6 Reasons to Workout with a Friend
Most of us know how great exercise is for the body, yet so many of us dread the experience of working out. Between balancing a hectic work schedule, family and friends, goals and desires, a consistent exercise routine, and eating a fresh, balanced diet, no wonder why so many of us feel exacerbated and overwhelmed. But what if it didn’t have to be that way?
When it comes to obstacles like a lack of time, removing items off of our to-do list isn’t always possible. But what if adding in could be a solution? How could adding a friend, workout partner, or personal trainer make the experience of exercising actually enjoyable? What if your time blocks for putting yourself first through exercise was something you looked forward to? What if your workouts became more consistent, more impactful, more engaging, and you reached your goals?
Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading to learn a few of the ways a training partner can help!
We’re All In This Together
Great job, you’ve shown up at the gym today! However, all of the benches are taken, there’s only one squat rack open with no barbell or plates, and that weird guy is cranking out his drum solo on the stair climber again. Just when you feel like throwing in the towel and calling it a day, you see your gym partner walk through the doors and smile at you as they walk your way.
A partner in the gym can help you overcome the uncomfortable moments that are part of the process of getting stronger. You can cheer each other on, push for that last rep that you normally wouldn’t go for on your own, and experience the invaluable support of an outside voice saying, “you’ve got this.” Not to mention, sharing the group mentality of pushing through workouts with someone else who has a similar mindset can encourage you to dig deep and go for that higher weight or new exercise progression.
It’s Way More Fun, Really!
After a long day, instead of tuning the world out, what if you invited someone else into it? With a partner, you can talk about your day, learn more about theirs, and share stories together which can also provide a distraction for those dreaded Bulgarian split squats. They can also help you find your strengths and weaknesses that you might otherwise not know about. Maybe your partner can help you spot your left knee that keeps buckling in during squats or find that slight curve in your lumbar spine during a deadlift. Moving some heavy weights? Grab your buddy to help you load and unload those seriously impressive compounds!
Reap Those Mental Health Benefits
It has been widely established, despite the introvert in many of us, that humans are built for connections with other humans. Finding and maintaining adult relationships can be just as taxing as walking lunges. Why not schedule in your social hangout time with your workout? Exercise has also been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain, otherwise known as your happy chemicals. This can provide a much needed stress relief with research pointing that it can also alleviate some symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Crush Your Goals with Accountability
The gym doesn’t have to only be full of weights hitting the floor, metal clanking, and echoing grunts. There’s also room for laughter, sharing stories, and cheering each other on. Share and be heard as you tackle your goals with others! Afterall, we are all in the gym to get better. Through the experience, you will be able to form and deepen connections as you motivate each other to show up, dig deep, and crush your workouts. Not to mention, the temptation to cut a set short sneaks up on all of us. However, when you have a partner keeping track with you, you may be more inclined to finish. This will of course help you reach those awesome goals of yours!
Add Spice to Your Workouts
Ponder for a moment that your background is in soccer and hang gliding and your partner is from the world of crossfit and grizzly bear boxing. Or maybe the group represents backgrounds in competitive swimming, powerlifting, pickleball, tennis, and a complete newbie. Working with a partner or partners provides you with the opportunity to try new exercises and drills you’ve never done before while learning new skills. This can help you get outside of your comfort zone and push yourself to try new things. Together, you can empower each to gain more confidence, functionality, and skills that translate to your functional, everyday life.
Fun fact, did you know that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America?
Easier on Your Wallet
Divide and conquer! Or at least, split the cost of hiring a personal trainer who can provide you and your buddy with custom workout programs, form corrections, support and accountability, spotting, and helpful, research-based advice! In addition to having an expert on the topic of exercise, you’ll also have someone who is passionate (and in most cases, in love) with the world of fitness. The research is in and proves that the more people you have in your corner, the more successful you have the potential to be. There aren’t many shortcuts to that dream bod of yours, with hiring a personal trainer being an exception. Progress intelligently through your exercise program while you learn and master movements, confidence, and discipline. The value of your good health is priceless, and hiring a top-tier trainer with a friend to split the cost is one of the best investments you can make!
At MJ Fit, we offer partner and small group personal training packages and class options. We know and understand how important it is to enjoy your exercise experience while soaking up all of the fantastic health benefits. Whether you bring a friend with you or we pair you with a new partner here, rest assured that we are ready to help you along your fitness journey with friends being part of your positive experience! Are you ready to get started? Contact us today!
