What’s better than breaking a sweat? Doing it with others! That can be especially true if you find yourself struggling to find the motivation to stop by the gym or you don’t enjoy your time there like you used to. Incorporating a friend or group class into your fitness routine can not only bring joy back into your workouts, studies show it can also make you sweat more as you push yourself just a little further than you might on your own.
We know many of you love a solo mission, but here are a few reasons to make the “strength in numbers” adage part of your workouts:
Commitment + Motivation
Commitment improves consistency and working out with others pushes us to stay committed. In this case, we’re talking about the positive peer pressure that will keep you from not showing up to a workout. In fact, one study found that 95% of people who started a weight loss program with friends finished it and were also 42% more likely to maintain their weight loss.
The Support + Energy of a Team
When you regularly attend a class, you start to recognize your peers. You become part of a team that’s bonded through the sweat and grind of a workout and the shared goal of becoming healthier and happier versions of yourselves. That team is also there when you need the encouragement and motivation to complete one more set, rep, or mile.
That Extra Push to the Finish
There’s this thing called the Kohler Effect. It’s the idea that no one wants to be the weakest link in a group. That might sound negative, but when it comes to fitness it can lead to pushing yourself just a little bit more in duration or intensity than you would on your own. A study by the Society of Behavioral Medicine found that working out with a partner, especially in a team format, improved performance and doubled the workout time of those who exercised alone.
You’ll Have More Fun
We already know working out releases endorphins, but doing it in a group can boost that runner’s high even more. A study from the University of Southern California found that people who worked out with others enjoyed the exercise more than those who went at it alone. One reason for that could be the smiling that comes with a great class. Research shows smiling alone can increase endorphin levels. More smiling means more fun and more fun means you’re more likely to turn something into a habit.
Ready to kick up your fitness routine in the company of others? teamTRAINING Unleashed is back and better than ever at Healthworks! Get 30 days of unlimited access to our high-energy, small-group teamTRAINING workouts that’ll motivate you to push your limits! Led by our nationally certified trainers, teamTRAINING Unleashed with Myzone offers you full flexibility for just $299, or get it FREE when you refer your BFF and they join the club this July.
Non-members or Republic Fitness members are welcome to join teamTRAINING Unleashed at Healthworks (women-centered) as well! Republic Fitness members, you also get $100 in club cash when you refer a friend this July and they join!
