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![The incredible benefits of exercising with friends](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66b240e48677d.jpg)
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
It's more fun exercising with a friend
- You're less likely to get bored when you have a workout buddy, especially a friend. It's basically a win-win situation.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
It's more fun exercising with a friend
- Catching up or having a laugh during exercise and during breaks can help time pass quickly, too.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
You can build new friendships
- Exercising with someone you don’t know well provides an opportunity to build a new friendship.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
You can build new friendships
- Joining an exercise class is a great way to meet people, get to know them better, and make new friends with a common interest.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to stick to your commitment
- If you've arranged to meet a friend for a walk or booked an exercise class, you're more likely to keep that commitment.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to stick to your commitment
- Not wanting to let your friend or exercise partner down can be a great motivator to show up. And on those days you don't feel like exercising, a pep talk from your friend might be just the lift you need.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to succeed in your goal
- Having someone to motivate you makes all the difference to achieving your goal. Moreover, research has found that people are more likely to lose weight if their exercise buddy is losing weight too.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to succeed in your goal
- But remember, exercise is still beneficial even if you aren't losing weight.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
You'll work harder with someone else around
- Exercising with a friend who's around the same fitness level as you can help you encourage each other and push a little harder than if you were alone.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
You'll work harder with someone else around
- A workout buddy can bring out your competitive side, and when you're ready to give up, their encouragement is what you need to keep going.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
It can be more affordable exercising with a friend
- If you hire a personal trainer or buy equipment, splitting the cost two ways will save you money.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
It can be more affordable exercising with a friend
- You can also save on travel costs by car-pooling to get to the park, gym, pool, or sports venue.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Your friend may have new exercise ideas
- Your workout buddy may have some skills and knowledge that you don't, but you'll be able to learn from them.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Your friend may have new exercise ideas
- Along the way, you might learn new skills, such as refining your running style, or you could learn a whole new sport or activity.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
It's safer to exercise with someone else
- If you're lifting weights, having a partner to spot you can indeed be safer than doing it alone.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
It's safer to exercise with someone else
- It's also safer to have someone to go running with you, especially at night, as you'll have help at hand if anything goes wrong.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
You'll be less likely to bored and quit
- It's easy to get caught in an exercise rut. But research have found that putting a friend into the mix can increase the amount of exercise you do.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
You'll be less likely to bored and quit
- Research has also found that the emotional support of someone you trust can serve as powerful reinforcement when exercising.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
It can help you feel less stressed
- We often rely on family and friends to help us get through stressful periods in life. But a workout buddy may also help alleviate stress in exercise environments.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
It can help you feel less stressed
- On top of that, exercise, with or without a friend, provides stress relief, pumps your body with feel-good endorphins, and improves your mood.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
You may even live a few years longer
- According to research, if your fitness routine is a social activity, it may contribute to your longevity.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
You may even live a few years longer
- A 2018 study found that individuals who participated in group sports with more social interactions lived a few years longer on average than those who participated in solo activities.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Finding someone to exercise with
- Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find an exercise partner.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Friends or family
- Start with friends and family who live nearby, or maybe your neighbor or a colleague from work.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Join or start a walking group
- Walking groups are easy to find, or to start up from scratch. Find one in your local area and get moving!
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Charity or fundraising teams
- Many charities host walks, runs, and triathlons to raise money and awareness for their causes. They're also a good place to meet people.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Neighborhood boot camps
- Boot camps are a fun and affordable way to join a fitness group, which you can usually find at local parks.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Sports clubs or groups
- If you're interested in a particular sport, there's sure to be a club or group where you can share your passion, practice, and play.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Exercise ideas to share with friends
- Exercise options are endless. A few suggestions include walking, tennis, swimming, dancing, and running.
Sources: (Everyday Health) (Better Health) (NBC News)
See also: The life-changing ways exercise modifies your brain
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
It's more fun exercising with a friend
- You're less likely to get bored when you have a workout buddy, especially a friend. It's basically a win-win situation.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
It's more fun exercising with a friend
- Catching up or having a laugh during exercise and during breaks can help time pass quickly, too.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
You can build new friendships
- Exercising with someone you don’t know well provides an opportunity to build a new friendship.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
You can build new friendships
- Joining an exercise class is a great way to meet people, get to know them better, and make new friends with a common interest.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to stick to your commitment
- If you've arranged to meet a friend for a walk or booked an exercise class, you're more likely to keep that commitment.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to stick to your commitment
- Not wanting to let your friend or exercise partner down can be a great motivator to show up. And on those days you don't feel like exercising, a pep talk from your friend might be just the lift you need.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to succeed in your goal
- Having someone to motivate you makes all the difference to achieving your goal. Moreover, research has found that people are more likely to lose weight if their exercise buddy is losing weight too.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
You're more likely to succeed in your goal
- But remember, exercise is still beneficial even if you aren't losing weight.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
You'll work harder with someone else around
- Exercising with a friend who's around the same fitness level as you can help you encourage each other and push a little harder than if you were alone.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
You'll work harder with someone else around
- A workout buddy can bring out your competitive side, and when you're ready to give up, their encouragement is what you need to keep going.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
It can be more affordable exercising with a friend
- If you hire a personal trainer or buy equipment, splitting the cost two ways will save you money.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
It can be more affordable exercising with a friend
- You can also save on travel costs by car-pooling to get to the park, gym, pool, or sports venue.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Your friend may have new exercise ideas
- Your workout buddy may have some skills and knowledge that you don't, but you'll be able to learn from them.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Your friend may have new exercise ideas
- Along the way, you might learn new skills, such as refining your running style, or you could learn a whole new sport or activity.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
It's safer to exercise with someone else
- If you're lifting weights, having a partner to spot you can indeed be safer than doing it alone.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
It's safer to exercise with someone else
- It's also safer to have someone to go running with you, especially at night, as you'll have help at hand if anything goes wrong.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
You'll be less likely to bored and quit
- It's easy to get caught in an exercise rut. But research have found that putting a friend into the mix can increase the amount of exercise you do.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
You'll be less likely to bored and quit
- Research has also found that the emotional support of someone you trust can serve as powerful reinforcement when exercising.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
It can help you feel less stressed
- We often rely on family and friends to help us get through stressful periods in life. But a workout buddy may also help alleviate stress in exercise environments.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
It can help you feel less stressed
- On top of that, exercise, with or without a friend, provides stress relief, pumps your body with feel-good endorphins, and improves your mood.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
You may even live a few years longer
- According to research, if your fitness routine is a social activity, it may contribute to your longevity.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
You may even live a few years longer
- A 2018 study found that individuals who participated in group sports with more social interactions lived a few years longer on average than those who participated in solo activities.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Finding someone to exercise with
- Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find an exercise partner.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Friends or family
- Start with friends and family who live nearby, or maybe your neighbor or a colleague from work.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Join or start a walking group
- Walking groups are easy to find, or to start up from scratch. Find one in your local area and get moving!
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Charity or fundraising teams
- Many charities host walks, runs, and triathlons to raise money and awareness for their causes. They're also a good place to meet people.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Neighborhood boot camps
- Boot camps are a fun and affordable way to join a fitness group, which you can usually find at local parks.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Sports clubs or groups
- If you're interested in a particular sport, there's sure to be a club or group where you can share your passion, practice, and play.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Exercise ideas to share with friends
- Exercise options are endless. A few suggestions include walking, tennis, swimming, dancing, and running.
Sources: (Everyday Health) (Better Health) (NBC News)
See also: The life-changing ways exercise modifies your brain
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
The incredible benefits of exercising with friends
You'll want to find an exercise partner right now!
© Getty Images
We know that exercise is great for our minds and bodies, but sometimes it's challenging to maintain interest. So, if you're in need of an extra push to get moving, consider looping in a friend. From tennis to soccer, or a session at the gym or a walk in the park, simply surrounding yourself with buddies who work out can motivate you to stay active.
Want to know the other benefits of exercising with friends? Then check out this gallery.
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