Do you usually exercise by yourself or do you have a workout partner? If you answered alone, then you may want to consider a workout buddy. There are several reasons why it can be more beneficial and rewarding to exercise with someone else.

You’re Less Likely to Cancel Your Workout Session

We’ve all had those days where we tell ourselves that we should go to the gym, but then our mind tells us “Oh, you can just go tomorrow instead and take today off.” The problem with this is that when tomorrow comes you are more likely to do the same thing again. Having a workout partner greatly diminishes this cycle because if you decide not to go, you have to call your buddy and explain why you are flaking on your exercise date. Just knowing that someone is counting on you to be there can alter your mind set and push you to stick with the plan.   

It’s More Fun

Most of the time we seem to be so busy with daily activities that it can be a challenge to see friends as often as we’d like. So, next time you make plans, instead of sitting down to a high calorie meal at a restaurant, try catching up while exercising. Not only are you working out, but you’re also having fun with your friend at the same time. You may also notice that the time passes faster than when you workout by yourself. This can be summed up in the popular saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  And if you’re enjoying yourselves, chances are that you’ll decide to continue exercising together.

You Can Do Buddy Exercises

There are numerous exercises that you can do with a partner. For abs, you can sit with your backs to one another and pass a medicine ball around in a circle. There are partner leg presses, various push-ups, and exercises, like the partner press and row, which can be done with resistance bands. In addition to these exercises, having a buddy to work out with also means you have a spotter for things like the bench press. Certain equipment should only be used when you have someone else present, so you and your workout partner can try different workout regimens in a safe and responsible manner.  

Some Friendly Competition

Okay, let’s face it, when someone challenges us to a little friendly competition we usually tend to rise to the occasion. You can have fun setting goals and seeing who can achieve them first. A true friend will be honest with you and if you are slacking on your workout they won’t be shy about letting you know. This in itself can provide a little extra motivation for those days that you’re feeling a bit sluggish.

Celebrating Your Success

When we achieve our exercise goals who better to share this with than your workout partner? Set up a rewards system that includes a plan of celebration as you meet and exceed the expectations you have for your exercise program. That way you both reap the benefits of your hard work and it will motivate you to continue down the path of good health.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. —Proverbs 27:17, KJV