While many prefer training solo, there are a few benefits to having a gym buddy to help you stay on track and motivate you to stick to your exercise routine.
Accountability
It’s easy to skip leg day if you workout alone. Having a gym buddy gives you more accountability. This also helps in building routine, especially if you’re just starting out. One of the biggest challenges in sticking to a workout plan is following it consistently, even on the days that you really don’t feel like training. Having a workout buddy keeps you far more accountable to actually showing up for your exercise session, because let’s be honest, you’re less likely to miss a session if you know your mate is already at the squat rack waiting for you.
Stay Motivated
A workout partner can help you stay motivated, especially on the days when you need a bit of encouragement to finish one more set, run an extra 10 minutes or lift one more rep to inspire you to keep going. Everyone has days when life gets in the way, and it’s a challenge to make time for yourself to get to the gym. On days like this your gym buddy can really give you that little bit of extra support to still make the effort to show up for yourself.
Spot Buddy
It you’re into lifting heavy, it really helps having someone around to spot you on when you’re loading the weights to hopefully avoid injuries. From a safety perspective, a spot partner is super important, especially if you’re doing heavy lifts. A gym buddy can also help in correcting your form to ensure you perform the exercise correctly, getting the maximum physical benefit from the movement you are doing.
Beat The Boredom
The gym can often be quite overwhelming, especially as a beginner. With a workout partner, you’ll be more inclined to step out of your comfort zone; try new machines or workouts, sign up for a new class, learn something new and build your confidence in the gym. A gym buddy can really improve your overall experience in the gym, whether its pushing yourself to work harder, to stay focused, to keep showing up and try new activities.
Have Fun
Training by yourself can get lonely. And while it’s important to stay focused when you’re working out, having a partner can make exercising a lot more fun if you’re motivating each other and enjoying a bit of healthy banter between sets! By keeping each other in check, you help each other to work harder towards achieving your health and fitness goals, and build consistency and routine, two vital ingredients for sustained progess.
Training with a friend or partner can be a lot more fun, it can help you to stay motivated and inspire you to keep working towards your fitness goals. A gym partner can help you on the days that you are feeling low and need some moral support stay on track with your exercise regime.