Why Working Out With Someone Else Is Beneficial

It can be tough to motivate yourself to work out and exercising alone can be tedious. You might be highly motivated to join the gym in January, but as the days go by, it is easier to miss one day at the gym. Before you know it, you haven't been to the gym in days or weeks. It doesn't take a lot to lose that momentum. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can be helpful to find a workout buddy with the same goals, schedule, and commitment as you to reach your goals and feel more positive. A good workout friend will make you more adventurous to try different kinds of exercises, and you will be consistent because you will hold each other accountable. If you know someone is counting on you, you are less likely to skip the activity than you would if you were planning to do it alone.

Some people enjoy working out in general, but some find it easier when they have the support of others. They did a study at the University of Southern California where they found that people who worked out with others — a friend, spouse, or coworker — said that they enjoyed working out more (via NBC News). Also, you are more likely to continue working out if you enjoy doing it.

There are benefits to working out, in general, but working out with a friend can make you work out harder to improve your health because you will feel a sense of healthy competition, per CDC.

It is easier to stay motivated when you know someone supports you, and you are more likely to stick to your plan, which means you will reach your health goals more quickly than if you exercised alone (via Better Health). Also, it has been shown that you are more likely to lose weight if your exercise buddy is also losing weight, per Healthy Women. Also, when you see positive results, it makes you more determined to stick to a plan.

The Active Times says working out with a friend can help you avoid injuries. If you are lifting weights, you can have your own personal spotter or they can help check your form and see if you are working out correctly. Also, if you do get injured, you have a friend to help you. A study done at the University of Aberdeen showed that having an exercise partner increases the amount of exercise you do (via Science Daily). Dr. Pamela Racknow at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Aberdeen told the publication, "Our results showed that the emotional, social support from the new sports companion was the most effective." Knowing all of this, are you now ready to call your friend for your next workout together?