Does exercising with a buddy really help you? Are you more likely to get in shape faster if working out with at least one other person? Although there are a few cons to deal with when pumping iron with a bestie, such as convincing the person to exercise with you in the first place, fitness experts seem to stand united on the “Heck yes, it helps!” front. Check it out:
Friends Motivate On Those “I Feel Like a Big Slug” Days
Having a “I love my couch and I don’t want to leave it” day? Your workout buddy is there to provide motivation. The same is true when she can’t be bothered to lift a weight or go to that interpretive dance-yoga-spinning-circuit training class. You’ll both get in better shape faster when you have each other to say “Hey! Scoot your boot!”
Friends Provide Companionship On Those Long Walks Or Intense Cardio Classes
For some, working out can be a bit lonely. Having a friend to talk to during a hiking session or smile at while you’re both sweating it out in aerobics class offers a much-needed dose of companionship. You can giggle quietly while attempting a crazy yoga pose or make each other feel less disgusting after sweating all the liquids out of your body.
[adrotate banner=”26″]Friends Help You De-Stress When You Need It Most
It’s generally common knowledge that working out is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, and helps flood your brain with all kinds of feel-good endorphins. Friends also work as a stress reliever, as you can vent to them about what’s bugging you, laugh with them, listen to their stories and forget your own worries, and otherwise simply enjoy each other’s company. Now that’s some good stress-relieving!
Friends Spot You When Lifting Weights Or Help Fend Off a Bear While Hiking
Another benefit to working out with a friend or two? You have a built-in spotter. A friend will tell you if you’re performing an exercise incorrectly, and won’t leave you when you get stuck under a piece of faulty exercise equipment. It’s always safer to bring at least one person with you when exercising outdoors as well, such as when hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing or even walking around the neighborhood.
Friends Bring Out Your Competitive Side
It’s fun to compete, although hopefully in a playful rather than green-eyed, scary way. You’re going to work at least a little harder when exercising with one or more friends, especially if some of them are in better shape than you. Being able to keep up with each other is a great motivator and will help you reach your goal than much quicker.
Working out with a friend makes exercise more fun! Although dealing with someone else’s schedule can be annoying, if you come up with a set workout schedule for the month and stick to it, you’ll both be in great shape (literally and figuratively). If all of your friends are really lazy or otherwise cannot work out with you, try neighbors or co-workers, or look on Jillian Michaels and similar sites for workout buddies in your area. You might make a few new friends in addition to getting in great shape!
[adform]
Sources
Chicago Now
Leave a Reply