Partner workouts: Your fitness success secret

Having trouble getting to the gym? Resolutions to get in better shape on the back burner? It may be time for a new, super effective strategy.

No, it’s not high-intensity interval training (although that will help too). One of the keys to getting a better workout and sticking to a workout plan is to try buddying up. Take a look at these four reasons why exercising with a partner works so well.

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1. It keeps you accountable

Working out with a friend or in a group setting is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to stay accountable. “People come up with too many excuses for themselves and talk themselves out of going to the gym, but having that someone to talk you into it helps,” says Cil Westphal, a fitness professional and TEAM instructor at Life Time Fitness in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Buddy-up tip: Schedule your workout time with your partner and stick to it — don’t be afraid to call out your friend for missing a session without making it up (and encourage them to do the same for you!).

2. It makes workouts fun

If you have a hard time staying motivated, a buddy or group workout can keep exercise fun and help you pass the time more quickly than a solo slog on the treadmill. Sharing the struggle of that hundredth squat can make the minutes fly by. Researchers observing a group of rowers found that individuals could tolerate pain from physical exercise better if they were in a group than if they were alone.

Buddy-up tip: Have an especially adventurous friend? Take them to try workouts you wouldn’t do alone, like rock climbing, ballroom dancing, partner yoga, or Bollywood dancing.

3. It’s social

Having a hard time squeezing in a friend catch-up or much-needed couple time? Combine two in one and plan a fitness date. Sweating it out in a class will do your body better than eating an indulgent meal, and you’ll bond over the shared experience.

If you’re looking for a fitness buddy, group classes are a great way to meet someone who has a similar schedule and exercise interest. “The group element adds the social factor that can help make going to the gym less of a chore and more of a reward because you get to interact with a community,” says Adam Rozmenoski, CSCS, personal trainer and boot camp instructor at Life Time Fitness in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Buddy-up tip: Introduce yourself to a classmate by talking about a move you loved or how much you like (or dislike!) the instructor, or by asking if they have other class recommendations.

4. It pushes you to improve

“A group environment can bring a competitive element to fitness and wellness goals. When you see your team improving, it’s inspiring to keep working toward your goals, Rozmenoski says. So if you want to run a slightly faster mile or do a few more sit-ups, a group can help you push to the next level.

Buddy-up tip: CrossFit workouts challenge participants to do as many reps as possible in a set amount of time. It’s definitely physically and mentally tough, but working in a group environment will help you make it through. Or try tagging along with a friend’s race training, even if you aren’t competing. You’ll support her toward her goal while pushing yourself to keep up.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.