Keeping fit is the best way to stay physically and mentally strong. It aids in keeping you in good health for the future and in this case, it helps you learn survival of the fittest. Training can be tough but incredibly rewarding so why not do it with your best mate?

The importance of staying active

We all, repeatedly, hear phrases like “you should be more active”, or “you really should start exercising and become healthier” but have you ever really thought about why? You know you should but why is it so important to be active?

We’ve listed only a few of the many reasons to keep physically active;

• It’s a natural mood lifter – studies show physical exercise can help with depression, stress and anxiety
• Boosts your energy levels so you can get more done
• Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
• Improves your overall health – lower cholesterol, helps with weight loss, aids heart disease prevention and lowers the risk of diabetes
• You feel like a total bada** afterwards
• It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and meet new people

Understanding that physical activity has so many incredible benefits is one thing but why not make it that much better by doing it with a friend? We all know that some of our friends come with a few extra benefits…

Our Top Reasons to Train with a Friend

Increased Motivation

You may be ready to dominate at the gym, but we all have those days where we just feel like we can’t punch any harder or complete that last set. Training with a friend automatically releases your competitive side, even if you don’t want to admit it. It will make you feel like you need to push harder, go further and keep up with your workout partner. Not only can you spur each other on but you can also make sure you have a slight edge over them.  

Fewer Skipped Workouts  

A 2016 study conducted at the University of Zurich found that people who worked out with a friend were likely to hit the gym more often than those who worked out alone. Having someone who is trying to achieve the same goals as you definitely pushes you to never miss a workout because you have someone waiting for you. But it’s not just the feeling of letting them down if you miss a session, but that you will enjoy it so much more when you get there.

We think there’s another motivation though – survival. The more workouts you miss, the stronger, fitter and more skilled your friend will become. If you slack off too many times, how will you ever be able to hold your own in a sparring session? Like we said – it’s survival of the fittest out here.

Accountability

As humans, we are really good at coming up with excuses or finding ways of talking ourselves out of the mistakes we’re making. By training with a friend you automatically have someone who will call you out on your nonsense and won’t accept the lame excuses you come with. Up your game in everything you’re doing – in the gym, in your eating, in your mindset – by having someone keep you accountable and remind you of what you need to do to achieve your goals.

More Enjoyable

We’re not saying you’re not smashing your workouts now, all we’re saying is that a friend will take you that extra step further while making you enjoy your workout so much more! A training routine can become mundane and boring after some time which is why having a friend as a healthy distraction to your workout can add an extra element of fun – ensuring you get the full benefit of your workout together.

Our final thoughts – the difficult part of training with your friend is deciding who to choose – who will motivate you the most? Who will be the most committed? What we suggest is possibly choosing the friend you want to punch in the face, or the friend you want to outlive if a zombie apocalypse ends up happening – definitely the best type of motivation, right? If this has convinced you to train with your friend then you’re in luck. Apply for our Friends with Benefits campaign and you and your friend will receive 25% off your first month and a free vest or T-shirt.