We all know exercise is great for both our physical and mental health, but sometimes it can be difficult to maintain interest and stay motivated. Exercising with a friend can have amazing results.

It’s more fun

You’re less likely to get bored when working out with a friend. You can catch up, have a laugh while you workout. Scientists from the University of Southern California found that people who worked out with friends said they enjoyed it more than those who worked out alone.

Improved commitment & fewer skipped sessions

If you’ve arranged to meet a friend for a workout, swim or class, you’re more likely to stick to that commitment. Not wanting to let your friend or exercise partner down can be a great motivator to show up on those days when you don’t feel like exercising.

You’re more likely to succeed in your goals

Having someone to motivate you can make all the difference in achieving your goals. You’ll spur each other on and offer words of encouragement when the going gets tough.

A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that the emotional support of someone you trust can serve as a powerful reinforcement for fitness goals.

It’ll help you feel less stressed

Most of us know that exercise itself provides stress relief, pumping our bodies with feel-good endorphins. Sometimes exercise environments can actually make us feel stressed.

Working out with a friend will help alleviate stress in exercise environments. A lot of us gain confidence when our friends are around, it’s no different in the gym.

At OHLC, we strive to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all, but we’re always open to suggestions. Please feel free to let us know if you think there is something we can improve on.

You’ll push yourself to work harder

As well as receiving encouragement from each other to push through and work harder, there is also a psychological theory called the Köhler effect. This is when a person works harder as a member of a group than when working alone.

You can spot each other

If you are incorporating weights into your routine, having a partner to spot you is much safer than doing it alone.

Enjoy some friendly competition

Before long you’ll be pushing each other to go the extra mile, perform that extra rep, choose a heavier weight.

It’ll make your sessions social

Recovery sessions are just as important as the workouts themselves. When you’ve finished your workout, relax in the sauna or steam room together, chat about how the workout went or even grab some food together. The more you enjoy your gym sessions, the more you’ll attend, and you’ll be more likely you’ll be to achieve your goals.

You could save money!

OHLC Members can earn free months for every friend you refer!

We’ll give you both a free month when you refer a friend to join OHLC for 12 months. It’s unlimited, so the more friends you refer, the more rewards you will earn!

Read more at www.ohlc.co.uk/referral