9 Benefits of Working Out In a Group

Have you ever wondered if you're fitter than your best friend? Maybe you'd love to discover if you can squat more than the person you sit next to at work. Or perhaps you're curious if your mum could keep up with you in legs, bums and tums? Whatever your reasons are for wanting to bring a friend to work out with, we've listed the top 9 benefits you'll both enjoy from a shared gym session.

Small Group Training sessions now available at PureGym Telford

1) More motivation

Once you've arranged to work out together you're less likely to skip the workout as you won't want to let your friend down. It's far easier to change your mind if it's just you. Plus, when you get to the gym you'll spur each other on when the going gets tough and push yourself harder as no one wants to be the first one to stop!

2) More fun

One of the key elements to forming a habit is making it fun. And one of the easiest ways to make fitness fun is to do it with others. There's research to back this up too - 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.

3) More competitive

Like we said at the start, curiosity leads to friendly competitiveness when it comes to fitness. Bring a friend to the gym and before long you'll be pushing each other to perform that extra rep, select a bigger weight, and, quite possibly, go the extra mile as you compete against each other.

4) Learn more

The more you work out, the more you'll discover what works for you - what we like to call the shortcuts to success. Did you know there's a shortcut to discovering the shortcuts to success? Sharing your top tips on exercising, fitness and healthy recipes with friends as you work out means you'll learn twice as much in half the time.

5) Spotting each other

When you're giving your all performing reps, it can be easy to lose count. Was that nine or ten? Well, working out with a friend eliminates that problem as your buddy can keep count for you, and vice versa. You can also keep an eye on each other's form to ensure you're getting the most from each and every rep.  

6) Save money

Let's count the ways you can save money by working out with a friend: 1) You'll save money on petrol by driving to and from the gym together. 2) You can split the cost of a Personal Trainer by booking group sessions.

7) Fewer skipped workouts

Researchers at the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University found that 43% of married couples who worked out separately gave up on their gym memberships altogether within a year. However, of the married couples who worked out together, only 6.3% gave up on their gym membership within twelve months. Need we say more?! 

8) Work out for longer

According to research, gym goers who work out with friends spend at least six more minutes exercising than solo sports enthusiasts, and burn an extra 40 calories per session.

9) Recover together

As every avid gym goer knows, recovery sessions are as important as the workouts. So once you've finished a workout out with your friend, keep the socialising going by grabbing a protein shake, popping out for some food or relaxing in front of a movie together. Well, you've both earned it!

Try this HIIT workout with a friend

Equipment required for this workout: Medicine ball

Perform each exercise one after the other with no rest. After you complete one round, rest for 15 seconds and repeat for another 4 rounds.

Jump squat with clap 

Start by facing each other and take one step to the left so you have enough space around you to perform this exercise. Perform the squat by bending your knees to a 90 degree ankle, making sure to keep your chest proud. As you push off with your heels to return back to starting position, jump as high as you can, and high five your friend. Repeat this 10 times.

Squat with rotational press

Grab a medicine ball. Stand back-to-back, lower your hips to a squat position, brace your core, and hold this position. Pass the medicine ball along to your left for your friend to receive, and continue passing the ball along 6 times. After you complete 6 reps, change the direction and pass the medicine ball to your right for a total of 6 times to complete this exercise.

Lateral lunge and throw

With one person holding a medicine ball, stand facing opposite each other, feet shoulder width apart. Take a wide step to the right, and shift your body weight over to your right leg to perform a side lunge, keeping your torso upright and chest proud. Extend through the working leg to return to starting position. Throw the medicine ball for your friend to catch, and repeat this exercise on the left side so you can alternative with who's holding the medicine ball while you're both performing the lunge. Repeat on each leg for 6 times to complete a total of 12 reps.

Sit up pass

Lie with your back on the floor with your knees bent, and feet in line with your friends. Have Partner A hold the medicine ball. Extend your arms as you perform a sit up at the same time. Partner A should then pass the medicine ball to Partner B. Slowly lower your back to the floor, extending your arms overhead back to returning position. Repeat 15 times.

So, now that we've persuaded you that working out with a friend could be what you need to take your fitness to the next level, the only question is who are you going to this workout with?

Want to workout in a fun team environment?

We now have small group training (SGT) available at PureGym Telford. For only £10 per person per session you can get in a workout which is more tailored towards your goals and build the confidence to workout when you are training alone. Purchase online via the Courses tab on Telford's page and select Small Group Training or click here.

Here's what a member had to say about Small Group Training:

"I was nervous about coming to the gym at first as I didn't really know what I was doing and thought I would look silly.

Doing the SGT sessions with instructor Ben has been one of the best things I have done. I have not only learnt so much but I have met a great bunch of people who were in the same boat, it's great that we are all cheering each other on and keep each other motivated.

Thanks to the group sessions with Ben I feel more confident and happier in the gym. I feel better than ever and this is the start of a healthier me." - Natalie, PureGym member