Friends are key to keeping fit
Find yourself losing motivation with your workouts? An exercise buddy can be the best way to kick-start your fitness program and put the fun back into workouts. Here’s why you need an exercise buddy.
Get motivated
A partner can provide the motivation you need to get out and get active. When you’re tempted to stay in bed or flop on the couch, the influence of an exercise buddy will encourage you to change your mind – even if it’s just so you don’t disappoint them. Numerous studies have shown that having a partner increases the likelihood that you will stick to a fitness routine.
Monitor your progress
Sometimes it can be hard to see how far you’ve come if you’re exercising alone. Often it takes an independent party to see when you’ve gained strength or flexibility, toned up or increased your stamina. A buddy will help you recognise your achievements and celebrate them.
Try new things
It can be intimidating to go into a new fitness class or activity on your own. You might feel self conscious in front of others or not want to try that new machine without a bit of moral support. An exercise buddy takes the pressure off and brings a social element to the experience, so you can laugh at your mistakes or ask for help without judgment.
Be competitive
We’re not suggesting that your workouts need to be fights to the death, but having a buddy will inspire you to run that little bit further or push that little bit harder. You can both keep track of your progress against the other and work harder to keep improving. Because no one likes to fall behind.
Safety first
Exercising à deux is safer for everyone. It can be hard to listen to your own body and you might not be able to tell when something isn’t right. A buddy gives you a spotter when you’re lifting weights, someone to tell you if a pose looks like it’s placing too much strain in one area or just someone to help you home if you twist your ankle on a run. Another set of eyes helps prevent you exercising with bad form and makes sure you’re getting the most out of it.
Laugh a little
Above all, an exercise buddy makes working out more fun. You can catch up on gossip while walking, laugh at your novice yoga moves or grab a juice after swimming a few laps. And when something is fun you’re more likely to keep doing it. So buddy up!
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