The gym can be a sociable place if you’re not plugged into music or watching a screen. Should you exercise with a friend though or is it more beneficial to your workout be focussed in your own workout zone?
Whether you’re heading to a class or the gym, taking a friend will give you moral support and some guaranteed company. You’re more likely to look forward to your workout sessions and so more likely to keep them up.
Knowing that someone is meeting you at the gym is also a great way to ensure that you turn up. Noone likes to let their friends down. Plan regular workout slots that suit you both – that makes for an instant exercise habit.
Lastly you're more likely to keep going - run that last 5 minutes on the treadmill or do those last few sit-ups - if you have someone to keep up with. Noone likes to be the first one to quit!
So what makes a good exercise friend?
Two heads are better than one, and in the gym two bodies can get fitter than one. Go on, take a friend to the gym!
been training on my own for past ten years a training partner does help but sometimes have to go solo own schedule - no waiting around - just don't go too heavy -
Hi Trevor, I just looked back here and saw your comment! She just doesn't like exercising much at all, whatever it is, but wants to do it for weight reasons. I want to help motivate her but it gets tiring to jee her up for it. I might just have a chat about it to her and like you say, suggest another workout to try.
Sasha - do you know what your friend isn't enjoying? Perhaps a change of workout class would do it?
I mean that she really wants to go with me but relies on me to keep up the exercise habit and motivate her. She'd not bother if I didn't go with her.
Me and a friend go together, but it is rather me dragging her there each time than both of us keen. Sometimes I feel like her personal trainer but would now feel guilty going without telling her. Tricky situation - any ideas?
sometimes the gym feels really unsociable, with everyone in their screen or earphone trance. But I agree, we aren't there to chat!
I have made good mates at the gym which has been really helpful 'cause they're not there for a chat, just like I'm not. Taking one of my mates from work probably wouldn't go so well.
seeing both sides here - sometimes the gym is a place for some solitude after a hard day at the office coalface. Other times it is nice to have a chat. But a chat and a heavy workout are not compatible!
1 September 2014
gurjit s.
my training partners have stayed with me mentally motivating and inspiring - changing programmes from a year of weights to a year of cardio - running bilking walking swimming etc ...