I teach a lot of fitness classes which means I am constantly surrounded by people getting their workout on – with and without friends. But when it comes time to my own workout, half of the time I prefer to do it alone, outdoors, at my own pace.

The other half of the time, I like working out with a friend or my husband. Working out with a friend or Travis encourages me to bring my A game to the workout and gives me a chance to spend time with people I love:)

Are you the type of person who needs a friend to keep you honest with your workouts? OR do you ever notice how having a buddy along side you motivates you to push yourself a little harder than if you’d have worked out on your own?

These are some solid reasons to reach out and partner up for your next workout.

 

Social support encourages physical activity.

 

Maybe it starts with asking your friend if you want to try a new yoga studio together, go for a run together or try a new fitness class. You talk about it, make a plan and commit. Here’s the thing: You are way less likely to cancel or change your mind once you’ve friend will hold you accountable.

 

Working out with friends keeps it interesting

 

For activities like running or hiking having a friend there helps alleviate the boredom that we all feel at times. The time will pass much quicker chatting with a friend as you run the seawall. Sometime this is enough motivation to lace up those runners.

 

The struggle is real

 

Your friends can also relate to your struggle. And I mean physical struggleJ Like in barre class, you won’t be so hard on yourself for having uncontrollably shaky legs if your friend beside you is dying as well. Same goes with yoga, spin or crossfit. Everybody will have strengths and everybody has weaknesses and it’s just nice to see that you’re not the only one struggling to complete the exercise. As a bonus, you can have a good laugh about it after class:)

 

Healthy Competition

 

And my favorite reason for working out with a friend… competition makes you a better performer!

Yes, especially if they are fitter than you are! If you are setting fitness goals (ex; run your first marathon) than you need to find a workout buddy who is a better runner than you are. Better yet find one that is also a great motivator. Studies show you will perform better due to the “Koehler effect”, simply meaning you don’t want to be the weakest link.

Whatever your own reasons are for having or for finding a workout buddy, it’s well worth the effort!

Want to work out with Travis and I? I added a new HIIT Bootcamp PART 2 to my YouTube channel.

Grab some water, lace up your sneakers and get ready to sweat up a storm with us. This video is hilarious.

Click on link below and leave me a comment on whether you liked it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ssZs8pIrWE&feature=youtu.be

xoxo

Rebecca