Need an extra push to get moving? Maybe you need an exercise buddy? Consider looping in a partner. Sometimes working out alone is well…lonely! But working out with a friend can be just the motivation to help us not only get into shape but stick with it long-term. After all, fitness is more fun with friends! In this post, we’ll give you reasons why it’s better to exercise with a buddy!
Why You Need an Exercise Companion
1. Accountability
You and your workout partner can mutually support each other’s commitment to fitness. When one feels unmotivated, the other becomes a source of encouragement. The accountability factor prevents the temptation to skip workouts, as the thought of letting your friend down serves as a powerful motivator, increasing the likelihood of success.
2. Enjoyment
Exercise can indeed be enjoyable, especially when shared with a workout companion. Laughter during workouts contributes to more positive emotions associated with physical activity, transforming the perception of exercise from a chore to an enjoyable experience. Additionally, having a partner makes activities like tennis more enjoyable and less daunting.
3. Friendly Competition
If you have a competitive streak, exercising with a friend can drive you to push your limits further than when working out alone. The fear of being perceived as less capable than your friend can motivate you to strive for improvement. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid turning the workout into an overly competitive scenario that may strain the friendship.
4. Safety
Depending on the time and location of your workouts, having a workout companion ensures a safer exercise environment. Whether running in the early morning or lifting weights at the gym, having a trusted friend by your side enhances personal safety and provides an extra layer of security.
5. Variety
Despite being friends, you and your workout partner may have different fitness interests. Embracing your friend’s preferences introduces variety to your routine, keeping exercise exciting. Trying out activities like Zumba, even if unfamiliar, adds a new dimension to your fitness journey. The mutual exchange of interests helps both individuals explore different activities and maintain the element of fun in exercising.
6. A Break from Routine
Beyond the physical benefits, working out with a friend offers a mental break from life’s responsibilities. It creates an opportunity for social interactions outside of work or family commitments. Engaging in conversations about personal interests, sharing thoughts, or venting about work-related stress while exercising provides a refreshing break and supports overall social well-being.
7. Celebrating Achievements Together
Collaborating with a workout buddy towards a shared fitness goal, whether it’s a 5k run or weight loss, gives you both something to anticipate celebrating. Sharing successes with a friend not only adds a layer of enjoyment to your fitness journey but also strengthens the bond between you, acting as a motivational force to sustain your commitment to regular exercise.
How to Make Exercising Fun With Your Friend
Exercising with a friend can turn a workout into an enjoyable and motivating experience. Before you grab your exercise equipment, here are some ideas to make exercising with your friend fun:
1. Choose Activities You Both Enjoy
Find activities that you both like, whether it’s hiking, dancing, cycling, or playing a sport. When you genuinely enjoy the exercise, it won’t feel like a chore.
2. Create Friendly Competitions With Your Exercise Buddy
Turn your workout into a friendly competition. Whether it’s a race, a fitness challenge, or a game, a bit of friendly rivalry can add excitement and motivation.
3. Try Partner Workouts
Incorporate partner exercises into your routine. This can include partner stretches, tandem exercises, or even partner yoga poses. It adds a sense of teamwork to your workout.
4. Bring Variety to Your Workouts
Avoid monotony by trying different workouts together. Attend fitness classes, explore new trails, or experiment with various workout routines to keep things interesting.
Establish common fitness goals with your friend. Whether it’s training for a 5k run, increasing flexibility, or building strength, working towards shared objectives can create a sense of accomplishment.
6. Integrate Music or Podcasts
Create a workout playlist that you both enjoy or listen to an interesting podcast during your workout. It adds an entertaining element and makes the time fly.
7. Coordinate Outfits or Themes
Make your workout sessions more fun by coordinating your outfits or choosing a theme for your exercises. It might sound silly, but it adds a lighthearted and playful element to your routine.
8. Incorporate Games
Turn your workout into a game. For example, create a circuit with different exercises and use a dice to determine the number of reps for each. It adds an element of surprise and keeps things entertaining.
9. Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate achievements together, whether it’s reaching a fitness milestone, completing a challenging workout, or sticking to a routine for a certain period. Reward yourselves with a healthy treat or a fun activity.
10. Include Post-Workout Rewards
Plan a reward after your workout. It could be a healthy post-workout snack, a smoothie, or even a brunch date. Having something to look forward to can make the exercise more enjoyable.
Hold each other accountable for your fitness goals. Having an exercise buddy is relying on someone who can be a powerful motivator, and it adds a sense of responsibility to your workouts.
12. Join Group Classes or Teams
Enroll in group fitness classes or join a sports team with your exercise buddy. The social aspect of group activities can make exercising more enjoyable, and it’s an opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests.
Remember, the key is to make exercising a positive and enjoyable experience. By combining fitness with friendship and fun, you can create a sustainable and motivating workout routine for both you and your friend.