Updated: 19 October, 2026
Starting a fitness routine on your own is hard, and keeping it going is harder. Buddy personal training is one answer: you train with a friend, or two, with a qualified trainer guiding the session. This guide explains how the buddy system works with Reshape Infinity Fitness in Liverpool, who it suits, what to think about before you ask a friend and how to get started.
What is the buddy system?
The buddy system is personal training for small groups of friends. According to our personal training page, you can train with up to two of your friends and split the cost however you want. It is built around two ideas: getting fit together, and feeling more confident in the gym while having more fun.
You are still getting a trainer's attention. The trainer plans the session, shows you how to do each movement and adjusts the exercises to each person, so a friend who is new to training can work alongside one who has trained for years.
Why train with a friend?
There are some simple, practical reasons buddy training appeals to people:
You are harder to let down. It is easy to cancel on yourself. It is harder to cancel on a friend who is waiting for you.
It feels less daunting. Walking into a gym alone, or starting with a trainer for the first time, is easier with someone you know beside you.
It is more enjoyable. Laughing through a tough set with a friend makes sessions something to look forward to rather than something to get through.
You can share the cost. Because you decide how to split it, the arrangement can be as simple or as fair as suits you. Check the current prices on our personal training page.
You share the routine. Booking the same slot every week gives you both a fixed point in the diary.
None of this guarantees results, and every person's progress is different. What it can do is make it easier to turn up regularly, which is where most progress starts.
Who the buddy system suits
Buddy sessions can suit:
friends who have always said "we should get fit together" and never got round to it;
people who feel nervous about the gym and would like moral support;
colleagues, neighbours or family members who want to train at the same time and place;
a group of two or three friends with different fitness levels, because the trainer can adjust the work for each person.
If you would rather train at home, it is worth knowing that a home visit is £75 per session, or £80 for two people. Our guide to home personal training in Liverpool explains how that works.
Things to agree before you start
Training with friends works best when you talk about a few things up front:
Goals. You do not need identical goals, but it helps to know what each of you wants, whether that is strength, stamina, confidence or simply moving more.
Schedule. Choose a regular day and time that suits everyone, and agree what happens if someone cannot make it.
Cost. Decide how you will split the cost before the first session so that nothing becomes awkward later.
Health. Each of you should tell the trainer about any injuries, conditions or concerns. If you have not exercised for a while or have a medical condition, speak to your GP before starting. If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, talk to your midwife or GP, and if you have an injury, your physiotherapist can advise what is safe.
Comparison. Do not compare yourself with your friend. You are each on your own journey, and a good session is one that suits you.
How a buddy session fits with NHS guidance
The NHS advises adults aged 19 to 64 to be active every day, to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, and to do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups on at least two days a week (NHS physical activity guidelines).
A buddy session can cover part of that, particularly the strengthening activity. You could also arrange to walk together on other days, or follow the routine your trainer gives you. Our guide on how often you should see a personal trainer can help you decide how many sessions to book.
What if your friend drops out?
Life gets in the way, and it is worth planning for. Talk to your trainer about what happens if one of you has to stop. If it is you, the habit you have built is still yours. If it is your friend, the trainer can help you decide whether to carry on one-to-one or find another partner. Ask when you book, so there are no surprises.
Getting started
Start by asking your friends who might be interested, then get in touch to talk through your goals, availability and which area you would like to train in. We cover Liverpool and north Merseyside, and you can contact us through our contact page to ask about the buddy system.
Frequently asked questions
How many friends can I train with?
According to our personal training page, you can train with up to two of your friends, so a buddy session can have up to three people.
Can we split the cost however we like?
Yes. The buddy system lets you split the cost how you want. See our personal training page for the current prices, or get in touch if you want to talk it through.
Do we need to be the same fitness level?
No. The trainer plans the session and adjusts the exercises for each person, so people at different levels can train together. Tell your trainer about any injuries or health conditions before you start.
Is buddy training cheaper than one-to-one?
It can be, because the cost is shared between you. Check the latest pricing on our personal training page for the exact figures.
Should I see my GP before I start?
If you have not exercised for a while, or you have a medical condition or any concerns, the NHS advises speaking to your GP first. Pregnant or postnatal clients should speak to their midwife or GP, and anyone with an injury should check with a physiotherapist.