What if I told you there was a way to make your workouts more intense while still keeping them fun, plus increase your chances of sticking with your program up to 200%?

Does it sound too good to be true?  What if I told you it was as easy as finding a workout buddy?

We've all experienced that temptation to blow off some kind of group activity from a major event to simple coffee catch up.  And what stops us from failing to follow through?  We don't want to let the team or a friend down.  And, once you got there you likely had more fun or at the very least felt better about not ditching your duty!

You can reap the same reward by partnering up for your workouts to increase your chances of success for both results and for being able to stay on your fitness bandwagon.  We know that one of the big draws of group exercise classes is the social aspect.  It's more fun, misery loves company, you end up working harder because you're more conscious and if you don't show up, people miss you.

If group classes aren't appealing, you can set up a similar scenario for regular workouts in the gym, the park or at home.  

If you're still not convinced, consider the following 3 key benefits:

1 - A workout buddy can GET you moving. 

How often have you caught yourself saying you'd start your new fitness program Monday and then something happened in your week and life that derailed your best intentions?  A 2011 study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that the exercise habits of people you know have a positive influence on your exercise habits.  If you partner up with the right workout buddy, you could benefit from their good habits or at least have someone that may be feeling motivated to stay on track when you're not!

A study from Stanford University showed that social support is stronger than any financial incentives.  A phone call every 2 weeks increased the amount of exercise of those starting to workout by an average of 78%.  Imagine what could happen if your support was a live partner, friend or spouse!

2 - A workout buddy can KEEP you moving.

A study from the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University surveyed married couples who joined health clubs together and found that couples who worked out separately had a 43% dropout rate over the course of a year. Those who went to the gym together, even if they did different workouts, had only a 6.3 percent dropout rate.

There are times during a workout where you may feel like giving up but having a partner can help you over those hurdles with a combination of motivation and distraction.

3 - A workout buddy can get you MORE results.

This is called the "Kohler effect" and taps into our competitive nature.  There is significant increase with exercise performance if you perceive someone to be slightly better.  

A study at Michigan State found that even a "virtual partner" added significant benefits!  Participants who were told their virtual partner had exercises 40% longer.  This perception resulted in a 90% increase in their performance.  Another group was told they were on a team which was scored based on the teammate who quit first.  Not wanting to be the weakest link caused participants to exercise for an average of 2 minutes longer.

One of the most staggering stats was on the impact of sticking with the program.  Over time, the performance of participants who worked out with a team continued to improve, exercising for up to 200% longer than those working out on their own!

Another study found that women who exercised with friends burn around 236 calories compared to the 195 calories burned in a solo session!

Exercise partners provide a powerful combination of support, accountability, motivation and, in some cases, healthy competition.   They can play the role of teammate, co-coach and cheerleader.  

Because everyone is different with workout preferences and motivation, though, keep the following in mind when searching out the RIGHT FIT for a workout buddy:

  • You like them - you're going to be spending some close up and sweaty time with this person!
  • A role with goals - they don't need to be a fitness guru but make sure you both share the similar goals and are at a similar stage in your commitment (past contemplation and into action!)
  • Good attitude - workouts can be tough so the last thing you need is a "negative nelly" adding to the challenge
  • Compatible motivation - people are unique with preference for tough love or a drill sergeant versus a more cheerleader or supportive style
  • Compatible schedules - if your schedules don't coincide, you won't have a chance to benefit from that partner

Team training is getting so popular, new equipment is being developed along with new programs and certifications targeted on partner drills. We thank the following suppliers for the fun tools we're featuring on our buddy training segment.

Lebert Fitness Buddy Training System - www.lebertfitness.com

Check out their site or google Lebert Buddy Training System for inspiring and creative options for partner exercises.

Muscle Up Canada - www.muscleup.ca

Look for a variety of bands, suspension systems and more that make it easy to create fun and intense workouts anywhere.

We're going to be featuring MORE exercises with these tools on www.libbynorris.com with links and ideas to get motivated and moving for the fall.

Do you have questions, need motivation or have ideas for future segments, email me at info@inspiredenergy.ca