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Teaming Up for Exercise
When I worked in an office,
my co-workers and I met at lunchtime for a walk. The first time I joined the
small group I balked at the slight incline we had to climb in the middle of
the route. With encouragement from my fellow walkers I made it up the hill.
After a week I didn’t even notice the climb.
We talked as we walked and said hi to the neighborhood dogs. Sometimes we
took a dog or two with us on our walk. We passed, or were passed by, other
small groups of walkers. One man, we learned, had lost 55 pounds. Rain,
snow, or sunshine—we walked.
Occasionally newcomers would join our group, but often they couldn’t keep up
with us and dropped out. We were decent people, but we weren’t going to
sacrifice our workout to accommodate slower walkers.
In 20 minutes we got out of the office, enjoyed each other’s company, and
exercised. Just 20 minutes made my whole day better; I know the others felt
the same way. When two of us retired, the remaining walker tried to continue
the routine, but it just wasn’t the same, and she gave it up.
Benefits of Exercising with Others
What makes teaming up with others for exercising so satisfying? The benefits
of social exercise are pretty clear: companionship, motivation, support,
encouragement, friendship, and fun. Safety is another reason for exercising
with others, especially outdoors. On days when we’d rather stay put, a
commitment to others can get us out of our chairs.
A study reported in the Journal of Stress Management in 2001, reports that
participants were calmer and more tired after exercising with another
person. The research suggested that exercising with another person increased
competition and therefore the rigor of the workout. The researchers
concluded that social exercise improves the
stress-reducing benefits of
exercise.
Finding Exercise Partners
For those without a willing neighbor or coworker, an exercise group is a
great alternative. Seniors exercising in a local park, young professionals
taking a class at the gym, northern residents walking in the mall or school
when the roads are too icy—there are many ways to work out with other
people.
Prefer sports? Find local sports teams through online bulletin boards or at
the local gym. Whether your game is basketball, golf, mountain climbing, or
soccer, you’ll find groups happy for new members.
While they don’t provide regular activity, walking tours are a way to
explore new places with other people who enjoy active vacations. I recently
took a walking vacation in Portugal. While we walked through breathtaking
scenery, the tour company moved our luggage to the next town. We walked more
than we thought we could, encouraging each other over craggy hills and
across long miles. At the end of each day we relaxed over a well-earned meal
of fresh local food and rehashed our day’s adventures.
While some people prefer to exercise alone, many do better with company.
Whatever type and level of activity you’re after, you’ll find support if you
want it.
The Best & Ideal Number of Training
Day Per Week for Exercising
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