It may just sound like a fun way to get in your workout, but studies have actually shown that working out with a partner has more benefits than hitting the gym solo. Here are some reasons why!
---ACCOUNTABILITY: From what I've seen as a trainer, an issue that many people face is the motivation to actually GET to the gym. Having a buddy relying on you to meet before or after work makes cancelling a little harder. It's one thing to change your mind when plans only involve yourself, but completely different when it involves making or breaking another person's success. You are much more likely to meet your friend to workout than you are to follow through with your own plans because, no matter what, you'll always be able to give yourself a million excuses. When you have someone making plans with you, you also have that extra little push needed sometimes. Let's face it, everyone has those days where they just don't feel like it. A good workout partner won't let you fail.
---FUN: Last time I checked, most people do not find cardio to be too exciting. With a partner, you could create some friendly competition, like seeing who could run a mile faster or even who can stay at level 14 on the stair climber the longest. Regardless of how you do it, it will definitely be more enjoyable. Personal training with a partner can also be more entertaining. Instead of just hearing your trainer, who's already annoying you with the challenging workout, why not include a friend to laugh along with. That could make weighted lunges a lot easier. There are dozens of exercises that are designed specifically for two or more people to do and, often times, include working a lot more than just one muscle group at a time, too.
---RESULTS: Studies have also shown that when you choose to workout with a friend, the intensity of your workout is a lot higher than when you're by yourself. Whether it's because of that friendly competition mentioned earlier, or because you vibe off each other, you are working harder and that's what gets you to your goals. Chances are, if you feel like quitting, but your buddy is still hitting it hard, you will continue too. If you are in the gym even a little longer each day because you have someone with you cheering you on, that alone is worth it! Another thing people might not consider is the fact that changing up your routine is essential. Having someone alongside will definitely help you to feel more confident in trying new things and get our of your rut. If changing your routine becomes difficult for both of you, personal training is also a lot more affordable when it's with two people, literally splitting the costs.
These are just a few of the awesome benefits working out with someone else has. You'll also have a spotter, an emotional support system, and another person to truly understand how sore your legs are the day after you worked them. I can't think of any reasons why you wouldn't consider asking your friend to join you. To help get you started, try out these partner exercises!
1. Medicine ball squat with rotational pass- Stand back-to-back and drop into a squat so thighs are parallel to floor. Hold this position throughout the entire exercise. Partner A should hold the medicine ball at chest height and rotate left. Partner B should rotate right to take the ball and then quickly pass it over left side, so partner A can accept the ball once again at his/her right side. Repeat 10x per direction.
2. Medicine ball sit up pass- Both partners lie face-up, knees bent, feet flat on the floor with ankles overlapping. Partner A holds the ball with extended arms overhead. Contract abs and sit up, bringing up arms and medicine ball to face partner. At the same time, Partner B also performs a sit-up without the ball. A hands B the medicine ball. As both partners lower back down, B takes the ball overhead to lightly tap it on the ground behind head before sitting up and passing the ball back to A.
3. Partner resistance band heel taps- Partner A lies face-up with partner B standing at A's head. A brings feet in table top position, shins parallel to the ground. B holds both ends of the resistance band and carefully loops the band around A's feet. Throughout the movement, B should be standing, core tight, knees slightly bent, arms holding the ends of the band. Once in position, A should contract core and slowly lower both heels towards the ground, tapping heels, then returning to table-top position. Make sure the band is securely looped at the center of A's feet so it won't snap back and hit B.
Gain accountability, fun and results-- Bring yourself and a buddy to a semi-private training session at Fit Therapy of Texas. Participate in unlimited training for only $199/month, that's as low as $8/session. Contact Fit Therapy of Texas to find out more about this limited time offer!