Should I work out with friends?

Working out with friends has pitfalls and benefits. They can provide accountability, company, and encouragement. But they can also be a distraction. If your friends are more interested in gossip and playing around on the equipment than working out, your workout may suffer. Pick your workout buddies wisely. Make sure they know your fitness goals and that they are at a similar fitness level. Your workout may suffer if your partner is too highly advanced or not advanced enough compared to yourself. On the other hand, working out with someone who is slightly above your fitness level may help you push yourself a bit more. Use common sense and your gut feeling when deciding who to work out with.

Working out with friends can be beneficial because it provides accountability, a sense of support and a social outlet. All of these things lend themselves to higher exercise adherence. However, make sure your friends are aware of your fitness goals and share the same desires as you. While it's great to hit the gym floor with a friend, if your friend wants to spend time conversing, it may deter you from reaching your goals. Communicate what you want to accomplish from your workout sessions so that you both can get the most out of your exercise session.

Working out with friends is really a personal choice. Many people find it easier to stick with a workout program when they have to be accountable to friend, or a personal trainer, and they love the camaraderie. As NASM mentioned, it is important that you and your friends have the same goals so that you can make the most of your workouts. You will also want to make sure that you are at a similar fitness level. Your friend(s) could hold you back. If you find that you prefer weight training on your own, you might really enjoy taking an aerobics class with your friends.

Working out with a friend does have benefits, but choose your workout partner carefully. Your best friend may not be the best gym buddy. Choose a workout partner with similar fitness goals, and ability level. If one of you is too far ahead, or too far behind the other, it could present a problem, since you will likely be performing the same exercises at the same level of intensity.

Your new fitness friend will also need to have a schedule similar to yours. Many people find that working out at the same time each day is the best way to stay on track. (For example: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 am)

Choose a partner who is able to focus on the task at hand and not become a distraction. This is not to say that you can't socialize a little between exercises, but you're here to workout, not gossip. If you've allowed yourself 1 hour to workout, you won't want to waste it talking.

Your gym buddy should be prompt and ready to go at your prearranged time. Nothing kills the mood quicker than getting a late start. And once your both ready to workout, make sure your gym pal is positive and inspiring. A few encouraging words will go a long way in providing motivation.

With that being said, working out with friends can serve as a support network, cut down on the intimidation factor, help keep you accountable, and challenge you to perform at your best.

Working out with friends can be FUN and right now if you are starting an exercise program you should have FUN! Choose someone you get along with really well and someone who is in a similar space with exercise. Working out with friends or family members does provide accountability and positive reinforcement. Social support is also a huge predictor of exercise adherence. If in general you enjoy having people around then having people around to help support your exercise (and you are supporting theirs) can be a great thing.