5 Benefits of working out with a friend

If you find yourself wanting to skip your workout, having a fitness buddy can help you stick to the plan. When you have someone expecting you, you’ll be more inclined to show up to your workout. This can work both ways. On days your partner wants to sit out, you can motivate her to work out.

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A 2012 study conducted by the University of Michigan found that women who exercised with someone who was at a slightly higher fitness level exercised about twice as long and with about twice as much motivation than when working out alone. This is because exercising with a partner can bring out a competitive streak that helps you boost your workout.

Working out with a friend can give you access to a number of different fitness ideas. If your friend typically does a different type of workout than you do, you might wish to use each other’s expertise to switch your workouts. This will not only help to challenge you, but you might also find a new favourite workout. Working out with a buddy can also allow you to try workouts that are designed for two people, such as medicine ball tossing, exercises with resistance tubing or partner-assisted crunches.

Working out with a friend can help you enjoy your workouts more. Chatting as you burn calories can help your workout go by more quickly. Evidence suggests that your body produces more endorphins when you work out with a partner. These endorphins can help reduce pain, increase energy and lead to a more effective workout.

Read about the benefits of working out with your significant other >>