Working out with a buddy at the gym has many benefits – your workout partner can keep you motivated, provide safety by being your “spotter,” give you useful feedback, and make working out more fun. But the fact that you work out at the same gym on the same schedule is just the first thing to consider. Here are some tried and true tips to keep in mind.

Choose a partner whose fitness level is similar to yours. If you are a beginner and need to start slowly, don’t go get a world class athlete to train with. Instead, find someone who is at the same general fitness level as you. This way you'll neither hold your partner back, nor will you push yourself too fast.

Find a partner who has similar fitness goals. If you want to gain weight and your partner wants to lose for example, you are setting yourself up to be frustrated. When you find someone with similar goals you'll both benefit from the same training, nutrition and other advice. Plus you'll be able to keep up with, share and test all of the latest techniques that pertain to your goals.

Make it regular, but don't overdo it. As I said in my running buddy post, doing every workout together starting today could burn out your newly found buddy. Instead, consider starting out by working out once or twice a week and building from there.

Make sure you are compatible on other levels. This may not be the best thing to bring up right off the bat when seeking out your workout partner, but you'll get a good feel for this within your first few meetings. You will likely become friends with this person you've chosen to work out with. Make sure you have similar – or at least complimentary - lifestyles. For example, if you are happily married and your new gym partner is single and loving it, you could create some problems for yourself.

If you are in a relationship, don’t exercise with the opposite sex. All of that grunting, sweating, mirrors and tight clothing – whew! “Gym relationships” can easily turn into more. If you're single this might be just what you're looking for, but if not take heed. At the very least all the time spent with someone else could make your current partner or spouse extremely jealous.

Would one of your kids be a good workout buddy? Going for a jog, hike or to the gym together is a great way to have meaningful discussions with your child or teen. Your mutual interest in recreation and working out can build a lasting bond and set the example for a lifetime of healthy habits for your child.