Our favorite purple dinosaur said “everything is better with a friend” and that is true for fitness too. Here are seven reasons why having a buddy can help you to be more successful in meeting your health and fitness goals!
1. Accountability
Workouts with others improve consistency because they involve a commitment. ‘No shows’ and cancellations get noticed by others and positive peer pressure can help curtail the urges to skip a workout … or quit.
2. Motivation
Working out with another person creates a high level of motivation between one another, especially when someone has a good day, the positive vibes are infectious. When you work out with the right person you get uplifted and encouraged to be your best. All those shouts to do one more, or push to the finish line, plus the high fives and pats on the back for completing sets and accomplishing personal bests create amazing positive feedback loops.
And just like with smiling, trigger the release of hormones that make you feel good. All these things can make sure that you stick with your workouts and wellness routine.
3. Competition– You may push yourself harder when others are grunting alongside of you is the innate competitive streak in all of us. Seeing what others are capable of doing can inspire you to do more.
4. Endorphins
While it’s true that working out releases endorphins (think of all of that talk of a runner’s highs.) Working out with a friend release other endorphins though human connection. It’s just more fun: Researchers from the University of Southern California found that people who worked out with friends (or a spouse or co-worker) said they enjoyed the exercise more than those who sweat it out alone.
5. Diversity
There are only so many exercises you a perform alone — throw other person into the mix and you’re able to really get creative. There are so many fun fitness moves that require having a partner or multiple partners, just trying doing medicine ball toss sit-ups by yourself.
6. Camaraderie
There’s a bond that is created when a people struggle, sweat, fight, and grind their way through a tough workout together. When we work out with other people we can gain a sense of camaraderie, because everyone is there for the same purpose.
7. Imitation
Research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off on us. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them. And a 2016 study published in the journal Obesity found that overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends — the more time they spend together, the more weight they lose.
XOXO,
Coach Cara
Owner of Kaia FIT Chico