Lack of motivation is one of the most popular excuses people give when they don't want to workout, and let's face it, dragging yourself into a gym isn't always the easiest task to do when you're facing yet another treadmill run. One of the easiest solutions to the motivation struggle is finding a workout partner. Most people discover that it makes them feel pretty guilty when they decide to skip out on a planned workout with some type of partner- no matter how unmotivated they may feel. In addition to keeping you accountable to your workouts, having an exercise partner may help you work harder.
In a study published by Michigan State University researchers from Michigan State University discovered that just by working out with someone, participants of the study increased the time and intensity of their workout by 200 percent! Not only does a workout partner make you want to push yourself a little more, the emotional and social connection that you gain from your partner can also be hugely positive for your overall wellness.
More than three in every five Americans reported feeling lonely in a recent study published by Cigna Insurance, and with the ongoing recommendations to continue distancing from each other, the loneliness trend is one that is unfortunately only getting worse. Working out with a partner, even for just a few days a week outside, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation. It gives you someone that you can connect with, in a healthy way through exercise, and that can be a powerful bond.
Sometimes it can be a struggle to find the right workout partner. The obvious place to start is amongst your friends and family, particularly your spouse if you're married. If you don't have many options in your friends or family pool (not everyone will have the same goals or mindset as you!) then the next best place is at your local fitness center. Most centers, like St. Andrew's Family Fitness Plus, offer some form of personal training and small group training. You can start with personal training, where you work one-on-one with a trainer. Once you form a decent relationship with your trainer, you can inquire about adding in another one of their clients that they feel would be a good fit for partner training.
The other option is to enter into a small group training program, like SAFFP's FIT program, where you can immediately have a few motivated workout buddies every time you come in for a session!
If you're interested in discovering the benefits of partner workouts for yourself, please reach out directly to SAFFP's Fitness Department by calling 843-518-6635 or by filling out your online consultation.