Working out alone 🏋️‍♂️ vs Working out with a partner 🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♀️.... What's better?

The debate over whether having a gym buddy or exercising alone is more beneficial is a long-standing one, with both sides having some valid and interesting points. Those who say that you should workout with a gym partner argue that a gym buddy offers accountability, making it harder to skip workouts and easier to stay consistent. This consistency is crucial for achieving long-term fitness goals

On the other hand, advocates of exercising alone highlight the advantages of solo workouts, particularly in terms of focus and self-discipline. They say working out alone allows for complete control over your workout routine, enabling you to tailor exercises specifically to your goals without any distractions.

In this article, I will discuss both perspectives, listing the reasons why some believe a gym partner is essential for maximizing gains, while others maintain that working out alone offers superior benefits.

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Working out with a gym buddy 🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♂️

In my opinion, hitting the gym with a partner offers numerous perks, with accountability being the most significant. A workout partner ensures that you stay focused and avoid distractions, such as scrolling through your cell phone or engaging in small talk with other gym members—something particularly beneficial for extroverts like me. This constant check from your partner helps you maintain a productive workout session, maximizing your time and effort in the gym. Having someone to keep you on track not only enhances your commitment to your fitness routine but also minimizes the likelihood of wasted time. This support system can be crucial for maintaining consistency and achieving your fitness goals more efficiently.

A research study done in Japan seems to agree with me on this point as they have concluded according to their research done amongst adult males where it was concluded that exercising with others both seem to have health benefits, increased frequency of exercise with others has important health benefits regardless of the total frequency of exercise. A social interaction perspective may be useful to assist with promoting exercise benefits for older adults.

Furthermore, a workout partner can provide motivation and encouragement, pushing you to lift heavier weights, complete more reps or run that extra mile, which can lead to greater improvements in strength and endurance.

Another significant benefits of working out with a friend is that you always have a spotter, eliminating the need to ask someone else for help. This is particularly advantageous for introverts who may feel anxious or panicked at the thought of approaching someone for assistance. A spotter plays a crucial role in the gym, ensuring your safety during exercises like the bench press, where there's a risk of getting trapped under heavy weights. For instance, without a spotter, attempting to lift 225 lbs can be dangerous. A gym partner can provide the necessary support to safely complete your lifts, reducing the risk of injury.

Lastly, having a friend with you while lifting weights adds a significant element of fun to your workout routine. You can challenge each other, ensuring that both of you are pushing to your maximum potential. This friendly competition can motivate you to lift heavier and complete more reps than you might on your own.

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Working out alone 🏋️‍♂️

I've been working out alone since the past 16 months so who better than me to talk on this topic. Working out alone has its pros and cons. Working out alone allows for complete control over your workout routine, enabling you to change your exercises specifically to your goals without any distractions. However, this comes at a cost, especially when you need an extra push during your workout. While solo workouts allow you to be your own boss, sometimes when you're struggling with that last rep, you need someone to shout encouragement and motivate you.

Solo workouts can offer greater flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing you to exercise whenever it is most convenient for you without needing to coordinate with a partner. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those with busy or unpredictable schedules. Using my own experience to support this point, I hit the gym at night after my clinic hours and my departure times from my clinic vary daily depending on the patient flow. If someone were waiting for me at the gym, they would likely become frustrated due to my inconsistent arrival times.

There's no peer pressure, no anxiety of impressing anyone or lifting heavy weights out of sheer pressure. You move at your own pace and workout with what suits you the best. This has to be one of the biggest pros of working out alone

On the other hand, one of the biggest disadvantages of working out alone is the loneliness that can set in between sets and the frustration you feel when you can't complete that last rep without some support. The absence of a gym bro during your workout can make the experience feel isolating and less enjoyable. Additionally, when you're struggling with a challenging exercise and there's no one to offer a spot or encouragement, it can be disheartening and even risky. This is especially true during those critical moments when you need an extra push to reach your full potential. Without a partner, you're left to rely solely on your inner motivation, which can sometimes fall short. It's during these times that you truly realize the importance of having a workout partner—not just for the physical assistance, but also for the emotional support that can make a significant difference in your fitness journey.

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_{this is my post workout picture from today. See the disadvantage of not having a gym buddy? I had to set the camera but couldn't do it properly 🤣}

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My thoughts

Having experienced gym sessions both alone and with a workout partner, I would choose to have a partner any day of the week. The primary reason for this preference is that I need someone to push me to my limits. Without a partner, I often find myself wasting time in the gym, time that could be spent more productively. While some people believe that self-motivation is enough, I politely disagree. There are moments in the gym, particularly when attempting to hit a PR on let's say, the bench press, where having a partner can be very beneficial.

A workout partner not only provides the physical spot necessary for safety but also offers the emotional encouragement that can make all the difference. When you are struggling to complete that last rep, having someone there to shout, "You can do it!" can provide the extra motivation needed to push through. This kind of support is invaluable and often cannot be replicated through self-motivation alone.

What are your thoughts on this topic? I'd love to read them.