The More the Merrier! Working Out with a Partner

You started off great:  You've made up your mind to commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle of eating right and going to the gym regularly.  You made a plan, and stuck to the routine.  It's all good at first, but after only a few weeks you find yourself not as motivated, you begin putting other things at higher importance and you much rather go out for a drink with friends after work than to the gym.

Why not bring them along?

Humans are social creatures, we love being around others and our peers often drive our likes, dislikes, goals and motivations.  So why would working out be any different?  If you're going to the gym after work and choosing grilled chicken on your salad instead of going to the bar and ordering buffalo wings, chances are you will be more prone to losing that strict dedication to your own health, and 'do as the natives do.'  It's just human nature.

But many studies prove that working out with a partner--your boyfriend, your best friend, you mom, your kid, or even a personal trainer at your gym--will help you stay on track.  Having a common goal between the two (or more!) of you will keep your excitement, interest, and you'll have less chance of trying to skip out on a regular workout when you know you get to catch up with a girlfriend that you wouldn't otherwise get to see because of busy schedules.

"Working out in a group provides support, accountability and structure," says Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the YMCA.  That article goes on to site studies in scientific journals that supports that working out with one or more person is the way to go.  Here are other benefits:

-  Competition between your and your partner can lead to a harder workout
-  It could be more fun!  The more fun you have with a group, the less it will feel like work
-  You won't want to let your friends down (in this case, a little guilt could go a long way!)

If you don't have a specific partner in mind, try joining the classes at your gym or local YMCA, or even online groups dedicated to health and fitness.