Become the definition of couple goals and take over the gym. Whether it’s a romance, bromance or a bit of friendly competition, hitting the gym with a mate is always going to be better. Don’t believe us? Here are a few reasons why.
1. You’ll enjoy your workout more.
It’s been proven that people who work out with friends (or a spouse or co-worker) tend to enjoy the exercise more than those who get sweaty solo. After all, if you like hanging out with your friends then this is a pretty good excuse to spend time together at least once a week.
*Plus if you’re enjoying your workout you’re much more likely to stick with it so two birds and all that.
2. You’re less likely to injure yourself.
The gym mirror can only tell you so much but a workout buddy can give you quick form checks. Whether it’s a bad squat or a dangerous lift, having someone on your side to make sure you’re doing it right will avoid a lot of pain later on.
3. You’ll be less stressed.
While you may not spend your workout chatting with your partner (you’re probably working to hard to utter a single word) you’ll still reap the benefits of the stress busting effects. In fact a study in the International Journal of Stress Management found that people who exercised on a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes with a friend said they felt calmer after the workout than those who cycled alone.
4. You’ll push yourself harder.
After all, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
People who hit the gym with a partner they think is better than they are have been proven to work out up to 200% harder and longer than others. After all, as humans we’re naturally competitive so why not use it to your advantage.
5. You’ll be held accountable.
It’s not just about you anymore. It’s not as easy to talk yourself out of hitting the gym when someone else is relying on you.
6. You’ll achieve your goals faster.
Since you’re being consistent (see 4 and 5) you’ll notice your performance improving faster.
7. You can keep things interesting.
A risk of hitting the gym solo is that you’ll fall into the same routine day in and day out, meaning hitting that fitness plateau is a pretty serious reality. But a partner who comes armed with suggestions for switching up your routine will keep things interesting and challenging for your muscles and your mind.
Where to Find a Workout Buddy
Check out Meetup.com
It’s the world’s largest network for special-interest groups so you’ll be able to find anything from a local hiking group to meet-ups for like minded gym goers.
Sign up for ClassPass
Try out some different classes at a range of gyms across the city, you never know who you’ll run into.
Ask Your Trainer/Coach
Talk to a professional at your gym to see if they know anyone looking for a workout partner.
Reach Out to Friends
This may seem obvious, but instead of letting your busy lives get in the way of spending time together why not make a commitment to stay fit-while you catch up.
Ask Around the Office
Hang out around the water cooler and chat to the people you work with, you may find that you have fitness goals in common, and because you see each other every day and have similar schedules, it will be easy to plan time to exercise together as workout buddies.
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