There are plenty of reasons to love working out with a friend, but juggling schedules can make it hard to connect. Fortunately, technology makes it easier than ever to exercise “together” and keep each other accountable.

If you're looking to build a consistent workout routine, level up your training, or just have more fun, this guide will walk you through a game plan for finding—and thriving with—a virtual workout buddy.

What Is a Virtual Workout Buddy?

A virtual workout buddy is someone you regularly exercise “with,” even if you’re not in the same physical space. Thanks to platforms like Peloton, you can coordinate workouts, challenge each other, and celebrate progress, no matter the distance.

Finding the right online workout partner all comes down to personal preference, according to Nicole Skinnion, a therapist at Sage Therapy, though she recommends looking for someone who shares similar fitness goals, preferences, and a desire to provide accountability and encouragement. 

“Having a close friend as a workout buddy can create more opportunities to connect and stay in touch,” she says. On the other hand, “an acquaintance who enjoys the same workout almost guarantees you will be doing what you enjoy.”

What if you don’t have someone specific in mind? On the Peloton App, the “best way to find your people [is] with your hashtags,” says Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson. These hashtags, also known as Leaderboard Tags, can help you connect you with other exercisers on and off the platform, encompassing locations (for example, #PelotonNYC), life stages (#PelotonDads), your favorite instructors (#RobinsWolfPack), and more. “If your go-to instructor has a popular hashtag, follow and then find their fan page on Instagram or Facebook,” Kirsten adds.

Not only is this an easy way to meet others who share an interest in the same class or instructor as you, but Kirsten notes that many instructor fan groups occasionally host local meet-ups as well—a perfect way to take your new virtual friendships offline and become part of a larger community. 

The Benefits of Exercising with a Virtual Workout Buddy

Having a virtual workout buddy goes beyond just accountability—it can also enhance both your physical and mental wellbeing. Here’s how.

How to Connect with Your Virtual Workout Buddy

Once you’ve found your virtual workout buddy, it’s time to create a game plan for success. Here are a few strategies to make your partnership work:

Get on the Same Page

Before you get started, set goals and expectations. For example, maybe you’re hoping to ease back into working out after an injury but your friend needs an accountability partner while she trains for a marathon. Getting on the same page about your end goals will set you up for success early. “Brainstorm what you’re both looking for,” says Skinnion. “Once you have a framework for how you want this arrangement to look, honor the expectations and stay in touch.” 

Choose a Program Together and Follow It at Your Own Pace

Settle on a routine that fits both your goals and fitness levels, says Skinnion. Many Peloton Members take the same live class, do an on-demand class or program together, or try a new-to-you instructor at the same time. 

“It keeps me more engaged in my workout routine because we can chat about the classes we took,” says Hickey. “Even if we don’t take a class at the same time, it’s still nice to see what they’ve been up to.”

Find Fun Ways to Hold Each Other Accountable

Accountability is key to sticking with your workouts. Skinnion recommends sharing your personal goals with your virtual workout buddy and setting up a check-in system to keep each other motivated.

“We’ll schedule classes we’re both into, like ones with our favorite music,” says Rob Linsmayer, a Peloton Member in Denver. “It’s more fun when you know they’ll be there and you’re both looking forward to the vibe of the class.”

“You can commit to your favorite instructor’s live schedule so you can high five and encourage each other throughout the workout,” adds Kirsten.

Another easy way to stay consistent is by using Peloton’s teams feature. Here’s how it works: You can either create or join a team (each one can have up to 50,000 Members!), then use the goal-setting feature to set unique  targets—such as completing a certain number of workouts or running a certain distance each week—and track your progress along the way. If you’re feeling competitive, you and your friends can even turn your challenge into an actual friendly competition and see who comes out on top.

You can also celebrate progress by checking the team Leaderboard regularly, debriefing after a virtual partner workout, or simply letting each other know when you’ve completed a session. 

“The live Leaderboard is the best form of motivation—you can try to PR and also have a friendly competition,” says Linsmayer. “We sometimes raise the stakes and the winner gets a post-workout smoothie.” 

Routine small interactions like these help turn fitness into a shared experience, making it easier—and more fun—to stay on track.

Celebrate Each Other

Think about how you felt the last time someone complimented something you did—whether you nailed a big work presentation or someone noticed your excellent form in boxing class, it probably felt great. That’s because regular recognition or positive feedback is a great tool for staying motivated to keep up with any activity. Luckily, Peloton makes it easy to hype each other up in real time: Try giving a virtual high-five during live classes or using the teams feature to send congratulatory emojis.

Regular virtual check-ins can also help keep the momentum going, providing opportunities to celebrate wins together. “It’s fun to celebrate when a friend hits a personal record or milestone, even if it’s just a quick message,” says Hickey. “Little celebrations like that actually go a long way in helping us stay connected.”

Bond Virtually on Rest or Recovery Days

Recovery days don’t have to mean losing touch. Skinnion recommends staying in touch by sending a simple text that isn’t focused on exercise, like checking in on how their week is going. 

Another way to stay connected is by doing the same activity—such as yoga or a massage—and then debriefing afterward. “It’s easy to forget about recovery,” says Linsmayer. “Syncing up for a quick yoga or stretching session can make it easier to stick to a recovery routine and relax.”

Planning future workouts, goals, and activities together can also help maintain motivation and accountability.

Mix In IRL Workouts If You Can

If you and your virtual workout buddy don’t live too far away, consider scheduling an occasional in-person workout or bonding activity, says Skinnion. Meeting up for a weekend run or a fitness class can help keep your momentum going.

Explore Other Shared Interests

Not all interactions have to be exercise-focused. Try chatting about other interests (maybe books, movies, or hobbies) to get to know your buddy beyond exercise, says Skinnion, or to strengthen existing bonds. You can even plan a virtual movie night, book club, or another activity.