Choosing a Partner in Crime for Exercise

By Donna Kostiew

Life can get noisy, and if you are like me, the precious moments of quiet that suddenly appear never seem to be enough. I usually try to fit some exercise in during these times. I mean, how nice is it to be able to take a walk without having a toddler in tow, or to leave the demands of work and enjoy a run or a silent bike ride on the trail in the park? Doing so certainly has its benefits, but there is something to be said for making room for a friend during the times you work out. In fact, if your goal is to stay motivated with exercise or with establishing a fitness routine, a workout partner can actually help you succeed!

Choosing a Partner in Crime for Exercise

If you are used to exercising by yourself, maybe it’s time to try something new. Save the quiet time for that new book you just bought yourself and start working out with a friend because there are too many benefits of doing so to ignore!

• Accountability - We all know how easy it is to talk ourselves out of a workout, especially when life throws us one excuse after the next. The easiest way to combat this is to find a workout partner! You will be less likely to bail on your workout if it means calling to cancel on a friend and hearing that dreaded disappointment in their voice.
• Personal spotter - If you have any interest in doing more than cardio and want to lift weights, having a workout partner is especially beneficial because you will both have a personal spotter right by your side. Imagine having someone help you with lifting weights and checking your form. It’s a great way to make sure you are doing things correctly and helps with avoiding needless injuries.
• Competition - It’s human nature to be competitive, and having a workout partner will help to bump that competitiveness up a bit and will motivate you to push yourself a little bit harder while at the gym. It’s a great way to challenge each other as well.
• Excuse to have fun - Hitting the gym alone is fine, and sometimes even necessary, but when you go with a friend it can actually be fun. It is easier to establish a lifestyle change or a healthy habit when you enjoy it, and sharing a common goal with someone else is a great motivator to continue the hard work. (And think of all the health tips and recipes the two of you can share!)

Exercising with a friend doesn’t always need to replace those quiet times that we all crave, but it does have its benefits and can bring a lot of enjoyment to those grueling hours at the gym. So pick up your phone the next time you head out and find yourself a partner in crime for exercise.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.