Is a workout buddy going to help you get to your goals faster?
Our Social Lives Affect Our Overall Wellness
As one of the big six pieces of wellness, social interactions contribute a big part to our health. Without any social activity, people can feel isolated and left out. Goals can be harder to achieve if you don't have enough drive. Motivation can easily die, and this can lead to depression, lack of confidence, or failure.
With socialization the story is different. Having a group, friend, or partner to share experiences with can be very positive and fun. Some people thrive through the help or support of a team, and this motivation can skyrocket into success.
But how can this relate to you?
Motivation
Having a workout partner or group can help really with motivation. Whether choosing the same goals or not, having someone nearby can act as a support system. Even just knowing that someone is there to listen to you and be on your team can have a big impact on the result.
With a strong support system, people are much more likely to be able to achieve their goal. Motivation can be given with positive speech, classes, group participation, or just a listening ear.
Competition
Having a workout partner or team can spark competition. After all, this is the whole meaning behind sports! The world loves competition.
I think this can apply especially in a relationship. When your spouse is working on their health, it might motivate you to do the same so that you can race to your goal. You can't let them get there first!
Try setting goals with someone else so you can support each other. Agree on a challenge with your spouse to see who can get the most workouts in a month, compete with your friends on who can get the most steps in during a week, or join in on team competitions with your favorite sport.
There are so many ways to spark competition with your friends, family, or coworkers to achieve a common health goal.
Bonding
Sociality can also increase bonding time. Whether it's a partner, friend, or group, relationships are built on time spent. So why not spend time together on healthy habits?
Build community through group walks, spend time creating healthy recipes with the family for dinner, or find bonding time doing a yoga retreat by the ocean (now we're talking, right?).
Accountability and Help
Sociality can also act to help with fitness or health goals. Someone else might have more knowledge about a certain topic that you would like to know more about.
If you join a hiking group, you might be exposed to new spots you weren't aware of. Maybe your workout partner has some healthy recipes or resources or help your journey. Or perhaps you have someone experienced that can help you with exercise form and workout structure.
If working out in a class or team isn't for you, maybe you're also looking for a bit of help and accountability with a fitness professional. Knowing that you are reporting to a session and have homework or that you've paid for a certain service like an in app program can help people stick to a healthy routine.
Checking in with someone else and knowing that they will notice if you aren't holding up your end can be a big motivating factor to succeed.
In The End
A social group, a team, partner, or trainer can definitely help you rise to success, but the important thing is to make sure you have the right ones!
It might not help if your chosen workout partner is more of a talking partner. Always keep in mind your end goal and surround yourself with those who can help support you along the way.
So how do you use your social life or activities to incorporate health and fitness?
Let us know below!
And if you're still looking for community, join my app! There you can find challenges and groups to help you succeed in your fitness goals.
See you there!
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