It is a well established fact that fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This is especially true for Baby Boomers. We hear this all the time from the experts, and media all the time. For those of us who do engage in regular physical activity, we know how much better we feel and perform in our everyday lives.
Yet, finding the proper motivation for working out regularly can be hard. If you’re struggling with this issue, then you might want to consider finding someone to share you fitness journey. Even if you are well motivated and work out regularly, you may benefit from getting a workout buddy as well.
Having a workout partner can make it a friendly competition. This helps you stay focused on each exercise and makes it easier for your to tap into every bit of energy you have. Ideally, the workout buddy will also motivate you whenever you’re not in the mood for exercising.
Before you selecting a workout partner, you will need to examine a few things. The first reason to be picky is because you will need someone who can keep up with you (or who you can keep up with).
You’ll also have to make sure that your workout buddy will be reliable. Partners who miss workouts rarely motivate. However, once you find the right workout partner, you’ll see how much easier it is to reach your fitness goals.
Here are the five most notable ways a workout buddy will impact your fitness goals.
You’ll Push Yourself Harder
A study conducted by the Kansas State University in 2012 found that people who were working out with someone exercised for up to 200% longer and harder than people who worked out by themselves. Because we are all naturally competitive, we are motivated to see who performs a certain exercise better.
If your workout body is fitter than you, then you will push yourself even harder. Trying to keep up with with your partner will help you exceed your own strength and endurance limitations.
Workout Buddies Can Make it Fun
Hitting the gym or going for a jog are not the only ways you can exercise with your workout buddy. Many people find that one-on-one sports are great as well. Playing tennis, hand ball, or basketball are all great ways to work out without it feeling like a workout.
Even if you are stuck in a repetitive cycle of running and weightlifting, you will still have someone you can talk to. This makes exercising more fun.
You’ll Start Trying New and Different Routines
Don’t expect your workout partner to have the same interests as you when it comes to workout routines. When you both look for routines and programs, you’ll both find new and different options. This is good because variety keeps the workouts fresh and motivational.
You Won’t Quit
We’ve all been there; working out for a month and then taking a year-long break. You may want to give up on yourself but you never want to let a partner down. Because of this, you will be more motivated to stick with exercising.
You’ll Be Able To Afford A Personal Trainer
If you’ve never exercised before and don’t know how to start, then getting a personal trainer is a big plus. Unfortunately – they can be very expensive. Besides, if you have a workout buddy who is willing to start working out, then you can split the cost and afford a personal trainer.
Getting Valuable Feedback
In every form of exercise, effort and form are essential for good results. Having a partner who gives you feedback on both ensures that you won’t slack off and won’t hurt yourself with bad form.
For Baby Boomers, exercise is key to winning the game of life. But it takes time and effort. Having a workout buddy ensures that you’ll make the investment in both.