11 Fantastic Reasons That Physical Exercise Is Better With A Friend

exercise is better with a friend

We all know that being physically active has many physical and mental benefits. But how can we break down the barriers that prevent us from exercising more regularly? One of the best ways to get back into exercise or to keep active in the long-term is to do it with a friend. Exercise is better with a friend. Numerous studies have confirmed that exercise is greatly enhanced with a buddy or exercise with a group of friends.

So why not stack the odds in your favor? Here are several benefits to illustrate that doing it together is better:

Teenage girls mental health - exercise is better with a friend

You tend to get more out of the session

You’ll work that bit harder when exercising with a partner. It can bring out a competitive instinct that allows you both to push your limits. You’re more likely to do that extra set or kilometer when you’re being spurred on.

Increased safety

This mainly applies to strength training, but having a partner means always having a spotter. This will help you through final reps, and they can keep a close eye on your technique. You’ll feel less self-conscious when working out with a partner or in front of others than when you go solo.

Accountability

You are far less likely to bail on a workout when you have someone counting on you. Making plans to meet your friend at 6 pm is much more concrete than vaguely planning to exercise alone “sometimes after work.” Set a date and don’t be late!

Exercise becomes more fun

A key element in forming a lifestyle habit is fun. It’s always more enjoyable to share an experience with a friend. It also allows you to try out other activities. After all, it’s pretty hard to play a game of tennis by yourself.

Reduced costs

That personal training session or tennis lesson instantly became cheaper for both of you! And, you’ll still get plenty of individual attention from the trainer or coach.

Increased social well-being

Social interaction is often listed as an important factor when choosing exercise. Training with a partner gives you that social contact is often non-existent when going solo.

More likely to try new things

Ever wanted to try Zumba or a boxing class but felt intimidated going there alone? With a partner, your excuses are now removed. It opens up all sorts of possibilities for new forms of exercise.

Shared goals

If two of you work towards a common goal, it helps build more resolve and resilience. It’s a fantastic feeling to achieve a goal; it can be even better when you achieve it with someone else.

Motivation

 You’re more likely to get your butt up off that couch if you know someone else is waiting for you at the gym, track, or trailhead.

Accountability

It’s much easier to skip a workout when no one knows, but when someone else depends on you showing up and completing your workout, there’s less room for excuses.

Encouragement

 Having someone cheer you on while you’re working out makes working out more fun and can even help push you past plateaus or through injuries faster than working out alone could ever

Final Thoughts About Exercise is better with a friend

We all know that exercising is good for us. But we also tend to slack off or give up if we don’t have a solid plan or if we don’t have a friend to hold ourselves accountable. Even when you travel, working out in a group is excellent. These tips will help you find the motivation to get started and stick to your routine. By working out with a friend or group of friends, you’ll be much more likely to meet your exercise goals. Plus, it’s always more fun that way!

Paul Austin

Paul is a writer living in the Great Lakes Region. He dabbles in research of historical events, places, and people on his website at Michigan4You. When he isn't under a deadline, you can find him on the beach with a good book and a cold beer.

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