As more and more people are becoming aware of the need to be proactive when it comes to getting fit, it seems that a few are able to make their new attempts at a healthier lifestyle work for them. More often than not, those who seem to fall through the cracks will have one missing ingredient that could help them make a success out of their efforts. They tried to do it alone. According to ACTIVE.com,
“On any given day in a warehouse, in a park or at the gym you can find people exercising together. There’s everything from Running Clubs, Active X, and Roller Striders to Boot Camp classes. So why exactly are so many people jumping the ‘lone wolf’ ship to workout with others in a group setting?”
As it turns out, there are many good reasons why people will want to have a fitness buddy as they work on improving themselves.
Motivation
There are different types of people who are joining the fitness craze these days but when it comes to rising up at 5 in the morning to get a workout in before work, only few want to hold onto that ‘lone wolf’ position. For those people there is only one way to overcome and apply that ‘Mind over Mattress’ syndrome; to have a friend or workout buddy to motivate you to rise before the sun and start that slow, hard before the break of day. Group workouts and exercise partners have a way of re-energizing you so that you can drag yourself into the gym but you’ll leave with a fire in your belly wanting more.
Accountability
They also have a way of making you accountable for your commitments. If you’re alone and you said you were going to workout three days a week, your partner will be looking for you three days a week. Few things can be more unnerving than having to explain yourself when you didn’t meet your commitment. As pointed out in Fit Savvy,
“You can hold each other accountable for getting to the gym, staying for a certain amount of time and going hard for the duration. There’s the added benefit of having a spotter, plus there are a ton of exercises and stretches you can only perform with a partner (medicine ball tosses, resistance leg lifts, etc.)”
When you have a partner to work along with you there will be a sense of responsibility that will compel you to do a bit more than you would if no one was keeping tabs on you.
Socialization
Because we are social people by nature, group exercises have a tendency to make people feel much more comfortable in the gym than when you’re working out alone. You’ll notice that many fitness experts will pair you with another comparatively fit person to practice new routines with. These groups will foster a team spirit that encourages a certain level of camaraderie and unity that you will be hard pressed to find any other way. As you workout together, you’ll bond closer through shared experiences even in the light of heavy competition.
But probably the main reason so many people want to workout with their friends is the “fun factor.” According to Tesco Living,
“It’s often simply much more fun to get fit with friends. It helps pass the time, alleviates boredom and because you’re enjoying yourself, you’re much more likely to stick at it. You can also either go with one pal, or get a few friends together.”
Of course, we’re all looking to get fit; it is our primary goal. But there is no reason why you can’t get the most out of such an experience and have fun at the same time. Friends have a way of helping us all put our best foot forward and are much more inclined to motivate you in ways you would never do yourself. So, why not make the most out of your friends and together find the perfect way to get fit.