How Horizon is Helping Members Connect and Find Gym Buddies

Horizon Leisure member, Ree, 29, felt confident lifting weights and working out with a Personal Trainer at Havant Leisure Centre. However, focused on weight training, she found exercising alone to be a bit of a different experience. 

Ree explains: “I’ve been a member of Horizon Leisure for about three years. I enjoy the structure of some group exercise classes and also love working out with a Personal Trainer in the gym. However, whenever I train alone, I find that I don’t push myself as hard and am less confident at times.

“Having a PT made me feel more confident in the weights area and I would love to have someone to train weights with regularly. For example, when lifting a bench press, I feel safer and more empowered having someone there. A part of me is nervous that if I drop it I might not be able to get it off me.

“Since having a PT session every time I work out isn’t feasible, I wanted to find a way to connect with other gym-goers who might feel the same way. So I contacted the team at Horizon Leisure to see if there was a means to create a network to meet other likeminded people, and Horizon Buddies was formed!”

The Horizon Leisure team has created a Facebook Group ‘Horizon Buddies’ to connect members with similar fitness goals. Horizon Buddies makes it easy to find gym partners.

Ree says: “Having a workout buddy not only boosts motivation but also builds accountability, making it easier to stay consistent. Being a gym member isn’t just about getting healthier, it’s also about being in an environment where you are around other likeminded people, making connections along the way.”

Alexandra, Marketing Manager from Horizon Leisure says: “The Facebook group, which is managed by my team at Horizon Leisure, encourages members to introduce themselves, share their fitness goals, and connect with like-minded gym buddies. It’s a supportive, non-judgemental community where members are asked to respect boundaries, be kind and be reliable. Our members’ safety is paramount, so we advise new buddies to meet in public at our leisure centres and report any concerns directly to us.”

Ree says: “In just a few days, nearly 150 people have joined the group, with some introducing themselves and finding new fitness partners. It’s been amazing to see the community grow so quickly, and I’m excited to see even more connections form! 

“Although this isn’t exclusively a women’s group, it’s striking that every member so far is a woman. I guess I’m not alone in feeling less confident working out alone. I really hope the group I inspired leads to friendships and workout buddies, because everyone deserves the right to exercise safely and with confidence.”