Have you ever tried to work out alone and quickly become unmotivated and bored? Or have you found yourself struggling to stay motivated even when working out with good friends?
Exercising with friends can offer a variety of benefits – after all, many hands make light work! Not only is exercising in the company of friends more fun and motivating, but it also has physical, mental, and emotional advantages. Exercise buddies can help bring out your best self while also challenging you to reach new fitness heights.
Whether you’re just starting out on your fitness journey or are already a seasoned pro looking for an extra push, exercising with friends may be the key to success that’s been missing from your routine. In this article, we’ll explore why exercise with friends is so important and uncover tools for helping make the process easier.
Key Exercise Takeaways For You & Your Friends To Know:
- Exercising with friends can offer an array of benefits such as mental, physical, and emotional advantages.
- Having someone to chat with during breaks or having a friend who is encouraging you along the way makes it easier to stay motivated and stick to a workout routine.
- Joining an exercise class is a great way to both meet new people and build new friendships while also improving your health.
Double the Fun: The Benefits of Exercising with Friends
Exercising with a friend can be an incredibly beneficial way to stay active and healthy. Not only does it provide motivation, accountability, and companionship, but it also increases the chances of meeting the recommended amount of exercise for adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity each week. Exercising with a friend can help maintain interest in physical activity, making it easier to stick to an exercise routine.
The benefits of exercising with a friend are numerous. Not only does it make physical activity more enjoyable, but it also has positive effects on both mental and physical health. Exercise releases endorphins which can reduce stress levels and improve moods. It also strengthens muscles, bones, and joints while improving cardiovascular health. Working out with a buddy can help keep you motivated and accountable when trying to reach fitness goals or just staying active in general. With all these benefits in mind, there is no doubt that exercising with friends is the way to go.
1. It’s more fun exercising with a friend
Exercising with a friend can be a great way to make physical activity more enjoyable. Having someone to chat with during breaks can help the time pass quickly, and there are more options available when exercising with a friend, such as a game of tennis or squash. Studies have shown that 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amount of exercise, but having a buddy to exercise with can make it easier to stay motivated and committed to regular workouts. This increases the chances of meeting the recommendation and becoming more heart-healthy.
Working out with a friend also provides an opportunity for social interaction and support. It is much easier to stick with an exercise routine if you have someone who is counting on you and encouraging you along the way. Exercising together can also be fun as it allows friends to catch up while getting fit at the same time. Whether it’s running, biking, swimming, or any other form of physical activity, having someone by your side makes it much easier to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.
2. You can build new friendships
Exercising with someone you don’t know well can be a great way to build new friendships. Joining an exercise class is a great way to meet people and get to know them better. Having a shared interest, such as improving your health, can make it easier to chat about other things while working out. This can help break the ice and create an environment where it’s easier to start conversations and get to know each other better.
Good friendships are important for our overall health and well-being. Friendships have a positive impact on our mental and physical health, and may even be as important to our well-being as eating right and exercising. Friends provide emotional support during tough times, celebrate successes with us, challenge us to be better, and teach us about ourselves. Building new friendships through exercise classes or other activities can enrich our lives in many ways, so it’s worth taking the time to invest in these relationships.
3. You’re more likely to stick to your commitment
Making a commitment to exercise is an important step in sticking to your routine. Having an exercise partner can provide support and encouragement on days when you don’t feel like exercising. Research has found that more than 50 percent of people who start exercising as a New Year’s resolution end up quitting by summer, so having someone to help keep you accountable can be beneficial.
Dr. Tanaka suggests that having an exercise partner provides motivation to adhere to workout goals. Working out with a friend (even virtually) pushes people to keep at it longer than they would on their own. This is because the accountability factor helps ensure that you stay committed and motivated even when it gets tough. Additionally, having someone else there can make the experience more enjoyable and help break up the monotony of working out alone. With time, the routine of exercising with a partner will become less challenging and easier to stick to, making it more likely that you’ll reach your fitness goals in the long run.
4. You’re more likely to succeed in your goal
Having a supportive person to motivate you can be an important factor in achieving your goal. Research has found that people are more likely to lose weight if their exercise buddy is also losing weight. This could be a friend, family member, or even a virtual partner. Exercise is still beneficial even if you aren’t seeing immediate results in terms of weight loss. Dr. Tanaka suggests that having an exercise partner provides great motivation to adhere to workout goals and research has shown that working out with a friend (even virtually) pushes people to keep at it longer than they would on their own.
Unfortunately, research has found that more than 50 percent of people who start exercising as a New Year’s resolution end up quitting by summer. To avoid this, it is important to set realistic goals and have someone there to help keep you accountable and motivated throughout the process. Having someone who understands your goals and can provide encouragement when needed can make all the difference in reaching your goal successfully.
5. You’ll work harder with someone else around
Exercising with a friend can be a great way to increase the intensity of your workout. Studies have shown that people tend to work harder when they have someone else around, and this is known as the Köhler effect. This effect states that motivation increases among individuals working in groups in comparison with those working alone. Having a friend or partner around can bring out your competitive side and encourage you to push yourself further than if you were exercising alone. Research from high school track relays has found that even inferior athletes made greater gains when working as part of a team.
Adults also benefit from having someone else around while exercising. Studies have shown that adults are more likely to work harder when they are exercising with a partner than when doing exercises on their own. Working out with someone else can help keep you motivated and focused on your goals, which can lead to better results in the long run. Additionally, it’s just more fun to exercise with someone else! Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a virtual partner, having someone to share the experience with can make it more enjoyable and help break up the monotony of working out alone.
6. It can be more affordable to exercise with a friend
Exercising with a friend can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun while getting in shape. Not only can you chat during exercise and breaks, but you also have more options for activities when working out with someone else. For example, you could play a game of tennis or squash together, which would make the time pass quickly and keep you both entertained.
The cost of exercising with a friend can also be more affordable than going it alone. You can split the cost of gym memberships or classes between the two of you, making it easier on your wallet. Plus, if one person needs to take a break from their fitness routine, the other person can still go and enjoy the activity without having to pay full price. This makes it easier to stick to your fitness goals without breaking the bank.
7. Your friend may have new exercise ideas
Exercising with a friend can be a great way to stay motivated and keep your exercise routine interesting. Variety is key when it comes to sticking with an exercise plan, and having a friend by your side can help you learn new skills and activities. Working out with someone else can make exercising more enjoyable, as well as reduce the likelihood of quitting due to boredom or lack of motivation.
Not only is exercise beneficial for physical health, but it also has positive effects on mental health. Exercising with a friend provides support, accountability, and camaraderie that can help maintain interest in the activity. Having someone to work out with can also provide motivation to push yourself further than you would on your own. Whether it’s trying out a new type of workout buddy or pushing each other to reach personal goals, having a friend by your side can make all the difference in reaching success.
8. It’s safer to exercise with someone else
Exercising with someone else is a great way to stay safe and motivated. Having a spotter when lifting weights can help prevent injury, as they can assist you if you are unable to complete the lift. Working out with a friend also provides support and encouragement, which can be especially helpful when trying to reach fitness goals. Conversations during exercise can help make the time pass quickly, and having a workout buddy opens up more options for activities such as tennis or squash.
It is especially important to exercise with a partner at night for added security. Going for a run or walk alone in the dark can be dangerous, so it’s best to have someone there with you in case of an emergency. Exercising with someone else also helps keep you entertained and motivated, as it’s easier to push yourself when there’s someone else around doing the same thing. Whether it’s running on the treadmill together or playing a game of basketball, exercising with another person can make all the difference in reaching your fitness goals.
Healthier Together: What Working Out with Friends Can Do For You
Exercising with friends can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun while working out. Working out with friends can provide you with the support, accountability, and encouragement that you need to reach your fitness goals.
When you work out with friends, it’s easier to stay motivated because you are more likely to show up for workouts if someone else is counting on you.
Having a friend by your side can also help you push yourself further than you would on your own. You can challenge each other to reach new goals and try out different activities that you may not have tried before. Plus, having someone to talk to during workouts can make the time pass quickly and make exercising more enjoyable.
How often should I exercise with my friends?
How often you exercise with your friends is up to you and your individual goals. If you are just starting out, it may be beneficial to work out with a friend at least once or twice a week. This will help keep you motivated and accountable for sticking to your routine. As you become more comfortable with exercising, you can increase the frequency of your workouts with friends.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s fitness goals are different, so it’s important to find a workout routine that works for you and your friends.
No matter how often you decide to work out with your friends, the most important thing is that you are having fun and staying safe. Exercise should be enjoyable, so make sure to take breaks when needed and listen to your body.
How do I find friends to exercise with?
Exercising with a partner can be an effective way to stay motivated and increase the intensity of your workouts. A study published in April 2021 found that a lack of physical activity was associated with severe cases of COVID-19, so it is important to find ways to safely exercise. Research has shown that social support can boost your workout gains, as exercise is “socially contagious” according to a 2017 study. Working out outdoors is the safest choice during COVID-19, and masks should be worn if unvaccinated. Video workouts or indoor gyms with proof of vaccination are other safe options.
Working out with a partner offers many benefits, including increased motivation, accountability, and safety. Splitting the cost of a personal trainer or equipment with a friend can save money, while car-pooling to get to the park, gym, pool or sports venue can save on travel costs. Exercising with a friend can also be more affordable than going solo. Finding someone who shares your fitness goals and interests can make it easier to stay motivated and have fun while working out.
Finding friends to exercise with can be as easy as asking around your circle of friends and family. You can also join local fitness groups or classes that offer group workouts. There are also online communities dedicated to helping people find workout partners, such as Meetup, FitFinder, and Exercise Buddies.
Friends or family
Having friends and family to work out with can be a great way to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals. Working out with someone else can help you stay on track, as well as make the process more enjoyable. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with those closest to you. Suggesting a daily or weekly workout routine date with friends and family who live nearby is an excellent way to get started. Making a commitment to help each other reach goals is key to success.
It’s important to remember that friendships are just as important for your well-being as eating right and exercising. Friends provide emotional support during tough times, celebrate successes with you, and teach you about yourself in ways that challenge you to be better. Consider neighbors or work colleagues as potential workout partners if friends and family don’t live close by. With dedication and commitment, having friends or family join in on your fitness journey can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Join or start a walking group
Walking groups are a great way to stay active and socialize. Whether you’re looking to join an existing group or start one of your own, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. The Heart Foundation Walking website provides information on how to form a walking group, including tips on finding members, setting up routes, and organizing activities. If you’re looking for something more convenient, consider starting a lunchtime walking group at work.
GroupBeast is another great resource for those interested in forming a walking group. It’s a fitness app that allows users to create custom groups with friends and share workouts. Users can choose from preset exercises or create custom exercises, which are accompanied by helpful information such as muscle group targeting. GroupBeast has an Android app and a mobile website that works on any iPhone browser, making it easy for users to access their workouts anytime, anywhere. With GroupBeast, you can easily organize your own walking group and keep track of your progress.
Neighborhood boot camps
Boot camps are an excellent way to get fit and stay in shape without breaking the bank. They provide a great opportunity to join a fitness group at an affordable price, with personal trainers often offering discounted boot camp programs in local parks and recreation centers. Boot camps can be tailored to your individual needs and goals, so you can get the most out of your workout. Plus, they’re a great way to meet new people and make friends while getting fit.
When looking for a neighborhood boot camp, it’s important to find one that is run by a qualified professional.
What kind of activities are best for exercising with friends?
Exercising with friends can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun while getting fit. There are many activities that you can do together, such as running, walking, biking, swimming, hiking, and playing sports. You can also try out different types of group fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, Zumba, or boot camp.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, you can also try out obstacle courses or team-building activities. These activities are great for building trust and working together to reach a common goal. No matter what type of activity you choose, exercising with friends is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Exercising with friends is a great way to stay motivated and have fun while getting fit. It can help you reach your fitness goals faster, as well as provide emotional support during tough times. Whether you join an existing group or start one of your own, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. From walking groups to neighborhood boot camps and team-building activities, there are many activities that you can do with friends to stay active and have fun.
