Do you work out alone or with an exercise partner? Working out with someone could help you exercise harder or longer – if you choose a partner who’s more physically fit than you. That could explain why people push themselves harder when they work out in a group or with an exercise DVD where the instructor has a high level of fitness.
Can an Exercise Partner Improve Your Performance?
Researchers at Kansas State University asked 58 female college students to pedal a stationary bike as long as they could without stopping over six separate exercise sessions. The students pedaled, on average, 10 minutes before hopping off the bike.
During the second part of the study, researchers told the students that a virtual partner was doing the same workout in another room and their partner could pedal 40% longer. With this knowledge, they asked the students to pedal until they had to stop again. This time the students were able to cycle 90% longer. Knowing that their virtual partner was performing better than they were was motivating enough to keep them pedaling longer.
During the final part of the study, researchers told the students they were working together with their virtual partner as members of a team to achieve a certain score. Knowing they were working with someone as a team and that person was a better cycler, the students were able to pedal up to 200% longer. That’s the power of team spirit, isn’t it?
More Evidence That Working Out With an Exercise Partner Boosts Performance
A similar study carried out at Michigan State University found that women cycled 100% longer when they worked out with a virtual partner who cycled better than they did. They also found that women who cycled alone were less motivated to return for another exercise session. For some people, working out with a partner may offer the motivation they need to stick with an exercise program.
The Importance of Staying Motivated
Being motivated enough to consistently work out is a sticking point for many people. It takes desire and commitment to overcome inertia, get up off the couch and exercise on a consistent basis. For some people, having a partner gives them motivation and makes them more accountable – and having one that’s in better shape gives them the desire to push themselves harder.
If the idea of an exercise partner doesn’t appeal to you, an exercise DVD offers motivation and structure – and you can do it at home. Removing obstacles to working out is the key to consistently working out, and home workouts mean you don’t have to get in your car, drive to the exercise club, find a parking place and fight for exercise equipment. It automatically gives you more time to work out and gives you the freedom of setting your own schedule.
Exercising at home also eliminates the intimidation factor that’s often a problem for people just starting out. No one has to see that you can only work out for ten minutes without being winded, and you can increase the intensity and duration of your workout at your own pace.
The Bottom Line?
Different people have different workout styles and factors that motivate them. If you’re a social person who likes the company of other people, working out with another person could make working out more enjoyable and help you stay motivated – but choose someone who’s a little fitter than you are. If you like the privacy and convenience of working out at home – use exercise DVDs to add structure and help you stay motivated over the long haul. See what works best for you.
References:
ACE Fitness. “Does Working Out with a Partner Improve Performance?”
Psych Central. “Exercising with a Partner Improves Motivation”
