We know that exercise is great for our minds and bodies, but sometimes it’s challenging to maintain interest.

Have you ever exercised with a friend or group and found how much more fun and rewarding exercising is when it’s done with others? Whether with family or friends, in a team or in a class, in person or online, exercising together has many benefits.   

When is the best time to start exercising?  Now! Is always the best time to start exercising and increase your activity levels.   

There are lots of extra benefits from exercising with a friend or group, such as: 

• It’s more fun exercising with a friend. 

You’re less likely to get bored, especially if your exercise buddy is a friend. While you’re catching up, having a laugh, and encouraging each other, you’re also getting healthier. It’s a win-win. Chatting with a friend while exercising also helps the time pass quickly too. You’ll also have more exercise/activity options, such as a game of pickleball, tennis or squash. 

• Build new friendships. 

Exercising with someone you don’t know well provides an opportunity to build a new friendship. You both have a shared interest in improving your health, which can help you start a conversation and chat about other things while you work out. Joining an exercise class or group can be a great way to meet new people, and an easy way to know them better and make new friends. 

• It’s more likely you’ll stick to your commitment. 

If you’ve arranged to meet a friend for a walk or booked an exercise class, you’re more likely to keep that commitment.  You won’t want to let your friend or exercise partner down so this can be a great motivator to show up.  As your exercise becomes a routine habit (hopefully after a few weeks) you’ll both find it easier and will be more likely stick to your commitment.  On the days you don’t want to exercise, a talk from your workout buddy might just help you get there.  This way you can support each other. 

• You’re more likely to succeed in your goal. 

Having someone to motivate you can make all the difference to achieving your goal. In fact, research has shown that people who exercise together are more likely to get healthier as their friend or group gets healthier. 

• Many people work harder when exercising someone else. 

When you exercise with a friend, you’re more likely to encourage each other and to push a little harder than you might do on your own.  It may also bring out your competitive side and spur you on.  The sight of your friend powering on might be just the incentive you need to keep going when you’re ready to give up. 

• It can be more cost-effective exercising with a friend.   

If you hire a personal trainer, or buy or hire a court or equipment, splitting the cost will save you money. You can also save on travel costs by car-pooling to get to the park, gym, pool, or sports venue. 

• Your friend or group may suggest new exercise ideas or skills that you may not know.   

You may refine your running style, golf swing, or riding technique for example. Or you could try a whole new exercise, sport, or activity. Variety and changing exercise routine will help you not get bored, offer more fun and give you less reasons to quit. 

• It’s safer to exercise with someone else. 

Having someone to walk or run with, or assist you when you’re lifting weights, means you have help at hand if anything goes wrong. 

If you’re having trouble finding someone to exercise with there are plenty of ways to find an exercise partner. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Start with friends and family who live nearby, or maybe your neighbour or a work colleague. Suggest a daily or weekly workout date, and make the commitment, helping each other along the way to achieve goals. 

• Exercise groups are easy to find, or to start one yourself. You can talk to your council, gym, or other groups about how they got started.  You can look for a group through web sites or Facebook – or what about starting up a lunchtime exercise or walking group at work, your local senior citizens centre, church, or club?  

• Exercise classes are a fun and affordable way to exercise with others. Many personal trainers offer discounted classes at local parks and recreation centres. Search online for classes in your area.  You can search for your local AUSactive registered professional or AUSactive registered business for sound advice and ongoing support. 

• Look at charities like Parkinson’s NSW for fundraising teams. You can exercise and become more active while doing a good deed at the same time. Many charities host walks, runs and triathlons to raise money and awareness for their causes. 

If a particular sport takes your fancy, there’s sure to be a club or group where you can share your passion, practice, and play. Think soccer, AFL, tai chi, table tennis, darts, or dancing. Search online for clubs or groups in your area. Having structure to your exercise helps to keep you committed. 

Exercise ideas to share with friends are endless. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Walking (and talking!) 

• Running or jogging 

• Tennis or pickleball 

• Swimming or aqua aerobics 

• Dancing 

• Yoga or pilates 

• Aerobics classes 

• Tai chi in the park 

• A gym class (this is easier to do with a friend if you’re nervous on your own) 

• Hiking in local nature reserves 

• Cycling around your neighbourhood 

• Personal training 

• Golf (walk, don’t get a cart!). 

Here are some ideas of where you can find an exercise buddy or group: 

• Friends or family 

• Your neighbours 

• Your work colleagues 

• Local pool 

• Local gym 

• Local sports club 

• AUSactive Tel. 1300 211 311 

• Department of Sport and Recreation  

Start a conversation with someone. There are many people around you know they need more exercise in their life. You might just be the help they need to get more active whilst you are also helping yourself. 

References: 

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/parkinsons-exercises 

https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/starting-exercise-routine 

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-with-a-friend 

https://www.verywellfit.com/group-fitness-benefits-5215497 

https://msk.org.au/happy-together/