If you’re part of the BootCampSF tribe, you’ve hopefully noticed the differences between working out with others vs working out alone. When you are alone, it can be challenging to complete a tough workout. Especially when it’s chilly or dark outside (which is often for those in San Francisco). Yet, when you train with a friend, new possibilities emerge for motivation. Workout partners can motivate you to stick with a strenuous workout, and help you over the hurdles between you and your fitness goals.
Here are the top 4 reasons why it is good to workout with others:
1. Get motivated, stay motivated.
Admiring your fit and fab friend is actually good for you because the healthy actions of others affect our own behavior. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them. And a 2016 study published in the journal, Obesity, found that overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends — the more time they spend together, the more weight they lose. So if you’re looking to get into better shape, having a fit workout partner keeps you motivated. Especially during those moments when Netflix is begging you to stay home and veg out on the couch.
2. More fun
Yes, a good workout routine should be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share a few laughs. If you’ve ever worked out alone, you’ve had at least one “training moment” that might be really funny if you had someone to share it with. You know, like nearly (or actually) toppling over while doing a balance exercise or maybe running past a dog in a stroller. At BootCampSF we provide plenty of opportunities to laugh and bond with others. For example, you don’t have to plank alone. You can step-up the fun and challenge with partner hand slaps. Or build upper body strength and burn a ton of calories by doing the wheelbarrow exercise.
3. Push your limits
Researchers at Kansas State University found that people who exercised with someone they thought was better than them increased their workout time and intensity by 200%. 200%! But your partner doesn’t necessarily have to be “better” for you to reap the rewards of having him or her there. Training partners can be that extra push you need to do one more rep when you feel close to giving up.
4. Build relationships
The social aspect of working out with others can be one of the top reasons for exercising. People who train together form a tribe mentality and stop feeling alone. Yes, accomplishing something on your own is great, but sharing that success with people who care about you feels amazing. And what if you don’t meet that goal? It’s okay! Having someone there to encourage you to keep trying keeps you from giving up and heading the beckoning of your couch. Simple acts of encouragement build connections between people and create lasting bonds.
Final note
Joining a group exercise class, like BootCampSF, pushes you to work out beyond your perceived limitations. You are likely to work out harder, as everyone is exercising toward the same goal than you would on your own. If you are in the San Francisco area and are looking for the perfect way to work out with others, come drop in one of our classes anytime!
