Join Our Team
The statement “never go it alone” could not be more applicable to workouts. Although you can make progress solo, working with a partner or in a group setting is great for your physical and mental fitness goals. Learn about the advantages of teaming up to exercise.
Greater Accountability
You’ve scheduled a workout with a partner or you’ve signed up for a fitness class with limited spots. Being a no-show is not only inconsiderate but could be a waste of money if you paid for a class. Working out with others involves a higher degree of accountability because:
- You’ve made a commitment to be there.
- The healthy sense of competition pushes you to work harder and make more progress.
- Your goals are shared with others who are working to tackle the same obstacles.
Building Motivation
For many, working out after a long day at work is the last thing we want to do. You might make an excuse about the long commute or that you’re tired and want to relax. As such, self-guided workouts are often undermined by fluctuating motivation.
Particularly in a group environment, fitness classes start with accountability, then build upon the group mentality, which encourages motivation. An element of competition exists but it’s healthy, encouraging you to keep up with your peers to achieve more.
Having a Dedicated Spotter
In weightlifting, a spotter is essential to ensure you approach the movement safely and avoid injury. Yet spotting goes beyond the weight room, particularly where form is concerned. When working out with a friend, you can watch each other for proper positioning and quickly identify injury risks before they become a workout-halting muscle strain.
Less Intimidation
Many of us avoid change out of fear but learning something new is often easier in a group setting. Whether it’s free weights or another type of new equipment, you’ll have an instructor showing you how to use everything with proper form. In turn, group settings allow you to add variety to your own fitness routine. Find a friend who can show you a new move to further your results.
Opportunity for Two-Person Exercises
Some routines require two people, like a medicine ball pass or partner push-ups. These exercises help diversify your routine and build upon the motivation two-person workouts can bring.
Improved Fitness
According to multiple studies, the habits of others can rub off on us:
- A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participant behaviors in workout settings influence others and are eventually shared by the group.
- A 2016 study published in Obesity found that overweight individuals tend to have better weight loss success when working out with their more active friends.
- Other studies have shown that if you have friends who work out regularly and eat well, you start to assume their healthier habits, improving your long-term health.
Improved Mental Health
Working out by yourself can be lonely. Particularly in group classes, sweating it out to work towards a common goal helps release endorphins and increases overall satisfaction levels. Beyond an elevated feeling of happiness, a study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that participants who exercised on a stationary bike with a friend or group for at least 30 minutes felt calmer afterward, compared to the group that completed the activity alone.