There are benefits to working out, in general, but working out with a friend can make you work out harder to improve your health because you will feel a sense of healthy competition, per CDC.
It is easier to stay motivated when you know someone supports you, and you are more likely to stick to your plan, which means you will reach your health goals more quickly than if you exercised alone (via Better Health). Also, it has been shown that you are more likely to lose weight if your exercise buddy is also losing weight, per Healthy Women. Also, when you see positive results, it makes you more determined to stick to a plan.
The Active Times says working out with a friend can help you avoid injuries. If you are lifting weights, you can have your own personal spotter or they can help check your form and see you are working out correctly. Also, if you do get injured, you have a friend to help you. A study done at the University of Aberdeen showed that having an exercise partner increases the amount of exercise you do (via Science Daily). Dr. Pamela Racknow at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Aberdeen told the publication, “Our results showed that the emotional, social support from the new sports companion was the most effective.” Knowing all of this, are you now ready to call your friend for your next workout together?
