{"id":5694,"date":"2018-04-18T14:39:26","date_gmt":"2018-04-18T21:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/?p=5694"},"modified":"2020-03-12T16:39:24","modified_gmt":"2020-03-12T23:39:24","slug":"buddy-up-for-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/buddy-up-for-fitness\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddy up for fitness"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you heard there's a way to double your chances<\/a>\u00a0to get fit, wouldn't you want to know more?<\/p>\n

If it sounds too good to be true, it\u2019s actually not! Studies show<\/a> \u2014 and fitness trainers agree \u2014 that one of the most important factors for long-term health and fitness success is a support system, i.e., a fitness buddy (or buddies).<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are social animals,\u201d says Wayne Andersen, MD,<\/a> co-founder and medical director of a nationwide health and lifestyle coaching program. \u201cWe seek the company and positive reinforcement of others, especially when we\u2019re doing work.\u201d That need for personal connection and support? It's primal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, here are five reasons you should walk (or do any kind of workout) with friends.<\/p>\n

1. You\u2019re more likely to schedule and stick to activities and workouts.<\/h2>\n

Having a fitness buddy means you're more likely to schedule a time to meet and exercise (as opposed to having a tentative plan for yourself\u2026 if you can squeeze it into your schedule). Which also means you\u2019re less likely to quit if you know you\u2019ll be letting your buddy down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a reliable workout [partner] increases your chances of sticking with your program,\u201d said Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT, psychologist, physical therapist, and author. Whether it\u2019s a squash game, a hike, or a weight-training session, you\u2019re more likely to follow through with plans.<\/p>\n

2. Time flies when you\u2019re having fun.<\/h2>\n

Time can drag on (and on) when you exercise alone. Think of those days when you\u2019re slogging through your treadmill workout, feeling like you\u2019ve been on forever, only to find out it's been five minutes?<\/p>\n

The company of a colleague or friend can help the time fly, and keep your eyes off the clock. Socially engaging with other people before, during, or after a workout can keep you exercising longer, and harder. With a distraction \u2014 chatting on a walk, for instance \u2014 your perception of how much you\u2019re exerting yourself is much less.<\/p>\n

3. It\u2019s less scary to try new workouts.<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019ve got a partner, it\u2019s less intimidating to check out a new gym or try a new class or piece of equipment. If you\u2019ve been eager to try kettlebells, experience yoga, or do a Crossfit workout, get a buddy on board.<\/p>\n

4. You\u2019ll feel more motivated\u2026<\/h2>\n

Most of us have a competitive streak, and healthy competition is a good thing because it pushes you to perform better. A workout buddy can be the motivation you need to bump your exercise intensity up a notch \u2014 for instance, walking or jogging with a friend whose pace is faster than yours, or lifting heavier weights. Chances are, you'll go all out; who wants to get left in the dust?<\/p>\n

5. \u2026and supported.<\/h2>\n

Having someone in your corner and cheering you on makes a huge difference with everything in life. A good workout partner who motivates and supports you will boost your commitment to your fitness goals \u2014 and your confidence that you can achieve them. They\u2019ll usually recognize your improvements and successes even before you do.<\/p>\n

Plus, celebrating milestones is always better with a buddy!<\/p>\n

Tip: Recruit a companion with a similar schedule.<\/h2>\n

\u201cFinding time to work out around your job or the kids\u2019 schedules can be challenging,\u201d says Kara Thom, co-author of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom. \u201cSo it makes sense to recruit the people you see on a regular basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ask a coworker to join you for a lunch-hour workout or take a walk with other parents who are waiting around during the kids\u2019 sports practice.<\/p>\n

Your workout pal doesn\u2019t need to be your best friend, but there should be an emotional connection. He or she must be someone you like and whom you wouldn\u2019t want to disappoint \u2014 which means you\u2019ll make time to stay active in your busy life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you heard there's a way to double your chances\u00a0to get fit, wouldn't you want to know more? If it sounds too good to be true, it\u2019s actually not! Studies show \u2014 and fitness trainers agree \u2014 that one of the most important factors for long-term health and fitness success is a support system, i.e., […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":5706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[66,15,290,408,446,149],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-mobile-hero.jpg","acf":{"post_type":"post","post_subtitle":"A support system is key for long-term success. Here are 5 reasons why workout buddies are the best.","post_hero_image":{"ID":7789,"id":7789,"title":"buddy-up-for-fitness-hero","filename":"buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","filesize":71893,"url":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","link":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/buddy-up-for-fitness\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero\/","alt":"A group of women in a fitness studio are pictured exercising together and having fun.","author":"49","description":" A group of women in a fitness studio are pictured exercising together and having fun.","caption":"Studies show \u2014 and fitness trainers agree \u2014 that a support system is one of the most important factors for long-term health and fitness success.","name":"buddy-up-for-fitness-hero","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":5694,"date":"2020-02-13 00:04:38","modified":"2020-02-13 00:04:56","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":960,"height":399,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":62,"medium":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":125,"medium_large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","medium_large-width":640,"medium_large-height":266,"large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","large-width":640,"large-height":266,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","1536x1536-width":960,"1536x1536-height":399,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-hero.jpg","2048x2048-width":960,"2048x2048-height":399}},"mobile_content":{"mobile_story_label":"Featured","mobile_post_title":"Buddy up for fitness","mobile_carousel_image":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-mobile-carousel.jpg","mobile_hero_image":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/buddy-up-for-fitness-mobile-hero.jpg","mobile_content_body":"

If you heard there's a way to double your chances<\/a>\u00a0to get fit, wouldn't you want to know more?<\/p>\n

If it sounds too good to be true, it\u2019s actually not! Studies show<\/a> \u2014 and fitness trainers agree \u2014 that one of the most important factors for long-term health and fitness success is a support system, i.e., a fitness buddy (or buddies).<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are social animals,\u201d says Wayne Andersen, MD,<\/a> co-founder and medical director of Take Shape for Life, a nationwide health and lifestyle coaching program based in Maryland. \u201cWe seek the company and positive reinforcement of others, especially when we\u2019re doing work.\u201d That need for personal connection and support? It's primal.<\/p>\n

So, here are five reasons you should walk (or do any kind of workout) with friends.<\/p>\n

1. You\u2019re more likely to schedule and stick to activities and workouts.<\/h3>\n

Having a fitness buddy means you're more likely to schedule a time to meet and exercise (as opposed to having a tentative plan for yourself\u2026 if you can squeeze it into your schedule). Which also means you\u2019re less likely to bail if you know you\u2019ll be letting your buddy down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a reliable workout [partner] increases your chances of sticking with your program,\u201d said Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT, psychologist, physical therapist, and author. Whether it\u2019s a squash game, a hike, or a weight-training session (spotter required), you\u2019re more likely to follow through with plans.<\/p>\n

2. Time flies when you\u2019re having fun.<\/h3>\n

Time can drag on (and on) when you exercise alone. Think of those days when you\u2019re slogging through your treadmill workout, feeling like you\u2019ve been on forever, only to find out it's been five minutes?<\/p>\n

The company of a colleague or friend can help the time fly, and keep your eyes off the clock. Socially engaging with other people before, during, or after a workout can keep you exercising longer, and harder. With a distraction \u2014 chatting on a walk, for instance \u2014 your perception of how much you\u2019re exerting yourself is much less.<\/p>\n

3. It\u2019s less scary to try new workouts.<\/h3>\n

When you\u2019ve got a partner in crime, it\u2019s less intimidating to check out a new gym or try a new class or piece of equipment. If you\u2019ve been dying to try kettlebells, experience yoga, or do a Crossfit workout, get a buddy on board.<\/p>\n

4. You\u2019ll feel more motivated\u2026<\/h3>\n

Most of us have a competitive streak, and healthy competition is a good thing because it pushes you to perform better. A workout buddy can be the motivation you need to bump your exercise intensity up a notch \u2014 for instance, walking or jogging with a friend whose pace is faster than yours, or lifting heavier weights. Chances are, you'll go all out; who wants to get left in the dust?<\/p>\n

5. \u2026and supported.<\/h3>\n

Having someone in your corner and cheering you on makes a huge difference with everything in life. A good workout partner who motivates and supports you will boost your commitment to your fitness goals \u2014 and your confidence that you can achieve them. They\u2019ll usually recognize your improvements and successes even before you do.<\/p>\n

Plus, celebrating milestones is always better with a buddy!<\/p>\n

Tip: Recruit a companion with a similar schedule.<\/h3>\n

\u201cFinding time to work out around your job or the kids\u2019 schedules can be challenging,\u201d says Kara Thom, co-author of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom. \u201cSo it makes sense to recruit the people you see on a regular basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ask a coworker to join you for a lunch-hour workout or take a walk with other parents who are waiting around during the kids\u2019 sports practice.<\/p>\n

Your workout pal doesn\u2019t need to be your best friend, but there should be an emotional connection. He or she must be someone you like and whom you wouldn\u2019t want to disappoint \u2014 which means you\u2019ll make time to stay active in your busy life.<\/p>\n"},"post_cta_status":"true","post_conclusion_status":"false","post_co_branding_status":"false","post_conclusion_text":"","post_conclusion_link_status":"false","card_title":"Buddy up for fitness","header":"Worth the look","footer":"3 minute read"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5694"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5694\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.engage-wellbeing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}