6x why you should exercise with a friend

Combining the useful with the pleasant. I sneak out during our lunch half hour to train with our friends at The Gym Republic. 45 minutes of boxing or bootcamp, a very quick shower, and within the hour I'm back at my desk. As if nothing happened. Well, only my red cheeks give away my activity.

I've been doing this for a year now, but for the past four months, I've had company. From Adeline, our editor-in-chief. During the first lesson, she almost needed resuscitation (no joke), now she nearly sends me flying with her right low kick. In between, we briefly discuss the Amayzine agenda and while showering, I ask if that freelancer has been approached yet. Now I read on womenshealtmag.nl that exercising together with your girlfriend is much better than alone.

1. You burn more calories

Now you want to know why. I think it has something to do with reasons 2 and 3. Here they come.

2. You try harder

Of course, you don't want to look foolish, so if you would have been begging for oxygen (or a gin and tonic) otherwise, you push through now. Moreover, you don't want to be seen as those two silly friends who just hang around the gym for fun. No, no, it's a serious matter.

3. You exercise longer

You've both made the effort to go to the gym, and besides, the torture is less when you're together. Shared pain is half pain, and well, now that you're here together, you keep going. On Friday, Adeline and I even voluntarily ran an extra lap after class. A small lap, mind you, but still.

4. It's good for your relationship

You also see each other in less polished situations. At the moment when you can barely go on, when you're about to throw up from the effort. Experiencing that together deepens your connection. You get to know each other even better. Moreover, exercising together is a great reason to see each other regularly, which is also a bonus for your friendship.

5. You go more often

Otherwise, you saw almost everything as a reason not to go; when you exercise together, you actually look for reasons to go. You see each other and motivate each other.

6. You stick with it better

If you have a friend who is all about cola and chips, she will raise an eyebrow every time you have to go to the gym again. But if you go together and understand each other in this, you can stick with it more easily, even after your workout. You drink a healthy juice together or grab a green salad, and the other doesn't mind at all.

When I was on vacation last week, Adeline went to the gym five times a week, but thank goodness she also indulged in candy and wine occasionally, knowing I was doing the same. And that, that is really an act of friendship.