Why pairing up for a workout makes fitness fun (and effective)
ANN/THE STAR – Let’s face it, exercise can be hard work – and let’s be honest, even the most dedicated among us struggle to stay motivated every single day. But what if the secret to sticking to your fitness goals lies in having a workout buddy?
Working out in pairs isn’t just more enjoyable; it’s also a clever way to keep things fresh. A partner can shake up your routine, introduce new exercises, and make the experience far less monotonous than flying solo.
When you get stuck in a workout rut, it’s easy to feel like you’re hitting a wall. But with a friend by your side, stepping outside your comfort zone often feels less intimidating.
Plus, exercising with someone else is bound to bring a few laughs – which, as science tells us, is an excellent mood booster.
Time flies when you’re having fun, and before you know it, that workout is done and dusted. And let’s not forget the powerful motivator that comes from knowing someone’s waiting for you to show up.
It’s much harder to skip a workout when a friend is expecting you at the park, and that extra accountability can really help keep you on track.
When your fitness goals are a shared journey, they become more achievable. Whether you’re in it for the laughs or the gains, working out together can turn any session into a bonding experience.
So how can you structure your buddy workouts? There are plenty of ways to get creative. You can both do the same exercises at the same time but separately – think running or cycling side by side.
Or, you can work together on exercises like parallel squats, where you’re both in sync, pushing each other to go deeper.
Alternatively, you can take turns – one works while the other rests, spots, or cheers them on – perfect for those heavy lifting sessions where safety is key.
Interestingly, a 2013 study from Michigan State University found that the ideal workout partner is someone who is about 40 per cent better than you.
Why? Because we tend to push ourselves harder when we’re working out with someone more skilled, but interestingly, the research also showed that verbal encouragement should be kept to a minimum – actions speak louder than words in this case!
I’ve certainly found the buddy system to be a game-changer in my own fitness journey. Before the pandemic, I had a range of workout partners, but one of my favourites was my niece.
We’d hit the track together – she was seven years old at the time – running laps and meeting new friends along the way.
After our runs, we’d do bodyweight strength training before finishing with a fun 50m sprint and a dash up and down the spectator stands.
In the early days, I’d always win the sprint, but now that she’s 11 and representing her district in athletics, she’s the one crossing the finish line first. But here’s the fun part: if she beats me, aunty rewards her with a root beer float – it’s become our special tradition.
Unfortunately, these little outings have become a rarity now. Her schedule is packed with school activities, and like so many of us, she’s become glued to her gadgets.
But as I search for a new workout buddy, why not give a few of our old exercises a try? I guarantee you’ll find yourself laughing at some point – because if nothing else, a workout with a friend always brings that little extra joy.
So, whether you’re tackling fitness goals or just looking for a way to spice up your routine, grab a buddy and get moving – you might just find that the journey is the most fun part! – Revathi Murugappan
