Making the decision to get fit is one thing; while maintaining an exercise regimen is quite another. If you’ve tried exercising alone, you know how the cycle goes. At the beginning you’re rearing to go. As the weeks to by you begin to skip your sessions here and there. Months down the line you’ve abandoned the cause all together.
You’re not alone. Keeping fit isn’t easy, and many get demotivated when the results don’t show fast enough. Have you considered a fitness partner? Whether you choose to enroll in the gym, run, cycle or exercise at home, two are indeed better than one. Consider the following benefits of a fitness buddy:
Share your Goals
What are you seeking to achieve from your exercise? Weight loss? To relieve illness? To keep fit? It helps to share those goals with someone who has your best interest at heart. You will then offer each other support and motivation along the way. Whenever you lag behind, you have someone to remind you why you started.
Exercise will be Fun
Just as spending time with a close friend, a fitness partner brings a bonding aspect to the exercise. Getting fit does not have to be a strain; pleasant company will actually make it something worth looking forward to. Laugh, talk, cry, be crazy; just have a blast.
Accountability
You push yourself harder when you know someone is watching, and possibly asking questions. Someone who has your written set of goals and is checking them as you go along. You will go to the gym even when you don’t feel like; and go for that run even when you would rather be bumming on the couch. Remember you also have the same role over your partner.
Competition
Nobody wants to be last; and when there’re only 2 of you, there’re only so many options. You put in so much more when there’s somebody to beat. You’ll be surprised how much further you can run, cycle, walk or lift. Remember you’re also on the lookout for results. Who has lost more weight/cut more inches/grown more muscle? It’s a race to the finish line.
Avoid Injuries
You’re less likely to get hurt with someone looking out for you who’ll immediately notice if the stretch isn’t at the right angle, the treadmill is a bit too fast, the weights are too heavy etc. should you get injured, you have someone to attend to you or call for help right away.
Closer Relationship
Should you decide to exercise at home and choose your spouse as your fitness partner, your relationship will get better along the way. As you share goals, motivate each other, keep accountable and generally look out for each other, the bond between the two of you will be enhanced.
With company comes new knowledge, skills and the chance to try new things. If you’ve tried it alone and failed, you have a better chance of achieving your goals with a fitness partner.