The Pros and Cons of Exercising With a Workout Buddy

September 15, 2021 in Personal Training

The Pros and Cons of Exercising With a Workout Buddy

workout buddy

Having a workout buddy could be just the thing you need to get back into the gym with a regular routine! However, for some, that’s not always the case.

While there are many benefits to working out with a friend, they could also be holding you back. That’s why we put together these pros and cons of a workout buddy and what will be best for you.

Workout Buddy Pros

The benefits of having a workout buddy can’t go ignored. From more accountability to pushing yourself further, here are a few pros that working out with a friend provides.

1. Less Skipped Workouts

When working out with a friend, there comes an accountability factor. Since you told them you’re going to do it, it makes you more likely to show up. It’s too easy to skip a workout due to a lame excuse when you’re alone.

With a friend, you can’t do that! The peer pressure working out with a friend provides can be the kick in the butt you need to make it to the gym.

2. Push Yourself Harder

If you have a competitive workout buddy, it can help push you both further in your workouts. When they reach a goal, it will make you work harder also to get that goal. 

Even if you’re the stronger, or more fit friend, having someone on your heels pushes you to keep ahead. This friendly competition is just what you need to continue progressing in your exercises.

3. Try New Exercises or Classes

If you’re alone in a gym, you may fall into the habit of using the same machines and doing the same workout. This can be great for a while, but soon you’re going to reach a workout plateau. When this happens, you can become discouraged from working out when all you really need is something new.

Working out with a friend provides you with the confidence to try something new and ask questions if you need help. Chances are you and your friend have different workouts, allowing you to teach each other how to use the machines without asking strangers.

The same goes for workout classes. If you have a friend in the class, they give you the confidence to try something new. 

4. Longer Workouts

It’s easy to stop exercising after only a little bit or a few sets. It’s also easier to cheat your workouts when you’re alone just to get out of there. When you’re with a friend, it makes you commit to being there longer.

You don’t want to be the first to say let’s go home or sit there and wait. Plus, it’s fun to have someone else there! You’ll see how quickly time can fly when you’re working out with someone fun.

5. Recover Together

Recovering alone can be challenging. Having a friend to help make healthy choices after a workout makes it easier to stick to those choices.

After your workout, you can eat healthy food together or talk about nutrition and ways to stay healthier. 

Workout Buddy Cons

While there are more pros than cons when working out with a friend, we can’t leave them out. Make sure you’re considering these cons before choosing your workout buddy.

1. Vastly Different Fitness Levels

If you’re well-trained and exercise a lot, you may not want to train with someone just starting. They could take time away from your workout because they need a ton of help. They could also push you to leave early since they’re going to be more winded, faster.

This is why if you are going to work out with someone who’s just getting started, hire a personal trainer together. They’ll be able to give them the attention they need while also pushing you past your own limits.

2. Varying Schedules

If you have a friend that wants to work out with you, but your times don’t align, it’s rough. To get in shape and stay in shape, you need someone to fit into your schedule and keep it consistent. Be sure to talk about training times and dates before starting your regimen together.

If you can’t figure out a good time to meet, it’s best not to get started. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a workout buddy; it just means that person isn’t it.

Try reaching out to a gym that offers shared personal training so they can set you up with a workout buddy that’s available when you are and won’t slow down your workouts.

3. They Could Just Not Show Up

You may find someone who’s in similar shape as you, they’re available at the same times, and you think it’s the best partnership you’re going to have, then don’t show up. This happens more often than you’d think. 

Sometimes it’s an accident, and your next workout goes excellent, but if it happens over and over, it’s time to move on. That’s why working out with a trainer is the best thing possible if you’re serious about exercising.

Your trainer will never flake or no-show. They’ll always be there, ready and excited to train with you and teach you new exercises.

Start Training Today

Now that you know the pros and cons of exercising with a workout buddy, it’s time for you to get started today! Remember, they can do wonders for motivating you to work out, but only if they actually show up.

If you like working out with someone but don’t have someone to go with, sign up for our shared personal training! We pair you with other motivated Peak Physique clients while still giving you an individual workout. Don’t wait any longer; contact us to get started today!




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