator.

Over a few weeks, exercising together can become part of your routine. That’s especially helpful in Grand Rapids, where cold, snowy weather can make it tempting to stay indoors and skip workouts. On days you don’t feel like moving, a quick pep talk or text from your workout buddy might be exactly what you need.

Supporting Each Other’s Health Goals

4. You Can Motivate Each Other to Do Your Best

When you exercise with someone at a similar fitness level, you’re more likely to:

Encourage each other
Increase your intensity safely
Push a little harder than you might on your own

A bit of friendly competition can help you:

Walk a little farther along the Grand River
Add a few minutes to your run
Try a heavier weight at the gym

When you’re ready to give up, seeing your friend keep going can be the extra push you need.

Remember: Exercise is beneficial even if you’re not losing weight. Regular activity helps lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression—conditions that affect many people in Michigan.

5. It Can Be More Affordable

Working out with a friend can save money, which is helpful if you’re on a budget:

Share a personal trainer session at a local gym or wellness center
Split the cost of home equipment, like resistance bands or dumbbells
Carpool to the park, gym, pool, or sports facility to save on gas and parking

Many Grand Rapids fitness professionals and studios offer small group or partner training sessions at a lower rate per person.

6. You’ll Learn New Skills and Keep Things Interesting

Your workout buddy may know exercises, sports, or local spots you haven’t tried yet. Together, you might:

Improve your running form on neighborhood routes
Learn a new sport like pickleball or tennis at a city park
Try yoga, Pilates, or dance classes at a local studio
Explore new trails or bike paths around the Grand Rapids area

Variety is key to sticking with an exercise plan. Mixing indoor and outdoor activities is especially helpful in West Michigan, where weather changes quickly. You can walk outdoors in spring and fall, bike in summer, and try indoor classes or pool workouts in winter.

7. It’s Safer to Exercise With Someone Else

Having a friend with you can make exercise safer, especially if you:

Run or walk in the early morning or evening, when it’s dark
Lift heavier weights at the gym and may need a spotter
Hike or bike on less-traveled trails

If something goes wrong—like a fall on icy sidewalks or an injury during a workout—your buddy can help or call for assistance. This is especially important during Michigan’s icy winter months.

Finding a Workout Buddy in Grand Rapids

There are many ways to find someone to exercise with in the Grand Rapids area.

Start With People You Already Know

Consider:

Friends or family who live nearby
Neighbors on your street or in your apartment building
Coworkers at your office or workplace

You can suggest:

A daily or weekly walk during lunch
An after-work gym session
A weekend bike ride or hike

Make a specific plan (day, time, and place) and commit to supporting each other’s goals.

Join or Start a Walking Group

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise.

Ideas for Grand Rapids:

Start a lunchtime walking group at work
Walk with neighbors around your block
Explore local parks and trails, such as Millennium Park, Riverside Park, or the White Pine Trail

You can also look for community walking groups through:

Kent County Health Department
Grand Rapids Public Health programs
Local hospitals and health systems like Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Join Charity or Fundraising Events

Many charities and organizations host walks, runs, and other events in West Michigan to raise money and awareness for important causes. Joining as a team with friends, coworkers, or family can be motivating and fun.

Look for:

5K and 10K charity runs in Grand Rapids
Community walks supporting heart health, cancer research, or mental health
Triathlons and fitness challenges around West Michigan and the Great Lakes region

Search online for “Grand Rapids charity walk,” “Grand Rapids 5K,” or ��West Michigan run events” to find upcoming opportunities.

Try Local Boot Camps and Group Classes

Boot camps and group fitness classes can be a fun, affordable way to work out with others.

You can find:

Outdoor boot camps in local parks during warmer months
Indoor group classes at gyms and community centers throughout Grand Rapids
Specialty classes like spin, barre, HIIT, yoga, or Pilates

Search online for:

“Grand Rapids boot camp”
“Group fitness classes Grand Rapids”
“Personal trainer Grand Rapids MI”

Many trainers and studios offer discounted group rates if you bring a friend.

Join a Sports Club or Group

If a particular activity interests you, there’s likely a local club or group where you can:

Share your passion
Practice regularly
Stay active while socializing

Popular options include:

Soccer, basketball, or volleyball leagues
Tennis and pickleball groups at city courts
Table tennis or darts leagues
Dance classes (ballroom, salsa, hip hop, line dancing)
Tai chi or yoga in local parks during warmer months

Search online for “Grand Rapids sports clubs” or check with community centers and recreational facilities.

Here are some simple, flexible activities you can do with a friend:

Walking and talking in your neighborhood or along the Grand River
Running or jogging on local trails or at a school track
Tennis or pickleball at a nearby park
Swimming or aqua aerobics at a local pool
Dancing (classes or just for fun at home)
Yoga or Pilates at a studio or using online videos
Aerobics or group fitness classes at a gym
Tai chi in a park when the weather is nice
A gym class (easier to try together if you’re nervous to go alone)
Hiking in nearby nature areas and preserves
Cycling around your neighborhood or local bike paths
Personal training sessions for two
Golf—walk the course instead of using a cart when possible

In colder months, consider indoor walking at malls, indoor tracks, or large community centers to stay active despite Michigan’s winter weather.

Having Structure Helps You Stay Committed

Creating a simple plan with your workout buddy can keep you on track. For example:

Choose specific days and times (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6 p.m.)
Decide what you’ll do (walk, gym, class, home workout)
Set realistic goals, like 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
Check in with each other regularly about how you’re feeling

Structured routines make it easier to stay active year-round, even when schedules get busy or the weather changes.

Where to Get Help and Local Resources

If you’re not sure where to start, you don’t have to do it alone. Helpful local resources include:

Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers – ask if they’d like to be your workout buddy
Local gyms and fitness centers – many offer partner or group classes
Local pools – for swimming or aqua aerobics
Local sports clubs and recreation leagues – for team sports and group activities
Kent County Health Department – information on community health programs and physical activity resources
Grand Rapids Public Health and community centers – often host walking groups, classes, and wellness events
Major health systems in Grand Rapids like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health – many offer wellness programs, education, and referrals to local fitness resources

If you have a chronic health condition or haven’t exercised in a while, talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new routine. They can help you find safe, appropriate activities.

Key Points

Exercise is important for both mental and physical health, but staying motivated can be challenging—especially through Michigan’s cold seasons.
Working out with a friend makes exercise more fun, helps build friendships, and increases your chances of sticking with your routine.
Variety in your workouts—indoor and outdoor, different activities—helps you stay engaged and committed.
Many local events, groups, and resources in Grand Rapids make it easier to find an exercise partner and stay active all year long.