When working toward fitness goals, one important factor many overlook is the impact your friends and family have on your success.
Your social circle does play an important role in your success! It’s important to surround yourself with people who share similar goals, but this doesn’t always happen easily.
How friends or family can (unknowingly) hold you back from reaching your goals
If you’re in a social circle that goes out a lot—eating out, drinking, etc., those friends may not be supportive when you’re ready to call it a night for that early-morning workout you have planned. It can be easy to get talked into staying out later than you wanted. Plus, they may not be concerned about the calories of the food and drinks that are flowing—and therefore, not onboard when you try to make healthier choices.
There can be other problems if you’re married or in a relationship. If you’re on a fitness journey without your partner, this can sometimes cause friction. When you’re frequently leaving to go workout without your partner, they may become resentful of the time you’re spending at the gym instead of hanging out at home.
When you’re getting fit and healthy, it can often cause resentment from others who are going about their business-as-usual. But this really has nothing to do with you! It’s almost always about them—their level of happiness and contentment, and possibly guilt for not taking care of their own health.
This is no reason not to take care of your health though, and we’re here to help!
Workout with others for the best results
Working out with someone else or in a motivational group—rather than solo exercising—is an increasingly preferred form of exercise. One study found that 95 percent of those who started a fitness program with friends completed the program.
That’s why we always offer FREE personal training for the spouse or the significant other of our clients. We offer this because we know how important it is to your long-term success.
Or, our Outlaw FitCamp classes will help you become part of a group of likeminded people. Outlaw FitCamp group fitness classes are fun and supportive.
Either of these options will help ensure that you have the family or social support you need to succeed!
Working out with others has the following proven benefits:
- Increases your commitment to a fitness routine
For most people, staying consistent with workout routines is difficult. But having others there waiting for you provides the accountability you need to show up.
- Causes you to push yourself harder
Studies have shown that working out with a partner or group significantly increases the time spent exercising. One study showed that working out with others improved performance and doubled the workout time over working out alone.
- Gives you a competitive edge
Working out with others can lead to positive competitiveness. Wanting to keep up with those around makes you push yourself harder than you would on your own.
- Boosts your mood more than solo exercise
A study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that people who exercised on a stationary bike for 30 minutes with a friend felt calmer and happier after the exercise was over than those who cycled alone.
- Diversifies your workouts
There are more exercises you can do to keep a variety in your workout when you have a partner: medicine ball tossing, partner-resisted moves, relays, etc.
- Gives you the support of being part of a team
When you work out with others, you gain a sense of camaraderie because everyone is there for the same purpose. A group that sweats and struggles through a workout creates a bond.
- Motivates you when you need it
When you work out with the right person or the right group, you feel uplifted and encouraged to do your best.
Don’t go it alone!
t can be hard on your fitness goals if your social circle isn’t supportive.
We are committed to helping you find the support you need. Because of this, we always offer free personal training for your spouse or significant other. And we also provide fun and motivational group fitness classes. You will find support here in reaching your goals—your success is our success! So don’t go it alone!