3 Benefits To Working Out With A Friend

Raise your hand if this has happened to you: You decide to get fit, set a goal, and start working out. You invest in cute gym clothes and new shoes. You spend three hours making the perfect workout playlist. Then two weeks later, you realize you haven’t been to the gym in two weeks.

We get it. We’ve been there. It’s easy to get motivated to start a fitness program, but it’s tough to stick to it! Luckily there’s an easy way to stay accountable and make your workouts more fun: the Buddy System!

WHY DO I NEED A WORKOUT PARTNER?

OK, you may not need a workout partner, but studies have shown that having one greatly improves your chances of success. Why? Let’s talk about it!

1. Accountability; It’s easy to skip a workout, sleep through an alarm or cut a yoga class if no one is waiting on you. It’s a whole lot harder to make those excuses if you’re going to be leaving your Sesh Fam hanging. In fact, peer pressure and social support can play a crucial role in weight loss efforts because surrounding yourself with positive, motivated people will help you feel more positive and motivated yourself.
2. Interest; Getting stuck in an exercise rut is really easy, especially when you’re trying to meet all your goals on your own. Once you’re bored of your gym routine, it gets harder and harder to get excited about lacing up those tennis shoes and hitting the treadmill. But if you have a workout partner to connect with, it gets a lot easier to brainstorm new workouts, find new exercises, try new classes, and more. Even just having the emotional support of someone you trust can make you feel stronger and more committed to your goals.
3. Motivation; It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best things a workout partner can be is fitter than you! An experienced workout buddy can help keep you interested in fitness, and provide living, breathing inspiration when you’re feeling a little demotivated. Plus, it’s safer to exercise with an experienced partner who can spot you on weights, correct your form, and generally help prevent workout-related injuries.

BONUS! Competition is healthy! Nobody wants to be the weakest link on their team, and a little healthy competition between two friends will result in both of you burning a few extra calories as you race to the finish.

HOW SHOULD WE GET STARTED?

If we’ve convinced you that the Buddy System is going to make your fitness journey way more fun and successful, then it’s time for the two of you (or more!) to get started together.

If you don't already have someone in mind, finding a workout partner can be easy! Start with reaching out to friends, colleagues or family members who motivate you and share your same goals. Your ideal workout partner is someone who won't bail on you or give in when you're thinking about skipping leg day.

One of the best ways to jumpstart your workout regimen is to join one of the seasonal Sesh challenges! These eight-week intensive programs are designed to help you push through your plateaus and build your strength with workout videos, support from other challengers, and the chance to win cash prizes.