5 Reasons Working Out With Friends Helps You Both
Having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning? Looking for that extra push to finish that last mile of your run? Interested in trying a new experience to create a new spark in your life? The answer to these questions might be easier to find than you think. Take a look below at five reasons why working out with friends helps you get more out of your daily routine.
1. Holds You Accountable
When your alarm goes off at 5:00 am to get up and run three miles before what’s likely to be a very busy day at work, all you want to do is roll over and sleep for another hour. Don’t let that happen! Partner up with friends who can become your support system. Holding each other accountable for getting a workout in, no matter when it happens, will not only strengthen your overall health and fitness, but also bring you closer together.
2. Words of Encouragement
Think about all the times you’ve pushed as hard as you could to finish a workout on your own but just fell short. Imagine if you had someone by your side urging you on and sharing in the fun and excitement along the way. Hearing words of encouragement like “You’ve got this!” and “We’re almost done!” from your friend are icing on the cake when it comes to finding a new form of fitness motivation.
3. Healthy Eating
Starting a diet or food intake plan with a friend can help keep you both on track. Whether it’s reducing the number of carbs or increasing how much water you drink, following a plan that’s right for you and talking about what you’re consuming with your friend will set you on a path to health and fitness success.
4. Train for New Experiences Together
So, you’re looking to complete your first triathlon, summit a rocky mountain, or simply add three more blocks to your morning walk. Life should be all about trying new things. And partnering with someone who you can share new experiences with can make the adventure much more fun and rewarding.
5. Stay Motivated
Discuss your fitness goals in advance, talk to each other during each workout and assess how you can improve next time. Doing so will hold you accountable for your performance and responsible for continuing to motivate your friend when they’re struggling to get through a workout. If you’re feeling stale in your workout routine, change it up by finding a new class. YWCA Minneapolis has hundreds of classes to choose from.