Training Alone VS With A Gym Buddy
Solo gyming is underrated. You get into the zone by yourself and can blast your Spotify playlists as loud as you want.
But what about when you need that push to finish your last rep or set?
Enter: the Gym Buddy!
Working out with someone else not only amps up the fun factor but also motivates you to achieve more.
So, which one is better for your fitness goals: training alone or with a gym buddy?
Read on to find out!
Solo Warrior - The Benefits
Like most people, going to the gym solo can be daunting.
After all, working out is often seen as a social activity, and it can be easy to feel self-conscious when you're the only one in the weight room.
However, there are several benefits to working out alone.
Let's have a look at the three most important ones!
#1 In The Zone
Being in the zone is the Holy Grail for many athletes. It's when you're so focused and in the moment that everything else disappears, and you feel like you can do anything.
Once you're in the zone, it's hard to get out. But how do you get there?
For many people, the answer is training alone. When you train without distractions, you're more likely to get into a flow state and stay there.
This is because you're not constantly being pulled out of the moment by external stimuli.
And we all know for a fact that training with a gym buddy frequently leads to excessive rest and irrelevant talks, ultimately diminishing your focus during a workout.
This is why the solo warrior mode is perfect if you love to swim in the flow state!
#2 Less Slack
Though it sounds nice to train with someone, having a gym partner can lead to more sessions skipped.
It might be reasonable to believe that people are likelier to skip workouts if their gym buddy did.
So why does this happen? Perhaps it's because we are more likely to rationalise bad behaviour if we see someone else engaging in it.
For example, if your friend says she's too tired to work out, you may be more likely to say the same thing.
So if you're looking for consistency, a gym buddy might throw you off... Unless you find someone just as amped up as you are, workout to workout!
#3 Precise Rest Times
Working out is hard enough, but factor in a chatty gym partner, and it can seem impossible to get through a session.
Extensive and excessive talks between sets are perhaps one of the most significant downsides of having a gym buddy.
With this in mind, if you want precise rest times and laser focus, it would probably be best to do it alone!
Gym Buddy - The Benefits
Even though being a solo gym warrior has benefits, the right gym partner can be even more beneficial for your progress.
Let's look at the top 4 benefits of having a gym partner!
#1 The Motivation Factor
Have you ever noticed how people work out harder when they have a gym buddy?
Something about having someone to spot you or encourage you makes working out seem less like a chore.
And although it may be tempting to go it alone, people who workout with a buddy are more likely to stick with their fitness routine in the long run (if the partner is right!)
So if you're looking for a way to stay motivated, consider finding a workout partner.
From spotting each other on lifts to going for runs together, there are endless ways to make exercise more fun with a friend.
#2 A Competitive Edge
Nothing like a little healthy competition that motivates you in your workout routine.
And what better way to create friendly competition than teaming up with a gym buddy?
Working out with a partner can help you push each other to new levels and achieve results that you may not have thought possible on your own.
What's more, it can also be a lot of fun! A little friendly competition to get you moving and motivated can go a long way!
This is why we believe you should consider finding a proper gym partner!
#3 Accountability
You finally took the plunge. You signed up for a gym membership and today is your first day.
You walk in and are immediately overwhelmed by the number of machines, the people, and the sheer size of the place. You have no idea where to start.
Then you see someone you know. They wave you over and introduce you to their workout buddy.
Workout buddy? You didn't even think to get a workout buddy. But as you chat, you realise how helpful having a gym buddy can be.
After all, when someone counts on you to go to the gym, it's way harder not to stay accountable, right?
#4 Learning More
It can be nerve-wracking to walk into a weight room and see all the seasoned gym-goers with their perfect form, knowing that you don't quite measure up yet.
However, having a more experienced workout buddy can help you learn more effectively.
This is because they can model proper form and technique and give you feedback on your performance.
This is perhaps the most significant benefit of having the right training partner!
So what is your choice? Solo warrior mode or Gym Buddy mode? Comment below, and let's discuss!