The Benefits Of A Workout Buddy

Working Out. Some people love it. Some people hate it.

If you happen to hate exercise, that's understandable. There are many reasons TO hate working out. Exercises like running or spinning can be incredibly boring, classes and gym memberships can be expensive, and finding (healthy) motivation can be hard. One way to fix this problem is for you and a friend to become workout partners. In this article, I will list 5 ways having a workout buddy will benefit your fitness regimen.

1. Accountability

I'll admit it. There have been times when I've been exercising and just stopped halfway through because was tired and didn't feel like doing anymore. There have also been workouts I skipped entirely because I just didn't feel like it, I didn't have any motivation. In a class with a bunch of people around me and an instructor watching me, I don't have the luxury of quitting just because I feel like it. I'm pushed to go all the way through it 100%. The right workout buddy will provide this kind of push for you without forking out money for a class or a trainer. If you're supposed to meet with him/her at sunrise to go jogging, skipping the workout will be harder if it means blowing off your friend.

Another way having a workout buddy will increase accountability is that there can be bit of competition involved. If you and your buddy aim to do a certain number of reps, then you aren't going to let her beat you out are you? Having a partner can turn a workout into a game. Who doesn't like games?

If you have certain goals you want to achieve, having your workout buddy keep you on track is another way accountability is a factor. If you want to do an extra burpee every workout session, you can tell your partner to make sure you don't leave it out. The same goes vise-versa. If your buddy has a specific goal, you can make it YOUR goal to keep him/her on track.

If you are skeptical about the effectiveness having a partner will have on your goals, just ask science. Women's Health Magazine had an article that stated "Research shows that 80 percent of people believe they're more likely to fit in workouts and stick to their routines if they partner up"

Source:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/get-a-workout-buddy

2. Never Alone

Sometimes, being alone can be dangerous but having a workout buddy is a way to prevent this and stay safe. Many trails or routes for running may look a little too sketchy to try by yourself but much less intimidating with the buddy system. Some exercises may also be dangerous if you don't have a spotter or are doing the form incorrectly and having a partner can eliminate these problems.

being together means that if there's a class or program you've been wanting to try but have been too intimated to try it by yourself, now you two can try it together!

3. Variety

There are SO many partner workouts out there. I can't tell you how many moves in these workouts that I've wanted to try because they looked new and challenging but couldn't because I was partner-less. If you are in a fitness plateau or just plain bored by exercise, having a workout buddy and trying these partner workouts may be what puts a kick back into your fitness regimen.

4. It's a Painkiller?

More science:

Endorphins are chemicals your body creates that make you feel good and serve as natural painkillers. One way to raise your endorphin levels is through exercise, which can sometimes create a "runner's high" as strong as a drug high. Read up here: http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/runners-high-strong-drug-high

Now, in a study conducted at the University of Southern California, people who exercised with friends had more fun and reduced stress levels than those who worked out alone. In another study, it was shown that people who have a lot of friends have a higher pain tolerance than those who don't.

Source: http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/friends-are-better-painkillers

So what does this mean? It means that if you workout with a partner or a group of friends, your endorphin levels might just increase and you might not be as sore as you would be if you worked out alone. I'm not a scientist so I can't guarantee this, but if it works, then it's worth a try!

5. Bonding

When you and your friend decide to become workout buddies, you're going to get closer. The kind of bond you form helping one another push yourselves to meet your fitness goals is going to be a different kind of bond that you have when your hanging out, studying, or at work. You'll learn about each other and maybe try new things together, strengthening your relationship.

So what are you waiting for?