Call up a friend and make plans to commit.
Getting active is difficult these days if you’re working on a computer. Locked into 9 to 5 hours, many people find the extra time spent outside of work is often run to zero with grocery shopping, kids’ activities, and catching up with family and friends. Finding time to hit the gym or go for a jog around the block can easily take the back seat, and sometimes for good.
The benefits of exercise are undeniable and contribute a great deal towards your overall, long term health, however. From helping to prevent diseases, to ensuring your mind stays sharp and your spirit happy, exercise is the golden ticket.
If your Fitbit isn’t getting you off the couch these days and the plethora of motivational YouTube videos isn’t hitting home either, experts say you might consider another route: call up a friend.
It’s that easy! Friends are more than just a shoulder to cry on and someone to share in life’s celebrations and setbacks. And there’s research to back it up. Here’s a look.
Social interaction the key to starting a fitness regime
A study done at Kean University in New Jersey found that interactions with peers can be key to sticking to a workout regime. If you’re a more sedentary person trying to get active, hanging out with people who love to hit the trails and grab a pick-up game of basketball can help to increase your own levels of activity. As Andre Bates, a Bootcamp leader in the UK told BBC.com, exercising with friends helps to keep you committed. It makes it more difficult to duck out of your workout.
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“You can make friends in a group exercise environment,” Bates commented. “And then if you’re not there for your usual 06:00 class on a Monday or Tuesday, they might ask, ‘Where are you?’ so there’s that little bit of guilt that makes sure you’re there next time.”
How to find workout friends
To make social connections for exercise, turn to your existing friends, first. You may be surprised to learn of their routines and might be able to join in. Walking for lengthy times a couple of times per week can be a valuable place to start. If no you know is active, challenge a friend to join you. You can both take up something new and start a journey towards wellness together. You might find a visit to the gym a couple of times a week at the same time keeps you motivated.
Alternatively, consider joining an exercise group and making new friends. This might be a cycling group, or a walking group in your area. Fitness classes are a great way to sweat en-masse, and sports clubs and recreation centers can provide the social backing you need to stick with it.
Experts say you should aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, and it’s OK to get this in just a few concentrated spurts of exercise at a time. You can also spread this time out and do a little bit each day. Remember, every minute counts and brings your health new benefits!
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