When it comes to working out, having a friend along for the ride – or lift – can be beneficial. The gym can be an intimidating place. When you join the gym with a friend, you hold each other accountable and motivate each other. If you go with a companion you are more likely to try new classes, experiment, and different types of exercise. There is also always that opportunity for friendly competition when exercising with a buddy. This makes the experience more pleasurable and makes the time seem to pass faster because you are distracted. While you recover together you can reflect on and celebrate the goals you have attained. Joining the gym with a friend can be extremely beneficial!
Arielle, Emily, Katelyn and Tanya joined the Raynham Athletic Club as Workout Buddies on August 14th. I met with them a couple of weeks after joining. Each came with their own reasons for returning to exercise but knew joining together would help them achieve their goals.
Katelyn was rejoining the gym as “selfcare” and was pleased that Childcare came free with the membership. Her three children enjoyed their first childcare experience so much that they started asking their mom when she was attending the gym.
Tanya has back issues and wanted to work at strengthening it. Tanya was pleased that after attending a class, Group Fitness Instructor, Dawn, informed her that she would help her with her back. Due to birthing two children, she also felt her midsection needed improvement and she wanted to feel better about herself.
Arielle was looking forward to using the circuit and improving the appearance of her butt.
Now two months later, they continue to workout together regularly. They feel the RAC has a different atmosphere then other gyms. “Everyone is so friendly and supportive, a definite community,” states Katelyn. I attended a class with them a couple of nights ago. Afterwards the Group Fitness Instructor, Carla, posted a photo on Facebook from class. It pleased me to see Katelyn and Tanya’s posts below the picture. Tanya commented, “We killed itttt!” Katelyn responded with, “Yea we did!!!! Our muscles are starting to show!” They have developed a weekly routine of different classes that they attend together. One class they love is Dawn’s Muscle Mix. She states, “they have been consistent and because of this can feel themselves getting stronger”. On Facebook they created a group called Gym Gals. Here they remind each other to sign up for class and check in at the RAC when they come in and tag each other because this holds them accountable. According to Emily, “my friends keep me motivated”. Their children now also consider themselves “Childcare Buddies” and look forward to engaging with each other nightly. Another class that these Workout Buddies have enjoyed is Yoga with Ann Marie.
As Susan Trainor states, “Let the enthusiasm and energy of the group be your fuel.” Arielle, Emily, Katelyn, and Tanya continue to fuel each other and because of that, I have no doubt they will continue to be successful!
