Wellness Blog

Do you have problems getting motivated for workouts from time to time? Sometimes when you’re exercising by yourself, and I’m guilty of this too, you don’t give your best effort. A set that was supposed to be 12 reps turns into 10 and 30 minutes of cardio turns into 20. Often your mind may wander, maybe thinking about the rest of your day and this makes for a pretty passive, low-intensity workout. One of the greatest ways to be fully engaged in your workout is to have an exercise partner or group. Here are some reasons why working out with a buddy or in a group setting can improve the quality of your workout:

Accountability- First and foremost a workout partner or group ensures that you will show up for your workout even if you really don’t feel like it that day. You know that they will be there waiting for you so you have to go.

Camaraderie- Some of my best friendships began as workout partners. Exercising with another person builds a strong bond and is a great way to make a new friend. Likewise attending group exercise class is a great way to meet several new people.

Motivation- Having a workout partner is almost like having a trainer there with you for your workouts. They learn your abilities and tendencies and will motivate you to give it your best every time because they know you will make them give their best as well. If they don’t give up, you won’t give up either. Also having the sense of being in it together and knowing the other person is working just as hard as you is a strong motivator to stick with it.

Focus- An exercise partner helps to keep you focused on the workout. You both feel a certain obligation to help the other have a good workout and this keeps the pace up and attention focused on working hard. In a group setting there are several exercisers all working together and since everyone else is fully engaged you have no choice except to be fully engaged yourself.

Fun- Last but not least its more fun to work out with others than on your own. Even during the most grueling workouts there are times for stories, jokes, and laughs. This keeps the mood light and intensifies exercise’s endorphin rush.

I encourage all of you to buddy up with a friend or better yet, someone you don’t know very well who has similar exercise goals to yourself. Your workouts will improve, you’ll enjoy your exercise time much more, and you’ll probably make some really good friends.

Live Well,

Marc