The “buddy system” is a concept that we’ve heard about since preschool. The idea of doing things with a buddy applies to so many aspects of life- especially working out. Health professionals are preaching that starting a workout regimen with a friend will lead to better results, and we here at Saratoga Health and Wellness agree! Did you know that there have been actual studies done that validate these claims, all suggesting that there are major benefits to working out with a friend and/or joining a health club? One study from the American Journal of Health Promotions found that working out with a buddy improved people’s satisfaction with their exercise, making friends at a health club lead to skipping fewer workouts, and talking to health club friends outside of the gym increased how often people went to the gym! Not only is exercise more enjoyable when you have a bud to talk to, but you are more likely to show up at the gym when you have a friend or a group of people expecting to see you! After all, no one likes letting their friends down!
So, the moral of the story is, if you are in a bit of an exercise slump and are looking for some motivation to get to the gym, find a buddy to keep you company, encourage you, and push you to continue working hard. Or, be a good buddy to a friend in need of an exercise boost!