When it comes to working out, I’ve always been more of a, for lack of a better term, loner. I like to get in, do my thing, and get out. In other words, I rather be efficient with my workouts and save the chit chat for another time. I’m also naturally more of a morning exerciser and if my mom is anyone to go by, I’m not the chirpiest person to be around first thing in the day ;).
At the risk of unintentionally sounding selfish, solo workouts also make it easier for me to stick to my training schedule. As there’s no one else’s agenda to cater to, I can solely focus on my own goals and stick to my own pace.
That all being said, I did exercise a few times with my friends in Singapore. Truth be told, those workouts definitely changed my opinion about workout buddies. Along with the social aspect, there are so many other benefits of having one:
- Support: A fitness partner makes it less intimidating to try a new sport, class or gym. The only reason I decided to try out another yoga class was because my friend raved about the instructor and was planning to go herself.
- Source of motivation: As much as I love working out, my motivation slowly dwindles as the day progresses. After spending the whole day on Haji Lane in the heat, nothing sounded better than a nap. Hearing how pumped my friends were about going for run when the weather cooled down was enough motivation for me to get my trainers on.
- Accountability: Just as you wouldn’t cancel a lunch out with a friend, the same goes for an exercise date. Knowing that you’re going to let someone else down if you cancel a pre-planned workout will probably convince you to stick to the plan.
- Extra push: Whether it’s running a bit faster than you’re used to in order to keep up, trying a new workout which you wouldn’t alone, or ignoring those moments of weakness when the temptation to call it quits hits, workout buddies can be all it takes to push you out of your comfort zones. Plus a little bit of friendly competition goes a long way!
- Synergy: This is really cheesy but so true- when 2 people are serious about achieving a common goal together, the energy, passion and experience is automatically amplified.
The runs which I did with my friends were the perfect balance of working out solo and with someone else. We ran together, yet didn’t say a word: as soon as we were ready to set off, we plugged in our iPods and our only form of communication was in the form of hand gestures to indicate which direction we were continuing on. The 3 of us had a mutual understanding about our individual fitness levels: whether one wanted to stop and walk or the other one wanted to speed up, there was no obligation to follow suit.
As difficult as finding the ‘perfect’ workout buddy is, I think it’s important to keep one thing in mind: Find someone who shares your goals and ultimately brings out the best in you…and be sure to return the favor right back :).
Do you prefer working out alone or buddying up?
I agree, I love buddying up especially for those harder work out days. Tomorrow morning I have a long run planned with a friend.
Hope your long run went well :)!
We are seriously sistas from different mistas because I feel the same way! I just want to get in, do my thing, and get out. And I don’t like waiting for others/having them wait on me. It’s uncomfortable. But with that being said, group fitness classes are SO much more fun with friends!
Uncomfortable…definitely the right word! I don’t work well under pressure!
I sort of don’t mind a buddy, but unfortunately I don’t have a workout buddy. So I go alone a couple times a week. it’s ok I guess. When I used to workout with my friend, it was annoying to wait for her during the weights section, and taking turns, I felt i lost like 20 minutes there. Happy Friday K… hope you have a fabulous weekend!
And if you’re a morning exerciser, those 20 minutes could be better spent in bed :)! HOpe you had a wonderful weekend too!
I’m a solo work-outer too–I go at 5am, and I definitely don’t want to have at conversation at that time of the day! That said, I used to go with a roommate occasionally, and it does give that extra push–plus there’s easy access to a spotter! So I’d say I want to work out on my own about 95% of the time, but there’s definitely room there to fit in a workout with friends from time to time.
For weight training, I would love to have a workout buddy…I definitely think having a spotter could help me both mentally and physically!
I usually like to work out alone– I kinda get in a zone haha But every so often I love going with friends to classes and stuff like that! 🙂
Agreed -it’s nice to shake it up once in a while!
Every point here is something I agree with. I love my solo workout, but when it comes to running I enjoy having a partner at times. Even with spin classes. I don’t feel obligated to chat, but it is nice to have that support!
Snap – I actually don’t think I have gone to a spinning class on my own! I am much more motivated when I’m with a friend!
It’s definitely nice to buddy up for some workouts.. I used to run with my sister all the time, and it motivated me to run further and faster. The other day, I ran with my husband, he made me push myself which was great! I think that was the fastest 6 miles I’ve ran in a long time…. I enjoy running on my own pace too though.. 😛
Well done on the speedy 6 miles :)!
I train alone most of the time, but you are right, it really is nice to have a buddy sometimes! It of course helps with motivation and then makes the time go faster depending on the activity. Plus I like having someone while at a new fitness class, I feel less like a goon hehe
Haha one thing is for sure- if I ever try zumba, I will definitely be needing a workout buddy!
I just came across your blog – I love it! I enjoy working out with others but it definitely depends on who the person have..as long as you’re compatible with your work out styles, it can be great!
Thanks so much, Irene- I’m really glad you’re enjoying my blog :)!
I agree with the buddying up!!! My friend, Anne is a complete yogi/cross-fit addict (and she just got her yoga teacher training) so she is (or will be rather) a great influence in upping my fitness game especially now that I will not feel intimidated to have HER as an official yoga teacher!
Oh man I need an Anne in my life…I’m sure my sentiments to yoga would be much different if the yoga instructor was a buddy! I’ve been dying to try out cross-fit…have you attended a class with her yet?
I cannot work out with others…I need to be on my own schedule! And that’s not hard to do at 5am. 🙂 Nobody really wants to hang out so early.
Hope you are having a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!
Wow a 5am wake-up call to workout…that’s dedication! Happy Mother’s Day to you too- hope you were spoiled 🙂
Love this! And that “drink it all away this weekend” pic made me giggle out loud (gol? :P)
I’m sure a small part of us can all agree on about the sentiments in that photo ;)!
so, so true! i don’t understand the fuss over workout mate, i don’t get it. i tried once, and it failed horribly – right from having to wait 22 mins outside her door to she chatting up between sessions. 🙁
As long as you get the workout in, who cares how so right :)!
It’s such a good idea to buddy up! I find I am more motivated and accountable for working out if I have a partner because I am a) slightly competitive lol and b) I don’t want to let them down!
however, I do tend to workout myself because I don’t have to rely on anyone else and I can do my own thing, ESP since I barely get enough alone time as it is!! 😛
YES about the alone time…one of the reasons why I love working out 🙂
Although I generally prefer to work out alone nowadays, I’m always up for buddying up. I lived with 4 girls last year and we all joined the gym together, I have to say I don’t think I would’ve gotten up for 7 AM spin class twice a week if I didn’t know other people were waiting on me!
Making someone wait on you that early in the morning is just cruel- I’m not surprised it was motivation to make sure you were up in time for the class!
Thanks for keeping me company, made that additional vodkaS all the more worthwhile ;).
Haha yes vodka plural, buddy! 🙂