Me And My Workout Buddy
Health & Fitness|Issue 243
The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round
Sarah Sellens
Me And My Workout Buddy

Friends who train together get better gains together – that’s the overriding message from the latest sports science, which shows that working out with a partner ups the amount of exercise we do. And that’s not all – research from wellness booking app, MINDBODY (uk.mindbodyonline.com), reveals that more than half of gym-goers say exercising with a friend is more fun than moving alone, while one in five believe that having a workout partner makes them less self-conscious and more able to push themselves. Some people even feel encouraged to run further when training with a buddy. A study in the journal Nature Communications shows that joggers cover an extra 0.3km for every extra kilometre their pal clocks.

CONFIDENCE BOOST

But while it’s clear that getting fit with a friend could enhance your health, your exercise buddy needn’t be a best pal – nearly a quarter of folk work out with family members, and recent data reveals that regularly walking a canine comrade could make you four times more likely to meet your exercise RDA. Working out with another provides the motivation many need to keep going, it can also be a great confidence booster. ‘If people attend a fitness class on their own, they may feel nervous because they don’t know anybody else, or worry that regular attendees have established friendships,’ says Ben Edwards, self-confidence coach at MINDBODY. ‘Exercise can be incredibly sociable, and doing it with a partner can act as a safety blanket.’ We speak to three women whose workout buddies have given them the get-up-and-go to keep fit, whatever the weather.

This story is from the Issue 243 edition of Health & Fitness.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 243 edition of Health & Fitness.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEALTH & FITNESSView All
Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight
Health & Fitness

Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight

Too busy, tired or stressed to work out? Stop feeling guilty, sometimes it’s ok to skip a session. Here’s why...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 243
How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym
Health & Fitness

How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 243
Ski, Hike, Bike
Health & Fitness

Ski, Hike, Bike

H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 243
We're Talking To… Vick Hope
Health & Fitness

We're Talking To… Vick Hope

The TV presenter and Capital FM DJ talks about what makes her feel truly alive

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

You Have Got Time T0 Run

Is the festive season taking a toll on your training? Follow these tips to squeeze in your workouts, no matter how busy you are

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Soothe Xmas Stress
Health & Fitness

Soothe Xmas Stress

Feeling far from festive? Follow this four-step plan to find support

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Rest & Restore

It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Me And My Workout Buddy

The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

I'm Building A Fitness Empire!

From reality star to sportswear designer, Gabby Allen is on a mission to help you look and feel fab

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Get Connected

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243