Sociable Ways to Work Out

Regular exercise is one of the most important factors in staying healthy. The NHS recommends two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity for adults every week, in addition to exercises to strengthen muscles. We all know that we should work out more often — but not nearly enough of us do. This isn’t surprising; getting motivated to work out isn’t easy. After a long day at work, the last thing most of us want to do is head to the gym.
 
When working out becomes a chance to see friends or family, it doesn’t seem like such a chore. Furthermore, knowing that other people are relying on us to help motivate is a great incentive not to be late to or absent from workout sessions. Having a gym partner means that exercising is no longer a silent, solitary activity. For those of us who are motivated by guilt, it can also be helpful to know that not turning up involves letting someone else down. From a practical perspective, a gym buddy is also helpful. Free weights, for instance, require a ‘spotter’ to stand by in case of the lifter losing control of the weights.

Although a gym buddy is a great asset to a workout plan, most gym exercises don’t exactly lend themselves to social interaction. It’s no wonder, then, that team and competitive sports such as football, tennis or rugby are among the most popular forms of exercise in Britain. The group nature of these activities makes them easy to schedule and remember, and the prospect of competition creates a goal that makes training feel more worthwhile.
 
Of course, not everyone is a sport fan, and it isn’t always easy to find clubs or teams playing your favourite sport even if you are. But team sports are not the only type of sociable exercise. Even simple activities like jogging or cycling are more fun with a friend. Walking with a partner and walking alone are completely different experiences; companionship and conversation can make what would have seemed like a tedious slog into an enjoyable social experience.
 
Group classes are another great way to get friends involved in getting healthy. From pilates classes to yoga, aerobics or martial arts, taking a class creates structure and discipline, making it easy and enjoyable to get the exercise your body needs. Taking a class with friends not only provides an enjoyable shared exercise experience, but teaches your group a shared form of exercise that you can practice together in future, increasing the number of physical activities you can do as a group. No matter what kind of exercise you do, making it social can help to make it more enjoyable, keep you motivated and help others at the same time.
 
There is no time like the present to get involved. Why not consider one of the pilates classes Manchester events or other pilates classes around the country.

So why not try some of the above? What’s your favourite way to workout? Leave a comment below.