Are you gonna tell this guy you can't do one more rep?
It doesn’t matter whether you need a grenadier and an engineer to support the dude wielding the rocket launcher and sniper rifle, or a couple of finger-wigglers to back up some badass in plate mail with a big frigging sword, the best way to complete difficult quests is to get a party together to do them. In the games we play, groups are necessary because the objective itself is too challenging for any one player to tackle one-on-one. One of the most compelling aspects of the entire MMORPG genre, and where it enjoys one of the biggest benefits from tabletop gaming, is the fact that it is such a social environment. Whether it’s just to chat via text (or using some sort of voice client) as you do some solo stuff, or if you’re in the raid rotation, the fact that there are other folks around that we want to interact with is part of the draw.
However, when we step into the fitness arena, whether it’s for a daily walk around the block or some iron-pumping shenanigans, doing so with a partner or group serves a somewhat different purpose – it keeps us going — in both senses of the word.
On the one hand, if you’re doing something that challenges you, having a partner there to cheer you on, or exhort you to put out a little bit more effort, or act as a safety net (acting as a spotter), you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Never underestimate the effect of a morale buff (not just for Bards anymore). On the other, there’s a fair body of research that shows that simply showing up is a lot more likely when working out with a partner or group. For folks who might find it tough to get into the habit of doing the fitness thing regularly, this is a great way to help develop it.
If we’ve got someone we don’t want to stand up, or slack off in front of, we’re more apt to keep showing up. It’s a lot easier to say, “Enh, I don’t feel like it today,” if the only person you’re stiffing is yourself. If your SO, or neighbor, or coworker, or friend, or whomever it is, is expecting you to be there for a session, then you’re a whole lot likely to be there. Showing up may or may not be 90% of life, but it’s certainly a requisite part of any sort of fitness program. I can think about doing any number of things, and, certain self-hypnosis techniques notwithstanding, it’s not going to get me a hell of a lot closer to achieving them. I think there was a short green dude who had some words to that effect. So, there’s that benefit to having someone to do stuff with — it gets our butt where it needs to be.
Once we’re there, there’s a benefit to be had from a workout partner, no matter what the activity. For casual stuff, like a brisk walk around the neighborhood, you’ve got conversation and maybe a little bit of “You wanna keep going a little further?” Having a friend join you in a group fitness class — like spinning or martial arts or yoga — means you’ll have at least one friendly face, and that can go a long way towards alleviating any feelings of self-consciousness. You can be noobs together.
For folks who’ve got a yen to do some actual pumping of iron, all this stuff comes into play as well, and there’s the added benefit of having someone spot you if you’re trying a move you’re not familiar with, or use a challenging weight. A lightly helping hand on an arm or quick assist to grab a bar can mean all the difference between a successful rep and a hard-to-explain bruise. Encouraging your workout buddy to push a little bit harder won’t turn you into one of those bellowing meatheads nobody likes to see at the gym. Yes, even if you and your group start getting a little bit internally competitive. Okay, well, if anyone starts suffering from testosterone poisoning… we can cross that bridge when we get to it.
Finally, if you’re in a situation where one person is more advanced than the other or others, playing mentor can be pretty damn rewarding in its own right. Seeing the other person “get it” and make progress rocks.
Image courtesy of Daily Revolver.
No related posts.
[...] brief treatise on the benefits of dragging someone else to the gym (or track, or wherever) to work out is up at [...]
While working out with a partner is always more fun . . I’ve found that I tend to blow off exercise very easily if my partner does. So, I’ve had to change my workouts from group based to solo.
Now, if a buddy shows up, it’s nice — but — I don’t depend on anyone else, at all. It’s the only way I can maintain my own consistency.
Ideally, you and your partner should be in the same general ballpark as far as approach (I won’t say “seriousness”), even if you’re nowhere near one another in terms of performance.
I don’t mind adding / removing weight between sets . . . (most my workouts are strength) . . so . . performance isn’t an issue . . it’s more consistency.
BTW – made it to the gym this AM, even though my buddy didn’t show.
[...] a partner in crime when you exercise is almost always a good idea. It’s that “almost” facet that the [...]