Social comparison theory offers some insight on the effects of exercising with others. The theory details “that individuals often assess how well they are doing by comparing themselves with others around them." That being said, studies show that training with a friend offers numerous benefits. Just be sure to partner up with someone at the same fitness level as you and with similar goals. If you like to run and want to improve your running time but your partner prefers yoga, this won't be a good match.
A study from the Dept. of Kinesiology at Indiana University, surveyed married couples who joined health clubs together. Their findings found that couples who do not workout together or workout at the gym at the same time had a 43% dropout rate over the course of a year. Whereas the couples that went to the gym together, regardless if they actually did the same exercises, had only a 6.3% dropout rate!
Why it works:
- It can be more economical as you are sharing the cost between 2 people
- A great method for motivation (even a little friendly competition is good)
- You can be accountable to your training partner and yourself with a set appointment
- It's more fun working out than slugging along solo
Ready to partner up?
Find someone to train with and let me know when you both can start... lets all do this together!
