Working out with friends makes exercise infinitely more enjoyable. And, with the growing popularity of group fitness pilates classes, even if your friends aren’t interested in exercise, you’ll be quick to make some new friends that are.
At Vaura, we believe exercise with friends can elevate your fitness journey to new heights. In this article, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of partnering up with a friend for your pilates workouts.
1.Motivation boost
One of the key advantages of working out with friends is that it gets you motivated to exercise. It’s much more tempting to take it easy – or completely skip a workout – when you’re on your own. When you have a committed workout partner, however, you’ve now got two people holding you accountable. The encouragement from a friend pushes you to stay consistent: and push your limits when you work out.
At Vaura, we’ve witnessed countless success stories where friends have motivated each other to achieve their fitness goals. Some of these friends met each other in their first class. Whether it’s setting up regular workout dates, competing in friendly challenges, or simply being there to cheer each other on, the motivation that comes from enjoying Vaura workouts with a friend is unparalleled.
2.Increased Enjoyment
Exercise with friends can transform workouts – and turn what might otherwise have been a mundane experience into an enjoyable, empowering one.
With social connections you look forward to your workouts. You can improve each other’s exercise form, share laughter, chat about life, and celebrate the small victories and milestones you reach along the way.
When you enjoy your workouts, you’re more likely to stick with them in the long run. So, grab a friend, put on your workout gear, and experience the joy of staying active together. There’s also nothing better than looking forward to that post-workout coffee or snack with your friend.
3. Accountability
Knowing that someone is relying on you to show up creates a powerful sense of accountability. Supporting your friend’s workout goals means sharing the experience with them, and this can be the extra push you need to stay committed to your fitness goals. Of course, knowing how many times a week you should do pilates will also help with consistency as well – accountability only works when your workout plan is sustainable.
Leverage the power of accountability by inviting your friends to join you on your fitness journey. It’s a win-win situation – you both benefit from improved fitness and increased motivation.
Plus, if you’re supplementing your workouts with a diet plan (which we recommend to maximize muscle toning), the friends that keep you accountable during your workout are the same friends who can help you stick to your diet.
4. Healthy competition
A little friendly competition can be incredibly motivating. It’s normal that friends working out challenge each other to push boundaries and achieve new personal bests. Whether you realize it or not, your performance is influenced by the performance of those around you. If you’re surrounded by people pushing their bodies, you’ll elevate yourself to do the same – and vice versa.
Friendship is one way that Vaura members try new forms of pilates. It’s up to you to find which is right for you, and by exploring the unique challenges of different pilates types, you can decide which is better: reformer or mat pilates. Whether it’s doing one more reformer set or holding a mat pilates pose for longer, healthy competition can help you and your friends reach your fitness goals faster.
5. Emotional support
Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it also has a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. By working out with friends, you’ll have people to share your triumphs and setbacks with. This emotional support system can be invaluable, especially during challenging times.
There’s a lot of power in community and shared experience. That’s why we created our guides to prenatal pilates and postpartum pilates, and designed our Nurture class: so that expectant or recent mothers have a space where they can exercise and connect with women in similar circumstances.
6. Improved exercise form
Getting the right technique for each pilates exercise can take time – especially if you’re just starting out. This is made even harder if you’re doing it all on your own, which is why at Vaura, our instructors will make sure you’re performing each movement correctly and safely. We’ll also provide adjustments if you’re dealing with aches or injuries, or modifications if an exercise is too difficult.
However, if you’re ever doing your own pilates outside the studio and want to ensure your form is correct, exercise with friends is your next best option. This might be making sure your back is straight when squatting, realigning your shoulders, ensuring you’re inhaling and exhaling at the right part of the exercise.
7. Shared recovery
One of the most satisfying parts of working out with friends is the camaraderie and sense of achievement you share after your workout. Going through high-energy, calorie burning sessions brings people together and gives you a renewed appreciation for the effort of others.
On your recovery days (that is, between high-intensity workouts) enjoy our lighter Stretch or Nurture class with a friend. These classes improve mobility and flexibility and will help elevate your performance in your next workout. Stretching also helps alleviate muscle soreness, supporting recovery and wellbeing.
To revitalize your fitness and wellbeing, enjoy exercise with friends. And, to discover even more ways in which pilates can benefit your body and mind, learn how reformer pilates can transform your sleep quality.