Workout buddies: Why friends shouldn’t let friends workout alone

Having a workout buddy is a benefit in more ways than one, it not only increases one’s accountability to working out, it also helps to pass the time and can help you push each other to work harder. At the Y, we have found that when you have a friend to work out with, that you are more likely to stick to your resolutions and realize your wellness goals.

With so many distractions going on around us, we all struggle with the motivation to get out of the house and head to the gym but you are much more likely to gather the motivation to do so if you have plans to meet someone there. Why? Because you don’t want to let your friend down and make them work out by themselves. When friends hold each other accountable to working out, it motivates them to exercise.

You know, there is something to be said about the old adage “misery loves company”. By no means does that say exercising is “miserable”, but when you are in the middle of a hard workout and you look over and see your friend sweating right next to you, it is reassuring. Friends don’t need to necessarily need to talk throughout their workout, even working out in silence, just knowing the other person is still there for you, is encouraging. Working out together can also build healthy competition (pun intended) between friends that can help them push each other.

Even if you don’t have someone you can work out with now doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Group exercise classes are a great way to work out with friends as these classes are filled with people who are all there to support and motivate every other person in the class. Group exercise is just one way to work out with friends, but working out together really makes the time go by quickly. All of a sudden, you have just completed an hour long workout and it feels like only 15 minutes have gone by. As a group exercise instructor myself, I cannot emphasize enough how fun it is to get to know different people in classes and work out together.

Now’s a perfect time to start working out with a friend. Members may bring a friend free to any Great Miami Valley YMCA branch from February 5th-11th. Bring a friend to the Y and show them the many benefits of working out together and you will both be well on your way toward achieving your fitness goals. Also, don’t forget that we reward members who work out together, when a member at the Y refers a new member to the Y, both members will receive 20 percent off their membership for as long as both people remain members. Not only will you be held accountable to working out, taking advantage of the fun and effective workouts at the Y, but you can also get a great deal to stay healthy.

Joanie Kirdzik is the Membership and Program Director at the Hamilton Central YMCA in Hamilton, Ohio. She has been with the Y for 10 years, serving at multiple branches. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health from Miami University. Joanie is a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise and holds many additional YMCA certifications including YMCA Team Leader Certification, Lifeguard Instructor certification, and many group exercise certifications.

— — —

GREAT MIAMI VALLEY YMCA LOCATIONS

ATRIUM FAMILY YMCA: 5750 Innovation Drive, Franklin (513-217-5501)

EAST BUTLER COUNTY FAMILY YMCA: 6645 Morris Road, Hamilton (513-892-9622)

FAIRFIELD FAMILY YMCA: 5220 Bibury Road, Fairfield (513-829-3091)

FITTON FAMILY YMCA: 1307 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton (513-868-9622)

HAMILTON CENTRAL YMCA: 105 N. Second St., Hamilton (513-887-0001)

MIDDLETOWN AREA YMCA: 1020 Manchester Ave., Middletown (413-422-9622)

More info: Visit www.gmvymca.org

In Other News

The new year brings new opportunities to connect with the outdoors

‘There’s always something new to talk about here’: Tourism in Butler...