Ongoing research by Stanford University has found that simply receiving a motivational phone call every two weeks can boost the amount of exercise a person does by 78%. If a simple phone call is all it takes the average person to become more motivated, just think about the gains that can be made when two people commit to fitness together. Even the most self-motivated person can benefit from a workout partner. Not convinced? Check out these benefits to having a good workout buddy:
Accountability. You will be less apt to skip a workout if someone else is counting on you.
Competition. Let’s face it, humans are competitive by nature, and a little friendly competition will up your game. No one wants to be the weaker link.
More productive workouts. We’ve all seen that solo person at the gym, who walks around, or sits on the bench for 10 minutes between sets. If you work out with a partner, rest time is limited, as you are either trading off exercises or doing them concurrently. Either way, with a partner, you are more apt to keep moving.
Motivation and support. This is probably the most obvious benefit. Workout partners will push each other to be better, lift heavier, move faster. They will encourage each other not to quit. They trade healthy recipes. They will even tell you it’s okay to take a rest day. There is no price tag that can be placed on emotional support.
So, what should you look for in a workout buddy? Workout partners should be on the same fitness level and have similar goals. But at the same time, you want to be fitness role models for each other. For example, if you have excellent core strength, but want to work on flexibility and improve your squats, look to someone who can help you in those deficient areas, and vice versa.
You should also have similar motivation styles. If one partner is a cheerleader and the other a drill sergeant, it’s probably not going to work out in the long run. Finally, you should trust each other. You want to make sure your workout partner has your back, literally and figuratively.
At XPF, we love to see people join together, or when members bring friends into the family. And we often see these partners make greater strides than those who go it alone. So grab a friend, and bring them into the studio, you will be surprised what you can accomplish together!