The Social Gym

Hey!  How you doing? Today I want to talk about the social workout.  Humans are social creatures, after all, even if some of us prefer smaller doses of socialization than others.  There are people everywhere, and most of them are pretty okay folks, so use them to your* advantage.  You can workout with a buddy, buddies, on a team, with a trainer or in a fitness class!

*theirs too.  It's a side effect of teamwork training.

Have More Fun

There's variety in social interaction that can't be found in the cardio theater or, let's face it, in your weight sets.  Sure, you can do biceps one day and chest the next; you can trade dumbells for cables.  But having someone else there is that much more interesting.  Maybe its that you can check each other's technique.  Maybe its that you challenge each other.  Maybe they have something new to show you.  Or maybe you guys just ham it up with weighted karaoke nights.  Life is so much more interesting when you are presented with new ideas, that you just may never have discovered or tried on your own.

And hey, trainers aren't sour pusses!  These guys genuinely LOVE the gym (you have to capitalize that) and are a fantabulous wealth of knowledge.  They'll goof off with you and help you achieve specific goals.

If you don't have any pals ready-and-raring to go to the gym, try a class.  The instructors don't bite, and neither do the participants.  You can expect a great, challenging (or refreshing for our yogis!) workout every time; and a star instructor will take you on a journey and whip your energy through the roof.  In fact, try a class together with your friend; you both might go harder than you expect!

Move More Safely

If you're pushing weights, it's a really good idea to bring a spotter.  They'll check your form as you fatigue, and call you out if start to cheat or move out of line.  If you're REALLY pushing weights, they'll keep you from getting stuck under the bar (been there!).

Better yet, hire a trainer to spot your form and help you find the right weight to tone or strengthen.  

Move More.

Okay, so you're on rep 6 of set 3 and you're tired!  You've stopped touching the bells on the center of your chest fly.  Your buddy is your cheerleader, to take you all the way to fatigue and change.  They could also be your competitor, and you can challenge each other in games and contests.   A great trainer can take you through the last few reps at your ultimate level!  

Trying a class instead?  One word.  Zumba.  Your hips will go to places they've never been before!  Okay, more words: use classes to learn new skills.  Such as dance, kickboxing, weight training, or yoga.  Repetition is the forebear of mastery.

Build a Lifestyle Together

There is an accountability that comes with working out with friends.  It keeps you honest- you have to actually do what you say you will, when you say you will!  No more procrastination, this workout just got priority status.  AND if you drop out, your friend will be all alone and miss out on all the amazing benefits listed above. So you really can't leave them, can you?  Lifestyle change- that is, a commitment to regular and ongoing physical activity- is a leader in improving health and losing weight.  It's something you can do together as a team.  Committing to a training session, team, or class is no less responsible; you have a time to get going

Celebrate Success!

  Whether it's wearing your favorite color, treating yourselves to a new accessory, or just a "good job!" - positive reinforcement is a powerful tool.  When you feel successful and confident, life is just good all around.