5 Benefits of Working Out with a Friend
Did you know that more than 40% of participants drop a fitness class shortly after it begins if they attend on their own? But if they work out with a friend, the dropout rate decreases to 6%. This suggests that social support encourages physical activity. Beyond the benefits of social interaction, working out with a friend is one of the best ways to keep you accountable, work harder, and stay focused on your goals. In fact, having the right workout buddy can often be the difference between failure and success.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider working out with a friend:
Accountability
Scheduling a gym session with a friend holds you accountable for getting your workout in. Meeting someone, whether physically or virtually, not only motivates you to show up, but to work hard as well.
Motivation
Exercising with another person pushes you to do your workout to the best of your ability. Another bonus – if you work out with a friend who is stronger or faster than you, you’ll be more likely to test your own limits.
Try something new
Hitting the gym with a friend is the perfect time to try a new exercise. When trying something new, your friend will provide a confidence boost and can also serve as a spotter if you need one.
Save money
Perhaps you’re interested in hiring a personal trainer, but don’t have the funds to cover it. A workout partner can bear some of the cost of hiring a trainer, making group training sessions a more affordable option and more fun!
Have fun
The right workout buddy can make your workouts more fun! In fact, the more fun your workouts are, the more you’re going to look forward to them and be committed. Having that social contact – being able to laugh, encourage and motivate – will make your workouts much more enjoyable.
It is recommended that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Working out with others is a great way to get active and, most importantly, have fun!
Written by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. Read more at https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/blog/