Working out with a buddy

We know the benefits of exercise: It can control our weight, reduce our risk of certain diseases, improve our mood and mental health, and lengthen our life. But it can be hard to get motivated.

If you could use a little push, look no further than a workout buddy. “Exercising with a partner holds us accountable and keeps us motivated,” says orthopedic surgeon James York, MD. “It can also help us overcome our fear of trying a new class or exercise equipment, bring variety to our workouts and increase our commitment to achieving fitness goals.”

Your exercise buddy could be a co-worker, spouse, friend, family member or new gym acquaintance. Look for:

• Someone who is slightly fitter than you, so he or she can motivate you
• Someone with similar fitness goals
• Compatible schedules

Once you’ve found your perfect workout partner, try a few of these exercises:

• Take a class at the gym, like a spin class or boot camp
• Create a no-equipment, high-intensity routine at your home (think squats, push-ups, crunches, planks and high-knees)
• Rock climbing
• Try one of the martial arts, especially tai chi

Author

 James York, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at AAMC and practices with AAMC Orthopedics.