Over the past 2 years we’ve seen people drop off the fitness wagon soon after the gyms shut down and reemerge in Spring feeling tired and weak but motivated to move their bodies. Why was it so hard to stick to a fitness routine from your living room? Pandemic stressors aside, for most of us, it’s simply not motivating to workout in isolation when the only person cheering you on is yourself. I’d rather eat ice cream and watch Netflix than perform yet another bodyweight squat in my living room.
Let’s examine 8 reasons why it’s better to workout with others.
- It’s WAY more fun
In addition to the jokes, laughter, and the high fives, you can also do super fun partner exercises like partner ball slams and high five planks! You actually release more endorphins when you workout with a group because you are having positive social interactions with others.
- Accountability and Commitment
Working out with a friend or a small group means you are more likely to show up for your workout. It’s harder to make a commitment to yourself than if someone is waiting for you at the gym.
- Shared Agony
After a particularly grueling workout, you can commiserate together over a post workout smoothie, coffee, or beer (no judgement). Having a friend to talk about the challenges and triumphs of a workout is half the fun!
- Reduces Stress
According to this study, working out with a buddy or in a group reduces stress levels by 26% compared to working alone. This is likely attributed to all the laughing and smiling you do when working out with others.
- More Motivating and Adventurous
Watching others power through a workout on days when you’d rather snooze on your mat, helps motivate you to get to their level. You’ll feed off the energy in the room, making you work harder than you would if you had to face your treadmill alone. You’ll benefit from others cheering you on when you just want to give up and you’ll be more adventurous seeing others try new things.
- More Likely to Succeed
Whatever your personal goal is, whether it’s simply to establish a fitness routine, to build muscle, or perform a pullup; you are more likely to succeed when you workout with someone else. Due to the accountability and commitment factor, simply showing up is half the battle; when you don’t show up, you don’t make strides. You’ll also have someone to celebrate your successes with, even when you don’t notice them yourself!
- You Always Have a Spotter
Maybe you don’t have a friend that you can workout with because your schedules don’t match or your friends aren’t interested in fitness. Finding a group class or small group training program that motivates you can help you build relationships with those that share similar goals and lifestyles as you. The healthy actions of others can rub off on you. Working out in a group means there is always someone around to spot you, to help you out if you’re not sure how to use a machine, or to teach you something new and fun.
- A Break from Reality
When our days are filled with responsibilities; work, school, kids, errands, family, etc; working out can feel like another item on your ‘To Do List’. When you look forward to meeting up with your workout buddy or group, it can feel like a well deserved break from reality. During that 1 hour sweat session, you’ll laugh, commiserate, sweat, groan, and chat with others who have little or nothing to do with your ‘real world” life.
We’ve looked at the benefits of working out with a friend or in a group. But are there any drawbacks? Of course, but there are also solutions!
When you work out in a large group setting there is often an assumed fitness level. Meaning, it is assumed that everyone can perform proper squats, lunges, pushups, etc. Hiring a trainer can remove this danger, however many people cannot afford this luxury. That’s why we (Studio MoFitness) developed a Small Group Training Program where you can reap the benefits of working with a trainer but share the cost with a group so you may also experience those super charged group exercise endorphins!
Send us a message to find out more about our Small Group Training Program starting January, 2021 and our Early Bird Discount!
